• The Exter micro SUV from Hyundai has been spotted in production form, with a design that sets it apart from its platform mate, the Grand i10 Nios. The vehicle features distinct styling elements such as a three-tiered nose with H-patterned LED daytime running lamps, square headlamps, and thick cladding along the sides that add to its SUV appeal.
• The Exter is expected to be powered by a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and may later receive a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. It will also be offered with a factory CNG option, and there are rumours of an all-electric variant being added to the lineup in the future. The vehicle is set to enter series production in July 2023 and will be launched in India in August 2023, where it will compete with vehicles like the Tata Punch and Citroen C3.

The Exter micro SUV, Hyundai’s next big launch for India, has been spotted in production form. While a global debut and market launch in India are still a ways off, these spy shots, which appear to have been taken in Korea, provide a clear look at the upcoming Exter’s design.

Exterior Design of Hyundai Exter SUV

While the Exter shares its underpinnings with the Grand i10 Nios, the styling is distinct, with a flat bonnet and a three-tiered nose. On the top, the indicator lights at each corner are linked by a black strip, which in some variations may include a connected LED. These lights have H-patterned LED daytime running lamps, which will be seen on more Hyundai SUVs in the future, such as the Santa Fe and Creta facelifts for India.

The square headlamps are positioned inside the grille enclosure, which is large and sits directly in the centre. The headlamps appear to be projector units with LED lights for higher models. The third layer up front comprises of the chin and extra panelling, both of which are coated in matte black to complement the Exter’s SUV appearance.

The Exter features round and slightly flared wheel arches on the sides, as well as thick cladding over the length, which adds to the SUV’s squarish appearance. Both the front and back doors appear to be spacious to allow for easy access and egress, and the glasshouse appears to have been kept basic with large windows all around. The Exter seen in these spy pictures has elegant dual-tone alloy wheels, roof rails, and a contrast matte black finish on the A and B pillars, as well as aft of the C pillar, which gives the rear window a linked effect.

The tailboard of the Exter is upright, with the rear glass inclined at a little angle. It has a shark fin antenna and a small built-in spoiler directly over the back glass; the rear bumper is tall and flat, with a dual-tone finish that combines body colour and matte black.

The tail-lamps resemble those of the Grand i10 Nios, although they are more angular and joined by a contrast black panel, as seen on the contemporary Hyundai Venue. On this black panel, Hyundai’s new 2D logo takes central stage. Between this panel and the rear bumper is the licence plate enclosure.

Meanwhile, the tail-lamps appear to have a H pattern for their LED parking lamps, and higher variants may have a connected LED strip between the tail-lamps.

Details on the Hyundai Exter mini SUV’s powertrain

The Exter’s base engine will be the same 83hp, 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol used in the Venue, Grand i10 Nios, and Aura. Hyundai may subsequently add a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. The Exter will also receive a factory CNG option, and there are rumours of an all-electric variation joining the lineup in the future.

According to sources, the Exter will enter series manufacturing in early July of this year, with a market launch scheduled for the start of the holiday season in August 2023. When it is released, it will compete in the Indian market with vehicles like as the Tata Punch and the Citroen C3.