Hyundai launches entry-level SUV Exter at ₹5.9 lakh

South Korean automobile manufacturer Hyundai on Monday launched the entry-level SUV (sports utility vehicle) Exter at a starting price of ₹5.9 lakh. Hyundai Exter is touted to lock horns with Tata Tiago and Maruti Ignis in the entry-level SUV segment. With the launch of Exter, the Korean automobile manufacturer is eyeing to expand its SUV portfolio in India. The company claims to have a 54% market share in terms of sales in the country and is eyeing a further 60% market share with Exter’s launch.

"With its modern and confident exterior, cutting-edge technology and unparalleled safety features, Hyundai EXTER is poised to redefine this fast-growing segment. We are confident that Hyundai EXTER will exceed our customers' expectations and reaffirm Hyundai’s position as India’s leading smart mobility solutions provider," Unsoo Kim, MD and CEO, Hyundai Motor India.

Exter comes in five variants—EX, S, SX, SX (O) and SX (O) connect. While Hyundai Exter EX is priced at ₹5.9 lakh, the SUV’s S variant is priced at ₹7.26 lakh. Hyundai Exter’s SX, SX (O) and SX (O) connect variants are priced at ₹7.99 lakh, ₹8.63 lakh and ₹9.31 lakh, respectively. According to the company, a whopping ₹950 crore investment has gone into the manufacturing of Exter. The delivery of the Hyundai Exter will start on July 11.

With Exter’s launch, the company plans to expand its production capacity to 8.2 lakh units from the existing 7.6 lakh units. The company is targeting a customer base with age-group between 18 years to 30 years through Exter’s launch.

"The age group that we are looking for with Exter’s launch is between 18 years to 30 years. Probably 40%-45% of the sales could come from this age group," says Tarun Garg, chief operating officer, Hyundai India.

According to Garg, the micro-level SUV has already garnered more than 10,000 bookings since February. Of this 20% of bookings are for the CNG variant, whereas 38% of bookings are for automatic. Of this, the southern state of Kerala has received the maximum booking. As the price of Exter has been revealed, the company anticipates for more bookings in the coming months.

 The micro-level SUV is available at three power train options—- 1.2 l Kappa petrol engine (E20 Fuel Ready) with choice of 5-speed MT & Smart Auto AMT and 1.2 l Bi-fuel Kappa petrol and CNG with 5- speed MT. Touted to be the most-connected SUV in the entry-level segment, Exter comes with 60 advanced features including H-LED DRLs (daytime running lamps), projector headlamps (bi-function), bold and sporty skid plate (front and rear) and R15 (D+380.2 mm) diamond cut alloy wheels).

According to the company, Hyundai Exter offers 20 features that are first in the segment, including electronic stability control (ESC), vehicle stability control (VSM), and hill assist control (HAS), amongst others.