HYUNDAI EXTER LAUNCHES LOCALLY
After 18 months of fierce negotiation from the Hyundai SA team, the Exter has been launched to the local market. This 1.2 all-new compact crossover SUV was originally only made in and for the Indian market. This new model is superbly equipped to be a great contender in form, function, and value – which is what made the Exter such a desirable choice for our domestic market.
The crossover and SUV market accounts for approximately 38% of sales this year in South Africa. It’s a competitive space that is well supported as it delivers ride height, which adds to driver confidence, as well as good ground clearance for less than desirable potholes and dirt roads.
Sharp lines show the Exter in a stock and sporty form. The H-design of the front and rear lights, as well as the front grille are the most distinguishing hallmark’s head turning look overall. Prominent silver skid plates at the front and rear adds to the bold and sporty design, and the dynamic side-view is enhanced by 15-inch diamond cut alloy wheels (for the Executive and Elite versions). The Premium version also boasts attractive wheel trims with a dynamic design for the 15-inch steel wheels.
Six exterior colour options are available across the range: Atlas White, Cosmic Blue, Tomboy Khaki, Fiery Red, Titan Grey and Starry Night. Customers can also choose from three two-tone options for the Executive and Elite versions: Cosmic Blue with a black roof; Tomboy Khaki with a black roof, or Atlas White also paired with a black roof.
Inside the Exter has more than enough space for front and rear passengers, as well as boot space. The drive is very comfortable, and an Exter driver will want for none of the mod-cons that this vehicle includes as standard fare. In front of the driver is an advanced digital instrument cluster with various features a 4,2-inch colour TFT multi-information display, a tyre pressure monitoring system and parking distance information.
A centre-mounted infotainment system with an 8-inch high-definition screen and smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard across the range. The screen also displays the rear-view parking camera’s image in the Executive and Elite versions.
The Exter is reliable, and safety has been considered throughout. Three equipment levels and five variants are available:
The Exter 1.2 Premium (manual transmission) and Exter 1.2 Premium AMT (automated manual transmission);
The Exter 1.2 Executive (manual) and Exter 1.2 Executive AMT; and the flagship Exter 1.2 Elite AMT. Prices start at R269 900.
By Claire Macfie
