Hyundai Exter brings SUV attitude to compact car practicality
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by CAR Magazine (@carmagazinesa)
Looking for a new or used Hyundai? Find it here with CARmag!
Hyundai didn't just give the Exter a plastic cladding and call it a day. No, it stretched the Grand i10 formula into the small crossover space, answering a question many buyers may have been asking: 'Can I get something compact, efficient and spacious that doesn't look like a rental car?'
Design: Inside-out
Let's start with the looks. The Exter leans heavily into crossover styling cues, with square lines, exaggerated wheel arches, roof rails and upright lighting elements. Compared with the hatchback's softer curves and the sedan's more subdued shape, the Exter appears chunkier and more SUV-like, even though it's not much bigger. The boomerang LED daytime running lights, H-shaped elements, and plastic body cladding aren't just for show – they give it presence. In contrast, the Grand i10 hatch is friendlier and more youthful, while the sedan plays it safe and practical.
Inside, the Exter builds on the Grand i10's foundation but brings a few surprises. The basic layout is familiar – touchscreen infotainment, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, manual aircon – but the Exter feels more upmarket in how it uses space and materials (even though plastic is abundant). The higher seating position gives drivers better visibility, and there's a sense of more headroom and width thanks to the boxier shape. Like the hatch and sedan, the Exter offers rear air vents, USB ports, and split-folding rear seats on higher trims, but it feels slightly more premium in execution, particularly in its cabin colour themes.
In our initial impressions of the little crossover, we noted:
'The Exter has a big role in enhancing Hyundai's local portfolio. In taking over from the Venue as the automaker's most affordable crossover, it must convince potential buyers of its prowess. The eye-catching price point will draw in consumers, but how the buying public reacts to the overt use of plastic will be key.'
Size compared to siblings
Dimensionally, the differences are subtle but meaningful. The Exter has a slightly longer wheelbase and sits taller than the Grand i10 hatch, which improves rear seat comfort and boot access. At 3 815mm long, it's a tad shorter than the sedan (3 995mm) but more upright, which means more usable interior space in a smaller footprint. It rides higher off the ground, too – an important consideration for rural or less-than-perfect urban roads in South Africa. That extra ride height gives the crossover the advantage over speed bumps and gravel, something the low-slung Grand i10 hatchback and sedan sometimes need a more gracious hand for when crossing.
In summary
So, where exactly does the Exter slot in? It doesn't replace the Grand i10 – instead, it builds on it. Think of it as the adventurous sibling in a sensible family. The Grand i10 hatchback still makes perfect sense for city drivers looking for efficiency and value in a small footprint. The sedan adds more boot space and a slightly more grown-up appeal. The Exter, however, adds some flair and versatility for those who want SUV looks without SUV costs.
Importantly, Hyundai hasn't priced the crossover out of reach. Its value proposition is strong, and for many buyers, the newcomer will feel like a more substantial car without asking for much more money than a top-spec Grand i10. And that's the point.
Hyundai Exter pricing
Exter 1.2 Premium MT – R269 900
Exter 1.2 Executive MT – R289 900
Exter 1.2 Premium AT – R294 900
Exter 1.2 Executive AT – R314 900
Exter 1.2 Elite AT – R334 900
Browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag!
The post Where the Hyundai Exter Fits in the Grand i10 Line-Up appeared first on CAR Magazine.
Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.
Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
4 hours ago
- IOL News
REVIEW: Hyundai Tucson 2. 0D N-Line not as sporty as it looks, which is a good thing!
The Hyundai Tucson N-Line flagship is distinguished by a sporty exterior styling package. Image: Supplied The Hyundai Tucson has always been a solid and dependable player in the midsize SUV space. But despite its sportier looks, the latest generation model has failed to match the popularity of its predecessor. That's not altogether surprising, given that in these tough times many buyers have gravitated towards more affordable vehicles, such as the locally-produced Toyota Corolla Cross, and the proliferation of new cut-price offerings from China. Hyundai SA has responded as best they can, releasing a facelifted model earlier this year, which brought a R39,000 price cut to the base version, with the 2.0 Premium petrol model now costing R559,900. And while many rivals have ditched diesel power, Hyundai still offers its 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine in the other two Tucson models, but these are a little on the expensive side, with the 2.0D Executive selling at R709,900 and the 2.0D AWD N-Line that we tested recently, retailing at R859,900. Claw-like taillights give the rear end a unique look. Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The recent facelift brought some purposeful enhancements to the Tucson, with the front end gaining a more rectangular grille, incorporating claw-like 'hidden' headlight elements. A new rear bumper design, featuring a wider skid plate, further distinguishes the new model. While the design changes are a step in the right direction, I can't help but feel this fourth-generation Tucson is showing its age quicker than Hyundai might have intended. With many modern SUVs moving towards smoother contours, the numerous creases and slashes that we see on the Tucson's bodywork make the design look somewhat busy. It's as if Edward Scissorhands did the final design detailing! Then again, it is a sporty design and those claw-like taillight clusters at the back certainly give it attitude. Inside is where you'll find the biggest changes to the 2025 model, and Hyundai was clever in giving the Tucson a complete interior redesign to keep up with modern trends. The cockpit design is all new and not overly digitised. Image: Supplied There's a new dual-screen infotainment and digital instrument cluster, perched above a horizontal air outlet bar, lending a clean and modern look. But what we really appreciate is that Hyundai reintroduced the physical rotary controls for the climate system. That's definitely a win for functionality. Now that we're talking all that sensible stuff, it's worth mentioning that the Tucson has acres of interior room, and there's genuine leg-stretching space at the back, even for adults. Rear occupants also get their own ventilation outlets and two USB Type C ports. The boot, boasting a capacity of 539 litres with the seats in place, is as capacious as you could expect at this level. What's it like to drive the Tucson N-Line? The Tucson N-Line flagship is available only with Hyundai's proven 2.0-litre turbodiesel, which delivers a respectable 137kW and 416Nm. Despite the N-Line's sporty looks, thanks to a unique body kit and 19-inch alloys, the driving experience is very much geared towards effortless comfort, and the ride quality is certainly comfortable. The diesel engine starts up with a big plume of smoke, but other than that, overall refinement is more than acceptable, thanks to extensive sound deadening. The engine, paired with an eight-speed autobox, provides brisk performance. Yet, thanks to the vehicle's 1,678kg kerb weight, it's not as economical as you might expect from a diesel, with our vehicle consuming just over 10 litres per 100km over a few days of urban driving. That figure will come down with extensive highway use, however. While the standard all-wheel-drive set-up does provide an extra safety margin in wet and slippery conditions, we do wonder if it's really necessary in this segment. It's likely that most buyers in this segment will gravitate towards the front-wheel-drive Executive model, which is lighter and R150,000 cheaper. The N-Line is really well specced though, and in addition to the aforementioned exterior additions, it comes with a sunroof, partial suede seat upholstery, and a glut of driver assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and rear cross traffic alert. VERDICT The Hyundai Tucson 2.0D N-Line, which is one of the few diesels left in the segment, is a comfortable and spacious family cruiser with sporty looks and extravagant specification. At R589,900 it is expensive, although there is plenty of value to be found in the Premium and Executive versions of the Tucson. IOL Motoring
The Citizen
9 hours ago
- The Citizen
Subaru unveils new front-wheel-drive Toyota-based Uncharted EV
Subaru has whipped the wraps off the Uncharted, a Toyota-based all-electric crossover, which will initially be available in front-wheel drive. The Subaru Uncharted shares its e-TNGA platform with the new Toyota CH-R+, but receives Subaru-specific styling and chassis tuning to set it apart from the crossover/SUV it is based on. Significantly, the Uncharted debuts as Subaru's only front-wheel-drive model, with all-wheel-drive variants set to be introduced at a later stage. The FWD-equipped Premium model features a single electric motor that generates 164kW. The AWD GT and Sport variants will produce 544kW from a dual electric-motor setup. Subaru claims the more powerful variants are capable of completing the 0-100km/h sprint in less than five seconds. All trims utilise a 74.7kWh battery pack, which supports 150kW DC fast charging. Plugged into the latter facility, Subaru says the battery is capable of recharging from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes. An 11kW AC onboard charger that can be used to charge at home is also present. The single- and twin electric-motor models offer 480km and 466km of all-electric operating range, respectively, the company says. Inside, the Uncharted plays host to a 14-inch, touch-enabled infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto screen mirroring, dual wireless smartphone chargers, and dedicated USB-C ports for rear passengers. Standard safety features include the firm's EyeSight driver assistance technology, adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance alert, and a driver-monitoring system. Sport and GT trims receive X‑Mode, a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel, a surround-view camera array, and distinct upholstery options. Click here to browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag! Related The post Subaru Unveils New (Front-Wheel-Drive) Toyota-Based Uncharted EV appeared first on CAR Magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
The Citizen
11 hours ago
- The Citizen
Hyundai Alcazar takes ‘new name' and product offering a step up
Described as a premium step-up from the Grand Creta, the Alcazar improves significantly in a number areas, while keeping the favoured turbodiesel engine. Alcazar's redesign has been so extensive so that it will be seen as a brand-new model compared to the pre-facelift model known locally as the Grand Creta. Images: Charl Bosch Although an unfamiliar name to South Africa with seemingly no connotations bar, somewhat humorously, the character of the same name in the Tintin comics, the Hyundai Alcazar is anything but new as it has been sold locally since 2022, albeit under a different name. What's in a name? Unveiled four years ago in India as a three-row version of the Creta, Hyundai South Africa's decision to align it with its sibling, produced at the same plant in Chennai, resulted in it being badged Grand Creta rather than sticking with a name local buyers might have taken a giggle to. With souring of the Creta having moved to the Cikarang facility in Indonesia three years ago though, the aligning strategy no longer applied as the pending first lifecycle update made it seem fit to drop the Grand Creta moniker and revert to Alcazar for the local market. NOW READ: Hyundai Alcazar officially priced as 'facelift' Grand Creta A move defined further by Hyundai as representing a step-up on the Grand Creta, despite it being a facelift, the arrival of what is still Hyundai's most affordable seven-seater in South Africa for the weeklong test promised much on the back of its predecessor's popularity, and main selling point, it's turbodiesel engine. Decked-out in the same Titan Grey Matte hue as the now discontinued limited run Creta Matte Edition, the test unit not only sported the 1.5-litre oil-burner underneath its bonnet, but also happened to be the flagship Elite priced at R669 900. Will be seen as new Sitting atop a range reduced to three models from the Grand Creta's five, the Elite's main exterior difference from the step-down Executive – which also continues to the offered with the normally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine as the base model – involves the new 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels compared to the former pair's 17-inches. Besides this, and viewed on first glance, the facelift touches can, in fact, be disputed as being representative of a completely new generational model as, beside the side profile, the Alcazar shares very little else with the Grand Creta. Central to this is a new bonnet, a new sealed upper grille, the same H-shaped LED headlight clusters from the Exter connected by a central light bar, wider wheel arches and a new front bumper that houses a now lower-mounted rectangular main grille plus a satin silver imitation skidplate. Not stopping there, the Alcazar's restyled rear facia involves a new bumper and integrated skidplate, H-shaped light clusters also connected by a horizontal LED light bar complete with a block letter name logo, a new tailgate and stacked light reflectors on the flanks of the bumper. Rounded off with satin silver roof rails, the Alcazar, arguably, appears better looking, more distinctive and stylish, and more premium compared to the somewhat bulbous and even divisive Grand Creta. Just as extensive, Hyundai has completely renewed the Alcazar's interior, albeit with the omittance of the new pair of 10.25-inch displays for the infotainment system as well as the digital instrument cluster. Instead, all models receive a reworked version of the Grand Creta's instrument cluster and the older eight-inch infotainment display, now equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for the first time. Housed within the same 'one-piece' binnacle though, the overall design feels and looks decidedly more modern than in the Grand Creta, bolstered by the latter's ease of use and physical shortcut buttons on either side. Besides the new air vents and a storage shelf above glovebox, the centre console has been reworked to include an Audi-style LCD panel for the dual-zone climate control replete with physical toggle switches and touch-sensitive icons in place of the traditional dials. Although finished in anything but practical piano-key black, the initial concern of the setup being more form than function proved unfounded as it works easy while also being intuitive not to frustrate as the case often is. Largely neat looking and ergonomically sound, interior quality felt on the cheap side in some places and exactly the step-up from the Grand Creta Hyundai claims. What's more, the driver's seat doesn't drop low enough to accommodate taller folk, while the quality of the sound system undelivered when taking the Elite's price into consideration. More accomplished are soft and supportive imitation leather seats, the functionality of the multi-function steering wheel and straight-forward chunky buttons for the electronic handbrake, Hill Descent Control, Auto Hold and ventilated front seats. Practically-wise, the Alcazar also impresses as, apart from head-and-legroom leaving little to be desired – the former even with the standard panoramic glass roof – the second row sports a pair of nifty fold-out tables integrated into the backs of the front seats. Despite its seven seats, the third row is exclusive to children, however, entry is made easy by the second row 'tumbling forward' than simply sliding. In terms of space, the boot accommodates 180-litres with all seven seats in use, which increases to 579-litres in five-seat guise. With the middle row also down, total utility space measures 1 670-litres. Besides the features already mentioned, along with the peculiarity of only ventilated seats, the Alcazar Elite comes standard with rear window blinds, keyless entry plus push-button start, USB ports in each row, a wireless smartphone charger, folding electric mirrors and ambient lighting. Safety and driver assistance come in the form of a tyre pressure monitor, rear parking sensors, a somewhat underwhelming reverse camera, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Driver Attention Alert, Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist and Lane Follow Assist. As much as it had been the selling point of the Grand Creta in a largely petrol-powered and ever growing hybrid end of the market, the much vaunted 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine isn't most refined nor quietest available. Tasked with moving 1 445 kg unladen, the engine's 84kW/250Nm makes for a slightly underpowered feel similar to the still Indian made Creta tested four years ago. Slightly overcoming its initial breathlessness as the revs climb, a fair amount of engine noise still creeps into the cabin at speed, while the six-speed automatic gearbox goes about its business in a relatively slick manner. As with the Grand Creta, the Alcazar's amount of twist goes to the front wheels only, though it does offer a Terrain mode selector with three settings; Snow, Mud and Sand. On top of this, the conventional drive mode system comes with three modes of its own; Eco, Normal, Sport, the former never being engaged, and the latter seldom as the admittedly sharper throttle response sees the revs climbing too with the result of a terribly sounding strained diesel soundtrack. Equally prone to simply spinning all of the power away without going faster, Normal was selected throughout the Alcazar's seven days and eventual 409 km covered. On the move, and despite the intrusive engine noise, the slightly firm ride still feels acceptable as the suspension dampens imperfections well without sending shudders or other aftereffects throughout the cabin. Unsurprisingly, the Alcazar's main selling point delivered with an indicated best consumption figure of 5.9 L/100 km at the completion of its stay. Conclusion While not without its detractions, some disappointing considering its supposed step-up from the Grand Creta, the Hyundai Alcazar still warrants being a worthwhile improvement both aesthetically and to some extent, internally. Practical and an overall solid product that does what it says on the tin without doing anything spectacularly good or bad, it still comes across as a bit pricey against not only its immediate legacy brand rivals, but also the ever growing number of comparative Chinese products. That being said, it is still worth a second look and given South Africa's still burning love for diesel and top-spec model variants, yet another likely success story in pending for the Korean brand. NOW READ: Hyundai Alcazar has an ace up its sleeve against Chinese SUVs
