The Hyundai Exter is designed to evoke the charm of a traditional SUV while fitting into a smaller form factor. The exterior has a boxy, old-school SUV aesthetic, with H-shaped DRLs and a gloss-black parametric grille that adds a modern twist to its design. The front also features a faux skid plate with prominent, though fake rivets, that give the Exter a rugged SUV appeal. While some might find the plastic cladding around the wheel arches to be excessive, it adds to the vehicle's butch appearance, ensuring the Exter stands out in traffic.

The 15-inch alloy wheels are well-proportioned, and the side profile carries a muscular stance, enhanced by the creased body lines that make the vehicle appear wider than it is. The dual-tone color options, such as Ranger Khaki with an Abyss Black roof, further elevate the Exter's street presence. At the rear, the upright tailgate and H-shaped LED tail lights maintain the design symmetry seen at the front, with a faux skid plate adding a sporty finish. However, some may find the extensive use of fake skid plates a bit overdone.

Under the hood, the Hyundai Exter is powered by the 1.2-liter four-cylinder petrol engine found in the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios. This engine produces 82 bhp at 6000 rpm and 113.8 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm, paired with either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission). Additionally, there’s a CNG variant available, providing customers with an economical alternative to petrol.

In terms of performance, the petrol engine offers adequate power for city driving. The AMT gearbox is smooth and refined, offering seamless shifts, particularly while cruising on highways. However, when pushed for sudden acceleration or overtaking, the AMT can exhibit a slight jerk, a common trait for such transmissions. Despite this, the overall driving experience is pleasant, with enough torque to handle most urban and highway conditions comfortably.

The CNG variant offers a more economical option but sacrifices some power in exchange for higher fuel efficiency. It’s best suited for city commutes, offering a relaxed driving experience with predictable performance.

The Hyundai Exter impresses with its ride quality, especially considering its compact size. The suspension is tuned to be more planted and firm compared to other Hyundai models, which typically have softer setups. This allows the Exter to feel more stable at highway speeds, offering a confidence-inspiring driving experience. The vehicle handles bumps and undulations on the road with ease, making it suitable for both city driving and long-distance cruising.

The steering is light and responsive, making maneuvering through congested urban environments easy. However, the Exter’s steering lacks the feedback one might expect when taking corners at higher speeds, which can be a downside for those who prefer more engaging driving dynamics. Nonetheless, the Exter’s ground clearance of 185 mm ensures that it can tackle rough patches of road and minor off-road adventures without difficulty.

The braking system consists of disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. While adequate for most driving scenarios, the brakes could feel a bit more responsive in emergency situations. However, the braking bite is generally decent, giving the driver confidence when coming to a stop.

Step inside the Hyundai Exter, and the cabin feels airy and spacious, especially for a micro-SUV. The large windows and sunroof contribute to the open feel of the interior, making it ideal for long journeys. The front seats are adjustable for height, and the steering offers tilt adjustment, though telescopic steering is not available, which might have enhanced overall driving comfort.

The rear seats are comfortable, with good headroom and legroom, even for taller passengers. However, the backrest angle could become uncomfortable on long journeys. The absence of a middle headrest at the rear might be a concern for those who frequently travel with three passengers in the back. Still, the Exter’s reclined rear seats and decent shoulder room ensure comfort for most short and medium-length journeys.

Despite being a budget-friendly SUV, Hyundai has ensured that the Exter doesn’t skimp on features. The use of premium fabric on the seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel adds a touch of luxury to the cabin. While some of the plastic materials used in the cabin might feel a bit hard to the touch, they are in line with the Exter’s price point.