Hyundai Exter long term review, 23,000km report – Introduction

First report: As a neatly packaged metropolis automobile that punches above its weight, the Exter instantly impressed us.

Ultimately, regardless of how effectively a automobile is engineered or how neatly it’s priced, it’s the market that passes the ultimate judgement. The client is the final word arbiter. And our market is affected by examples of excellent vehicles that ought to have executed higher. The Hyundai Exter, it appears, is quietly becoming a member of that checklist. Spending a number of weeks with our long-term Exter has left me a little bit perplexed. It’s a well-rounded bundle in practically each respect, but it doesn’t promote within the numbers it ought to. In distinction, the Tata Punch, which the Exter beats in a number of key areas, outsells it by a wholesome margin.

The truth is, it emerged because the bestselling automobile within the nation for a number of months. Sure, the Punch has a extra upright, squared-off stance that provides it a mini-Tata Harrier look, and there’s no denying its presence. The Exter, in distinction, is a little more funk than brute, with cut up headlamps, a busy grille, and many design parts combating for consideration. However nonetheless, it’s removed from unattractive. If something, it’s distinct and fashionable and stands out in a sea of secure, conservative shapes.

Hyundai Exter long term review, 23,000km report – Introduction

All-black inside makes cabin gloomy.

However the actual story of the Exter begins when you get inside. First impressions matter, and whereas the cabin is well-laid-out and logically organized, the all-black inside, with its shiny surfaces and arduous plastics, does rob it of a way of airiness and premiumness. It’s not dangerous per se, simply fairly boring. Lighter cabin tones, whilst an choice, would go a good distance in making the inside really feel extra inviting.

That mentioned, the construct high quality is stable, and there’s good consideration to element when it comes to match and end. What I notably recognize is the sensible use of house. Storage is beneficiant, and the wi-fi charging pad is without doubt one of the greatest I’ve used – it snugly matches my giant iPhone 16 Professional Max with out fuss. There’s even a considerate slot to route the cable cleanly in case you’re not wi-fi charging. A little bit of a disappointment, although, is the very extraordinary audio system, which lacks the readability or ‘punch’ of rivals just like the Punch.

Audio system delivers common sound high quality.

However the place the Exter genuinely comes into its personal is out on the highway. It is a automobile that thrives within the metropolis, and the extra I drive it, the extra I recognize simply how simple it’s to dwell with. The 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine received’t win any drag races, nevertheless it’s clean, refined and delivers its energy in a linear, predictable method. You don’t must maintain wringing it out to get transferring briskly in site visitors, and that’s precisely what you need in a metropolis runabout.

Our lengthy termer comes outfitted with an AMT (automated guide transmission), and whereas I’m often a bit sceptical about these clutchless manuals, the Exter’s unit is surprisingly good. Positive, there’s nonetheless that tell-tale pause between gearshifts, particularly at low speeds. However it’s smoother and fewer jerky than in different AMTs I’ve pushed. Hyundai has clearly labored arduous on the calibration right here, and it exhibits. More often than not, it simply does its job quietly within the background – precisely what you need from an city computerized.

AMT calibration is without doubt one of the greatest.

The journey high quality is one other excessive level. There’s a sure tautness to the best way the Exter goes over bumps – it doesn’t really feel mushy or wallowy like a few of its rivals. The truth is, there’s a little bit of a ‘huge automobile’ really feel to the best way it handles tough patches. And but, it’s by no means uncomfortable. It soaks up potholes with a mature, composed really feel, and that provides to your confidence when navigating Mumbai’s unpredictable roads. The steering additionally deserves a point out – it’s gentle, correct and makes parking in tight areas a breeze. However it doesn’t go numb at increased speeds both, which is encouraging while you do get the possibility to stretch its legs.

Talking of which, I’m eager to take the Exter on an extended run. Whereas it’s clearly constructed with city use in thoughts, I think it would shock me on the freeway. Positive, you received’t be munching miles at triple-digit speeds on this, however with its first rate journey consolation and a prepared engine, it ought to do the job simply high quality.

Effectively-thought-out cabin has good storage areas.

As I settle in for the following few weeks with the Exter, I’m genuinely wanting ahead to seeing the way it matches into my each day life – and past. It’s already profitable me over with its practicality, ease of use, and calm and composed character. And I can’t assist however really feel that extra folks want to provide this automobile a re-examination. It might not shout for consideration, nevertheless it quietly will get the job executed – and typically, that’s precisely what makes a automobile a keeper.