Hyundai Exter S 2025: Let’s cut to the chase – Hyundai’s finally figured out what budget buyers actually want. The newly introduced S Smart variant (starting at ₹7.68 lakh) does something genuinely clever – it makes that panoramic sunroof and AMT transmission combo available without forcing you to splurge on the pricier trims.
About bloody time, right? Most manufacturers keep the good stuff locked away in top-end variants that nobody can afford. Hyundai’s apparently been listening to what real people are saying. The standard S trim at ₹7.58 lakh was already decent value, but this new S Smart variant gives you more of what actually matters without the unnecessary fluff.
Hyundai Exter S 2025 That Familiar Heart Keeps Beating Strong
Pop the hood and you’ll find the same reliable 1.2-liter four-cylinder petrol engine that’s been doing the business all along. No fancy turbocharging or electric witchcraft here – just a honest 82 horses and 113.8Nm of torque that gets the job done without fuss.
Paired with either a 5-speed manual or that surprisingly decent AMT, it’ll return around 19.4 kmpl if you’re gentle with your right foot. Sure, it’s not winning any drag races, but in the urban jungle where most Exters spend their days, it’s got more than enough pep to dart through gaps in traffic and the occasional highway jaunt won’t leave you white-knuckled.
Cabin That Punches Above Its Weight Class
Climb inside and you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve accidentally wandered into something from a segment above. That 8-inch touchscreen isn’t the biggest in class, but it works without the lag that plagues some competitors, and the wireless Apple CarPlay (along with wired Android Auto) actually stays connected rather than dropping out every time you hit a bump.
The physical climate controls deserve a special shoutout. Hyundai resisted the urge to bury them in touchscreen menus (I’m looking at you, Volkswagen), showing they still understand that fumbling with a screen while driving isn’t exactly the safest way to adjust your AC. The steering-mounted controls for audio and phone functions are intuitively placed, responsive, and don’t require a PHD to figure out.
Space That Defies Its Footprint
How Hyundai’s engineers managed to carve out this much usable space from such a tiny footprint is proper wizardry. With 391 liters of boot space, the Exter swallows a weekend’s worth of luggage for four without breaking a sweat. The 60:40 split rear seats add versatility when you need to haul something bulky.
The cabin offers genuinely usable storage for all your daily carry junk. From the decently sized glovebox to the generous door pockets that actually fit water bottles bigger than 500ml, it’s clear Hyundai’s designers actually use cars themselves rather than just drawing pretty pictures. And with a 37-liter fuel tank, you won’t be on first-name terms with your local petrol pump attendant either.
Safety Tech That Brings Peace Of Mind
In an era where manufacturers often treat safety as an optional extra, the Exter S delivers where it matters. Six airbags come standard – that’s front, side, and curtain protection for front passengers. Not as an expensive add-on or restricted to the range-topper. Standard.
The electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, and hill-start assist work seamlessly in the background, giving you confidence on dodgy surfaces without feeling like they’re wrestling control away from you. With a decent 185mm ground clearance, those monsoon-flooded roads won’t have you sweating bullets either.
Styling That Stands Out
The Exter’s design manages to look distinctly SUV-ish despite its tiny dimensions. That parametric front grille gives it a face that stands out in a sea of copycat designs, while the proportions actually work – unlike some competitors that look like hatchbacks with a lift kit and some plastic cladding slapped on.
Available in six colors (Atlas White, Fiery Red, Ranger Khaki, Starry Night, Titan Grey and Cosmic Blue), there’s something for every taste. The 15-inch wheels with their dual-tone covers on the S Smart variant add a touch of visual interest without looking like they’re trying too hard.
Hyundai Exter S 2025 After-Sales Support That Actually Matters
Hyundai’s latest move – a nationwide Monsoon Service Camp running till July 20 – shows they understand that selling you a car is just the beginning of the relationship. The camp offers Exter owners a free full vehicle inspection plus discounts up to 15 percent on value-added services.
Smart timing too, what with monsoon season turning roads into impromptu swimming pools. Those free checks on critical components like wipers, brakes, and lights might seem trivial, but they’re exactly the bits that decide whether you make it home safely during a torrential downpour or end up as another statistic.
For budget-conscious buyers who refuse to settle for “just basic transportation,” the 2025 Hyundai Exter S and new S Smart variant represent perhaps the smartest choices in the sub-4 meter segment. In a market flooded with compromised offerings that cut corners in all the wrong places, Hyundai’s little SUV focuses on the stuff that actually matters in day-to-day ownership. No wonder it’s been flying off showroom floors faster than dealerships can get them in.