Hyundai Exter S Plus Executive CNG: A Detailed Review
Introduction: Hyundai Exter S Plus Executive CNG
The Hyundai Exter S Plus Executive CNG is an updated new variant in the micro SUV segment. This article provides a detailed look at its features, pricing, and performance.
Pricing Details
The base model of the Hyundai Exter starts at an ex-showroom price of ₹6,20,000. The S Plus Executive CNG variant is priced between ₹8,84,000 and ₹8,85,000 ex-showroom. In Lucknow, the on-road price for this Hyundai Exter CNG variant is approximately ₹10,44,000.
Exterior Design and Features
- Front Profile: The front features the Hyundai logo and a large Exter badge. The front grille has a glossy black finish, giving it a muscular look. It includes DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) with integrated indicator placement. The headlamps are manual halogen units, and the lower grille is finished in black.
- Side Profile: The side profile includes indicators on the fender. It comes with 14-inch steel wheels with wheel covers. The front wheels have disc brakes, while the rear wheels have drum brakes. The tire section is 165/70 R14. The vehicle also features black body cladding. The ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirrors) are electrically adjustable but need to be folded manually. The A-pillar, door handles, and B-pillar are body-colored. A CNG variant sticker is present. The ground clearance is between 186-187 mm.
- Rear Profile: At the back, there is the Hyundai logo in the center and Exter badging. The ‘Duo CNG’ badge signifies its dual-fuel capability. It has standard LED tail lights, which include indicators and reverse lights. This variant does not have a rear wiper or defogger. A high-mounted stop lamp and a power antenna are present. The dual-tone bumper has a gray finish with a wide plate and reflectors. Two reverse parking sensors and a yellow license plate light are also included.
Interior Comfort and Technology
The interior of the Exter S Plus Executive CNG features a dual-tone dashboard. The door trims are black and include power window controls, speakers, and bottle holders. The seats are made of fabric and come with ISOFIX child seat mounts. The driver’s seat offers height adjustment and recline options.
- Rear Seating: Rear passengers get AC vents and a 12V charging outlet. There is good legroom and thigh support, and adequate headroom, similar to its competitors. The rear seats are 100% foldable and have two adjustable headrests and three-point seatbelts. There is no parcel tray in the rear. The floor is slightly raised, allowing three passengers to adjust.
- Driver’s Cabin: The steering wheel features the Hyundai logo along with controls for the MID (Multi-Information Display), telephony, and infotainment. The instrument cluster is fully digital, displaying speedometer, RPM meter, fuel gauge (for both CNG and petrol), mileage, and audio information. It also includes TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System). The steering wheel is fixed and does not offer tilt or telescopic adjustment. Manual headlamp and wiper controls are provided. The AC vents are glossy black with silver accents.
- Central Controls: The center console houses an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and USB connectivity. It also displays the reverse parking camera feed and parking sensor information. Physical buttons are available for radio and media control. The car has a manual AC with controls for fan speed, temperature, and airflow. It features a 12V charging outlet, a Type-C port, and a Type-A USB port for device charging.
- Other Interior Features: A 5-speed manual transmission, two cup holders, and a manual handbrake are present. The glove box is normal and not cooled. A manually adjustable IRVM (Inside Rear View Mirror) and a yellow halogen roof light are provided. This variant also boasts an electric sunroof with one-touch open and close functionality. A microphone, vanity mirror on the sun visor, and a ticket holder are included.
- Driver Controls: Driver-side controls include all four power window controls, lock/unlock buttons. There is a traction control switch, a CNG to Petrol converter switch, and a headlamp level adjuster. The fuel lid opener is also located on the driver’s side.
Advanced Safety Features
Safety is a key aspect of the Hyundai Exter S Plus Executive CNG. It comes with six airbags as standard from the base model, located in the front seats and pillars. Other safety features include ABS with EBD (Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), reverse parking sensors, a reverse parking camera, a speed alert system, seat belt warning, an engine immobilizer, crash sensors, and traction control. TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) is also included.
Engine, Performance, and Fuel Efficiency
The Hyundai Exter is available with a petrol-only engine option, with the S Plus Executive variant offering a bi-fuel CNG option. It is powered by a 1.2-liter Kappa four-cylinder petrol engine.
- Power & Torque: This engine produces 82 BHP of power and 113-114 Nm of torque.
- Fuel Efficiency: The petrol version delivers a mileage of 18-19 kmpl, while the CNG version offers an impressive 28-30 km/kg.
- Engine Details: The engine compartment does not feature insulation under the hood. The fuel tank capacity is approximately 37 liters, and the CNG tank can hold about 8-9 kg, depending on pump pressure.
Boot Space and CNG Storage
The Hyundai Exter offers a generous boot space of 391 liters, which is significant for its segment. However, in the CNG variant, there is no parcel tray. The boot houses two covered 30 kg twin CNG cylinders. The rear seats can be 100% folded to expand luggage space.
- No Spare Tire: This CNG variant does not come with a spare tire. Instead, it provides a puncture repair kit, also known as a tire mobility kit, which includes a tire inflator and liquid for self-repair in case of a flat tire.
Dimensions
The dimensions of the Hyundai Exter are:
- Length: 3815 mm
- Width: 1710 mm
- Height: 1631 mm
- Wheelbase: 2450 mm
Competition Overview
The Hyundai Exter directly competes with the Tata Punch in the micro SUV segment. The Exter offers more features and a four-cylinder engine. However, the Tata Punch is noted for its 5-star safety rating, a feature not mentioned for the Exter.
Final Thoughts
The Hyundai Exter S Plus Executive CNG is a feature-rich micro SUV with a powerful four-cylinder engine and impressive fuel efficiency, especially in its CNG avatar. It offers practical features like a sunroof, touchscreen infotainment, and a good amount of boot space despite the twin CNG cylinders. Its comprehensive safety package adds to its appeal.
