Exter is the name Hyundai has given to their next subcompact SUV. The Exter will be Hyundai’s eighth SUV, sitting below the Venue in the brand’s SUV lineup. SUVs such as the Venue, Venue N-Line, Creta, Alcazar, Kona Electric, Tucson, and Ioniq 5 are already available.

The Exter will be smaller than the Venue, but it will have the same upright, boxy stance. While the SUV has been photographed with significant camouflage on Indian roads, some noticeable design clues include a split headlight assembly similar to the Venue, daytime running LEDs, and LED projectors in higher-spec configurations. The higher variants will also get 15-inch machined alloy wheels, roof rails, LED inserts in the tail lamps, and a single-pane sunroof.

The Hyundai AI3 subcompact SUV will be constructed on the K1 small vehicle platform, which is also used by other tiny Hyundai products such as the Grand i10 Nios and Aura. While it will be similar in size to the Hyundai Casper in Korea, the AI3 will have its own design language. Unlike the Casper, the AI3 will have a more conservative appearance, comparable to the Venue, with a boxy and upright stance. The two SUVs, however, will have completely distinct designs, with the new AI3 perhaps embracing Hyundai’s’sensuous sportiness’ design philosophy.

Interior side of Hyundai Exter

The Exter is likely to have modern features including a touchscreen infotainment system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a push start-stop button, a wireless charging, and leather upholstery on the inside. The dual-tone black and beige upholstery for the cabin, a Hyundai trademark, is also expected.

Powertrain of New Hyundai Exter suv

The Exter is expected to be powered by a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine delivering 83 PS and 114 Nm of torque. A 5-speed manual transmission will be standard, with a 5-speed AMT possibly available as an option. However, there is a chance that Hyundai will offer the Venue’s 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine as an option for higher models.

The Hyundai Exter will compete with subcompact SUVs such as the Tata Punch and Citroen C3, as well as lower-spec naturally-aspirated variants of compact SUVs such as the Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, and the future Maruti Suzuki Fronx.

Hyundai will also release a facelift version of the Creta in India next year. The brand just debuted the all-new Verna, which has received a positive response from customers. The Indian market will be among the first to receive the all-new Verna.