Is shifting from a hatchback to a subcompact SUV a worthy upgrade?
With compact SUVs gaining popularity in the Indian market, many hatchback owners consider an upgrade. The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, a popular hatchback, and the Hyundai Exter, a micro-SUV, share the same platform and engine options, making them ideal candidates for comparison. But is shifting from a hatchback to a compact SUV a worthy upgrade? Let's dive in.advertisementDesign
Front-end of Hyundai Grand i10 Nios (L) and Hyundai Exter (R)
The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios sports a sleek, urban look with a bold hexagonal grille, tri-arrow LED DRLs, and projector headlamps. Its compact dimensions (3,815mm length, 1,680mm width, 1,520mm height) and 15-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels give it a premium yet understated hatchback aesthetic. The facelifted 2023 model added a connected LED light bar at the rear and subtle creases.In contrast, the Hyundai Exter embraces a boxy style, giving it an SUV stance. Measuring 3,815 mm in length, 1,710 mm in width, and 1,631 mm in height, it's wider and taller, enhancing its road presence. Its H-shaped LED DRLs, matte black body cladding, and square projector headlamps draw inspiration from Hyundai's global SUV lineup. The Exter's rear features H-shaped taillamps and a black panel with a prominent Hyundai logo, making it visually striking.
Rear of Hyundai Grand i10 Nios (L) and Hyundai Exter (R)
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The Exter's SUV-inspired design offers a bolder, more commanding presence, ideal for those seeking a modern, rugged aesthetic. The Nios, however, appeals to buyers who prefer a sleek, city-friendly hatchback style.Space: Comfort and Cargo
Boot of Hyundai Grand i10 Nios (L) and Hyundai Exter (R)
Both vehicles share the 2,450mm wheelbase, but their interior space and cargo capacity differ. The Grand i10 Nios offers a spacious cabin for a hatchback. Its light-colored, dual-tone interior feels airy, and comes with 260-litre boot is sufficient for daily needs. The Hy-CNG Duo variant, with dual CNG tanks, optimises boot space compared to traditional CNG setups, adding practicality for fuel-conscious buyers.The Exter, designed as a micro-SUV, takes space to the next level. Its taller cabin provides better headroom, and the wider body enhances shoulder room, making it feel more spacious. The standout feature is its 391-litre boot, 131-litres more than the Nios, ideal for weekend trips. The Exter also features dual CNG tanks. The Exter's higher ground clearance (185mm vs Nios's 165mm) also makes it better prepared for rough roads, though the Nios's lower stance ensures a more planted ride.Features: Tech and convenience
Interior design of Hyundai Grand i10 (L) and and Hyundai Exter (R)
The Grand i10 Nios is packed with features, boasting of an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control, a wireless charger, cruise control, and a Type-C charging port. Safety features include standard six airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and a rear camera.The Exter builds on this foundation and adds a voice-enabled single-pane sunroof, a digital instrument cluster with a colored TFT MID, a dual-camera dashcam, and paddle shifters for AMT variants. Semi-leatherette seats and an all-black cabin theme, though the Nios offers a dual-tone interior option. Like the Nios, the Exter includes six airbags as standard.The Exter's also features a sunroof and digital cluster, making it more appealing for tech-savvy buyers. The Nios, however, holds its own with a robust feature set at a lower price point.PowertrainBoth vehicles are powered by a 1.2-litre Kappa petrol engine (82bhp, 114Nm) and a 1.2-litre CNG option (68bhp, 95Nm), paired with a 5-speed manual or AMT. The Nios claims slightly better fuel efficiency at 20.7kmpl (petrol) and 28.1km/kg (CNG) compared to the Exter's 19.4kmpl (petrol) and 27.1km/kg (CNG). For city driving, the Nios's smoother ride and lighter clutch make it more agile, while the Exter's higher ground clearance and stiffer suspension handle uneven roads better.advertisementPricePrice-wise, the Grand i10 Nios ranges from Rs 5.98 lakh to Rs 8.62 lakh (ex-showroom), while the Exter starts at Rs 6.13 lakh and goes up to Rs 10 lakh. The base Nios is Rs 26,500 cheaper, and its top variant is about Rs 1.58 lakh less than the Exter's, making it a budget-friendly option.The Nios is more practical for urban commuters seeking affordability and efficiency. The Exter's higher ground clearance and larger boot make it better for varied terrains and family needs.Is the upgrade worth it?Shifting from a hatchback like the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios to a compact SUV like the Exter depends on your priorities. The Nios excels as a city hatchback, offering a good cabin, agile handling, and lower costs, making it ideal for solo drivers or small families focused on urban mobility. The Exter, with its SUV styling, superior space, and advanced features, is a compelling upgrade for those wanting versatility, better ground clearance and family-friendly practicality.advertisementFor buyers prioritising value and city driving, sticking with the Nios is a good choice. However, if you crave the SUV lifestyle, extra cargo space, and modern tech, the Exter justifies the premium. Test-drive both to see which aligns with your needs—either way.Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine
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