Crossover beauty
Introduction: The Exter is Hyundais answer to the cutthroat crossover compact SUV market that is so evidently booming in South Africa - Interestingly, the SUV market accounts for a massive 38% of Hyundai’s sales. Hyundai believes that the A segment Exter highlights their identity of “Sensuous Sportiness” characterized by a modern front, dynamic side, and sporty rear design. Our beautiful country certainly lends itself to any car manufacturer wanting to promote such impressive vehicles and target those customers with an outdoor adventure spirit on the weekends, but also to satisfy the needs of those wanting a solid day to day run around. Hyundai came up with the Exter name, so as to symbolise outdoor, travel and leisure thus reflecting an external focus of outdoor lifestyle. The size of the Exter is perfect for those shopping experiences where access to those tight parking’s is now available and easy to navigate. Despite its size, the interior is roomy and there is plenty of legroom for all passengers.
Engine/ Economy/ Drive/ Comfort: This “Kappa” motor (name given to a family of gasoline engines developed by Hyundai and Kia) delivers 61 kW and 114 Nm to the front axle. Hyundai claim a 5.7 Liter per 100-kilometer combined average, but I exceeded that figure by another 2.5 Liters due to the obvious “fast and not so furious” testing. The car drove well on the way to all speed limits and the cornering was good for this sized car on its 15-inch alloy wheels. Me did not only appreciate the comfortable ride the driver, but by all occupants from fussy teenagers to my wife in the passenger seat, who adored this car.
Features: There are some lovely features in this car, including; Rear PDC and camera, tyre pressure monitoring, 6 airbags, auto headlamps, electric folding side mirrors, air conditioning, 10.7 cm instrument display, 20.3 cm infotainment display, welcome tone on key insert, three speed and rev display colour changes, ISOfix rear child seatbelts, tilt adjustment for the steering wheel, roof rails, cruise control and more.
Interior/ Exterior/ Boot: The Exter was surprisingly spacious and gave its occupants a great feeling of space, legroom, and head room. The dashboard is strong and appealing with a functional looking black plastic covering in front and on the doors too. The dash set up is both pleasing and functional, and with a quick BT connection to the Android Auto or Apple Car play, you can pump your music through the 4-speaker system in no time at all. The bold front exterior goes with the almost stout look with an overall appearance being that of sturdiness which I liked. The silver skid plates on the front and rear give the car an instant offroad appeal and the trimmed side lines of the Exter make for good looks. The boot comes in at 290 Liters which is enough room if going away, to fit in my wife’s and kids’ paraphernalia and some. With an incredible 185 millimetres of ground clearance, you can confidently take this car on many roads and tracks that are not normally accessible by traditional road cars.
Price/ Warranty/ Service Plan: R289900, 5 Year / 150 000 km Manufacturer's Warranty, Additional 2 Year / 50 000 Km Manufacturer's Powertrain Warranty, 5 Year / 150 000 km Manufacturer's Warranty, 7 year / 150 000 km Roadside assistance, 2 year/ 30 000km Service plan, 15 000 km intervals
In Summary: Would I buy one. A resounding CORRECT!! I loved driving this zippy little beauty around the lush suburbs of Westville and the Berea, while I rushed comfortably between meetings and daughter pickups. I loved the green camouflaged colour on the unit I tested and often joked with friends, asking if they could see me when parked. Hyundai are taking this segment seriously, for good reason. I feel that they are delivering on what the market is asking for, which is why their vehicles are so popular. If you are looking for an affordable car, with space, clearance, and a spirited economical engine, then take a look at the Exter.
*This article is written in my opinion only. For detailed information on the specs, please contact Hyundai Automotive SA*
