My first trip in the Hyundai Exter left me convinced it was the replacement for the popular Venue. After some research I discovered it is not, but rather a more affordable entry-level crossover. With many similarities between the two, is there space on the market for both?
Market trends suggest there is more than enough room for both. The Exter quickly gained popularity becoming Hyundai’s second-best seller. Simultaneously, sales of the Venue did not drop significantly either.
The Exter gives crossover drivers a full array of features, and an attractive and modern design. This sets it apart as a contender in the competitive crossover segment which accounts for almost 38% of sales in 2024. Drivers can select from three equipment levels and five variants.
The drive
The Hyundai Exter is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.2-litre, Kappa, 4-cylinder petrol engine. It produces 61 kW power and 114 Nm of Torque. It is the perfect city driving and roundabout car, performing energetically in these driving scenarios.
If, however, you like that extra burst of power or want to be first off the line at traffic lights, the Exter is not for you. Some of its competitors outperform the Exter here. On inclines or in instances where an extra bit of power is needed, it does not quite keep up as much as I would like.
The Exter has what I nickname the ‘Hyundai drive.’ Few other brands can emulate the firm-footedness and simultaneous comfort of Hyundai’s drive, and the Exter has this too.
Our test unit had the automatic transmission, but I would actually choose the manual if I had the choice. With the automatic, I felt a slight lag as you gain speed which could be more easily overcome with adjusting your driving in the manual. This is similar to my experience in the Venue and the main reason I assumed the Exter is replacing the Venue.
Hyundai’s Exter has additional sound insulation material which is appreciated. While it is not a droning 3-cylinder, one of my biggest pet peeves about ‘affordable cars’ – whether 3 or 4 cylinder – is the lack of noise insulation. When I need to push the car a bit harder to overtake, I do not want to hear what sounds like the engine is falling out.
The claimed fuel consumption is 5.7l/100km. Achieved figures were not far off – only slightly above 6l/100km. Consumption could likely be improved but figures between 6 and 7l/100km are most likely what you will achieve in the driving scenarios the Exter is intendd for – and these are impressive figures.
The design
The design of the Exter is edgy, modern and what I would envision to be the ideal car for a young, modern city driver. Even though it is a budget crossover, certain aesthetics create a sporty interior like the Exter nameplate on the seats, matching stitching on the seats and steering wheel to the exterior colour, and ambient lighting.
Hyundai follows their ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design philosophy. The front grille has daytime running lights in a distinctive H-shape above the halogen headlights. Lights in the H-shape are also at the rear.
While there are pronounced differences in the front and rear, I still feel this is where the Exter reminds me of the Venue. The bolder, almost futuristic bonnet and grille certainly brings in some difference, but things like the square lights below the H-lights bring you straight back to the Venue.
There are silver skid plates at both the front and rear and 15-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. I do not like the plastic/black cladding around the wheels. Overall, it creates a good aesthetic but I do not like it because I know it just does not age well.
Some features expected of an affordable vehicle include the cloth seats and very plastic-feeling dash. You can get imitation leather on the highest derivative, however. Ultimately, though, this is to be expected at this price point.
The Exter has two-tone paint. The top half is piano black with an indented pattern on sections which matches the grille. It adds a level of dynamism, especially if it catches the light just right. Other design features include roof rails, a rear spoiler, shark fin antenna and LED turn indicators on the side mirrors.
Interior sizing is decent, particularly in the rear where there is more than enough leg and headroom even for males. This is probably because while the Exter has the smallest length compared to competitors, it actually has more height. This gives it that comfortable headroom and equips it to take on gravel roads better – one of the main selling points in the crossover market.
Stepping inside
In quite a competitive market of crossovers, one way Hyundai is differentiating the Exter is by packing it full of features. The interior features a 3D pattern dashboard finish (again reminiscent of the grille), leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, Type-C USB fast charger, rear air-conditioning vents and height adjustable seats and steering which is quite rare in this segment.
An 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is included, but you need to connect using a cord to access it as it does not connect wirelessly.
The infotainment system is easy to use without much effort needed to understand how to operate it or navigate to different functionalities. The digital driver information screen is again simple and easy to obtain info with a quick glance.
Something that seemed quite innocuous but turned out to be quite intuitive was two sized drinks holders. I normally have a larger water bottle with me and the larger holder negated the need to half stuff it into a holder designed for a buddy bottle or can.
As expected of well-established brands, the aircon controls are located in a simple-to-use spot and in a format all drivers understand. A bonus is that rear passengers can adjust their own headrests, but funnily enough the same luxury is not provided to the driver and front passengers in the lower spec vehicles. You do get to indulge in this with the higher specs though.
Other features available in the Hyundai Exter include steering mounted audio and trip computer controls (Premium), and in the Executive and Elite a sunroof, automatic temperature control with digital display steering wheel mounted paddle gear shifters, cruise control, tyre pressure monitor, open door warning, parking distance information, and rear-view parking camera.
Safety
An Advanced High Strength Steel for durability and rigidity ensure first-rate crash protection in frontal and side impacts. The Exter also features:
- Six airbags (front, side, and curtain)
- Hill Assist Control (HAC)
- ABS with EBD
- Rear parking sensors
- ISOFIX child seat anchors
- Speed sensing auto door locks
Notably, it does not come standard with electronic stability control and can only be added as an extra in Premium variants.
The Hyundai Exter comes in slightly more than most of its competitors, but when I say slightly I mean a R300 to R400 difference per month. This is not enough to base a buying decision on price alone.
It is also interesting that the closest Chinese competitor – which is where most established brands are outpriced – is around the same price. This, if you want the guarantee and reputation that new brands still need to prove themselves with, then stick with the Hyundai.
Ultimately, the Hyundai Exter offers a competitive option when it comes to its sure-footed drive (if not its power), rear occupant space, its excellent warranty and simple but much appreciated features in the interior.
Good to know
The specs
Engine: 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol
Power: 61 kW
Torque: 114 Nm
Fuel consumption: 5.7l/100km (claimed)
Transmission: 5-speed manual or AMT
Starting price: from R269 900
Warranty: 7-year/200 000 km warranty and 3-year/45 000 km service plan. Roadside assistance for 7 years/150 000 km is also included.
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