Hyundai Exter: Not your regular ugly duckling

To some, the Hyundai Exter could be an ugly duckling, but the vehicle is designed for a niche market with almost all the features expected from this Korean brand.

Hyundai sales executive Deodat Beukes shares his sentiments, saying the Exter is neither a hatchback nor a station wagon, as it is “a little bit of a crossover”.

The vehicle’s appearance is unique, especially when viewed from the front. The glossy black radiator grille flanked by prominent head lights gives the Exter a distinctive appearance on the road, with its ‘H-shaped’ head and tail lights.

To add to its night driving comfort, the vehicle comes with two fog lamps that at first glance can look out of place, but they quickly become appealing to the eye.

Just as the outside appearance is impressive, so is the inside and what is under the hood.

One of the biggest attraction points is the price bracket, between N$269 000 and N$329 000.

This five seater’s engine might not compare with bigger, stronger and more sophisticated vehicles in the market, but it has the right to take its place in its segment.

“The vehicle is fitted with semi-touch screen infotainment systems with buttons on the side,” Beukes tells Top Revs while taking the vehicle through its paces.

Though the Exter appears small from the outside, the ample space inside will surprise any passenger as the rear seats are a bit longer than that of the conventional hatchback.

Despite being offered in various trims, from premium to executive, with the elite AMT as the top-tier option, all models share a standard 1.2L engine producing 61kW, paired with either a 5-speed manual or automatic transmission.

“The vehicle is peppy enough to get you up to the speed where you needed it to be,” Beukes says during a test drive.

Despite a mere 61kW and 114Nm on the front axle, the vehicle performed quite well on the mountainous roads west of Windhoek. Initially, it seemed to be lacking enough power, but once on speed, the vehicle managed the speed limit with ease.

The biggest surprise was the low cabin noise and well-designed interior, offering an extensive luxurious drive for both driver and passengers.

The dashboard is simple and easy to understand, with the most applicable information like speed, fuel and distance left in tank, tire pressure, safety belts and engine temperature easily visible.

The steering wheel houses several other functions like speed cruise, answering a phone, volume and changing of radio stations – all at the touch of your fingers.

The fuel consumption is yet another plus on the Exter’s ticking box. Using only 5.7L/100km (under normal driving conditions), the vehicle will give you an estimated 640km on the 37 litres tank.

And the new Exter comes standard with a three-year/45 000km service plan and Hyundai’s seven-year/200 000km manufacturers’ warranty.

It is important to keep and maintain your vehicle’s services up to date. This is to ensure that the factory guarantee or motor plan does not expire, Hyundai’s service manager says when acquiring about a client’s role when buying a new vehicle.