As we approach 2025, the automotive landscape continues to evolve at a breakneck pace. Amidst this rapid transformation, Hyundai has once again proven its mettle with the latest iteration of the Exter.
This compact SUV, first introduced in 2023, has undergone a significant makeover, setting new benchmarks in its segment and challenging preconceptions about what a budget-friendly vehicle can offer.
Design Evolution: Urban Chic Meets Rugged Appeal
The 2025 Hyundai Exter retains its distinctive silhouette but introduces a host of design updates that elevate its visual appeal.
The front fascia now sports a more prominent and wider cascading grille, flanked by sleeker LED headlamps with integrated DRLs (Daytime Running Lights).
These headlamps aren’t just for show – they feature adaptive technology, adjusting their beam pattern based on driving conditions and oncoming traffic.
Side profile enhancements include more pronounced wheel arches, housing larger 16-inch alloy wheels with a diamond-cut finish.
A new character line runs from the front fender to the rear, giving the Exter a more dynamic appearance. The roof rails have been redesigned to be more functional, capable of supporting higher loads for those weekend getaways.
At the rear, Hyundai has introduced a full-width LED light bar, a design element typically seen in more premium segments.
This not only enhances the vehicle’s modern aesthetics but also improves visibility. The rear bumper has been resculpted to incorporate faux skid plates, reinforcing the Exter’s SUV credentials.
Color options have been expanded to include eye-catching choices like Sunset Orange and Emerald Green, alongside the option for a dual-tone roof on higher trims. These new colors allow buyers to express their personality through their vehicle choice.
Interior: A Tech-Savvy Haven
Step inside the 2025 Exter, and you’re greeted by an interior that belies the vehicle’s compact exterior dimensions.
The dashboard has been completely redesigned, featuring a seamless integration of screens that stretches from behind the steering wheel to the center console.
This dual-screen setup comprises a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
The infotainment system runs on Hyundai’s latest BlueLink connected car technology, offering features like:
Remote engine start
Climate control
Geofencing
Over-the-air updates
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Material quality has seen a significant upgrade, with soft-touch materials adorning key touchpoints. The seats now feature a combination of leatherette and breathable fabric, designed to provide comfort in various weather conditions.
In a segment-first move, Hyundai has introduced ventilated front seats in the top-end trim, a feature typically reserved for more premium vehicles.
Space utilization has been optimized, with clever storage solutions throughout the cabin. The rear seats now offer a 60:40 split, enhancing cargo flexibility.
Speaking of cargo, the boot space has been marginally increased to 411 liters, making it one of the most spacious in its class.
Powertrains: Efficiency Meets Performance
The 2025 Hyundai Exter offers a range of powertrain options to cater to diverse customer needs:
1.2-liter Kappa Petrol Engine:
Power: 83 PS
Torque: 114 Nm
Transmission: 5-speed manual or AMT
Fuel Efficiency: 20.1 km/l
1.0-liter Turbo GDi Petrol Engine (New for 2025):
Power: 120 PS
Torque: 172 Nm
Transmission: 6-speed manual or 7-speed DCT
Fuel Efficiency: 18.5 km/l
1.2-liter Bi-Fuel (Petrol + CNG) Engine:
Power: 69 PS (CNG mode)
Torque: 95.2 Nm (CNG mode)
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Fuel Efficiency: 26.1 km/kg (CNG)
The introduction of the 1.0-liter Turbo GDi engine is a game-changer for the Exter, offering spirited performance that’s unusual in this segment. This engine also features a mild-hybrid system, improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.
All engines have been updated to comply with the latest BS7 emission norms, showcasing Hyundai’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
Ride and Handling: Urban Agility Meets Highway Stability
The 2025 Exter builds on its predecessor’s reputation for excellent ride quality. The suspension setup has been fine-tuned to offer a balance between comfort and handling.
MacPherson struts at the front and a coupled torsion beam axle at the rear provide a stable ride, even at higher speeds.
The electric power steering has been recalibrated to offer more feedback, especially at higher speeds. This enhances driver confidence, particularly during highway cruising.
For the new Turbo variant, Hyundai has introduced three drive modes – Eco, Normal, and Sport – allowing drivers to tailor the vehicle’s response to their preferences.
Ground clearance remains impressive at 185mm, allowing the Exter to tackle urban obstacles and light off-road conditions with ease.
The turning radius has been further improved to 4.8 meters, making it exceptionally maneuverable in tight urban spaces.
Safety: Setting New Standards
Hyundai has made significant strides in enhancing the safety quotient of the Exter for 2025:
6 airbags as standard across all variants
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC)
ISOFIX child seat anchors
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Rear Parking Sensors with Camera
In a segment-first move, Hyundai has introduced some Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features in the top-end trim:
Forward Collision Warning and Avoidance Assist
Lane Keeping Assist
Driver Attention Warning
High Beam Assist
These features, typically found in more premium segments, significantly enhance the safety profile of the Exter.
Technology Integration: A Connected Experience
The 2025 Exter is a showcase of Hyundai’s technological prowess:
Hyundai Digital Key 2.0: Allows users to use their smartphone or NFC card as a key
Wireless charging pad with cooling function
Bose Premium Sound System with 8 speakers (top-end trim)
Voice recognition with natural language processing
Heads-Up Display (HUD) projecting key information on the windshield
360-degree camera system for easy parking and maneuvering
The BlueLink connected car features have been expanded to include:
Predictive route guidance based on traffic conditions
Last-mile navigation for when you park away from your destination
Valet mode for enhanced security
Integration with smart home devices
Variants and Pricing: Something for Everyone
The 2025 Hyundai Exter is offered in five variants:
Era (Base model): ₹6,50,000
Magna: ₹7,25,000
Sportz: ₹8,00,000
SX: ₹8,75,000
SX(O): ₹9,50,000
(All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi)
The Turbo variants command a premium of about ₹1,00,000 over their naturally aspirated counterparts.
This pricing strategy positions the Exter competitively in the micro-SUV segment, offering excellent value for money across all variants.
Market Positioning and Competition
The 2025 Hyundai Exter enters a market that has seen significant evolution since the model’s introduction. Its primary competitors include:
Tata Punch
Maruti Suzuki Ignis
Citroen C3
Nissan Magnite
However, with its enhanced feature set and the introduction of the Turbo variant, the Exter now also challenges some compact SUVs in the segment above, such as the Kia Sonet and Maruti Suzuki Brezza.
Environmental Considerations
In line with global trends towards sustainability, Hyundai has taken several steps to reduce the environmental impact of the Exter:
Use of eco-friendly materials in interior components
Improved aerodynamics for better fuel efficiency
Introduction of the mild-hybrid system in the Turbo variant
Enhanced recyclability of components at the end of the vehicle’s life
Hyundai has also hinted at the possibility of a fully electric version of the Exter in the near future, aligning with the company’s global electrification strategy.
Ownership Experience and After-Sales Support
Hyundai has further enhanced its after-sales support for the Exter:
3-year/unlimited kilometer warranty as standard, extendable up to 7 years
3-year roadside assistance
Hyundai Premium Assurance Program offering maintenance packages and extended warranty
Hyundai Service on Wheels for customers in areas with limited access to service centers
The Hyundai app now offers a more comprehensive digital service experience, allowing customers to book services, track vehicle health, and access a digital owner’s manual.
The Exter’s Role in Hyundai’s Future Strategy
The 2025 Exter plays a crucial role in Hyundai’s future strategy for the Indian market and beyond. As the automotive industry shifts towards electrification and autonomous driving, the Exter serves as a bridge between current market demands and future trends.
Hyundai is using the Exter as a testbed for technologies that will eventually make their way into their entire lineup. The inclusion of ADAS features and connected car technology in a compact SUV demonstrates Hyundai’s commitment to democratizing advanced features across all segments.
Moreover, the Exter’s success in India could pave the way for its introduction in other emerging markets with similar consumer preferences and road conditions. This global potential makes the Exter a key player in Hyundai’s international expansion plans.
Consumer Perspective: Why the Exter Matters
For the Indian consumer, the 2025 Hyundai Exter represents more than just another compact SUV. It embodies the aspirations of a growing middle class that demands more from their vehicles without breaking the bank.
The Exter appeals to a wide range of buyers:
Young professionals looking for a stylish yet practical first car
Small families needing a versatile vehicle for daily use and weekend getaways
Tech-savvy individuals who appreciate the latest in automotive technology
Safety-conscious buyers who want advanced features without stepping into premium segments
By offering a combination of style, technology, safety, and affordability, the Exter challenges the notion that one must compromise in the budget segment.
Conclusion: A New Benchmark in Compact SUVs
The 2025 Hyundai Exter represents a significant evolution in the compact SUV segment. By blending premium features, advanced technology, and enhanced performance in a compact package, Hyundai has created a vehicle that defies easy categorization.
The introduction of ADAS features and the Turbo variant positions the Exter as a technologically advanced and performance-oriented option in a segment often associated with basic transportation.
This move is likely to attract a broader range of customers and potentially redefine expectations in the compact SUV market.
For Hyundai, the success of the 2025 Exter will be crucial in maintaining its strong position in the Indian market and potentially expanding its global footprint.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, with increasing electrification and autonomous driving technologies on the horizon, the Exter serves as a bridge between current market demands and future trends.
For consumers, the 2025 Hyundai Exter offers a compelling proposition – a vehicle that combines the practicality and affordability of a compact car with the style, features, and capabilities typically associated with larger, more expensive SUVs.
It’s a testament to Hyundai’s understanding of the Indian market and its ability to deliver products that exceed customer expectations.
As the Exter hits the roads in greater numbers, it has the potential to redefine the compact SUV segment, setting new benchmarks for features, performance, and value.
In a market where value for money is paramount, the Exter stands out as a product that offers more than the sum of its parts, promising to be a game-changer in the Indian automotive landscape of 2025 and beyond.