New Hyundai Exter revealed – And it’s coming to South Africa

Hyundai has taken the covers off the facelifted Exter, which is coming to South Africa later this year.

The Exter is a small crossover manufactured in India, serving as one of the brand’s most affordable vehicles alongside the Grand i10 hatchback and sedan.

The current version was unveiled in India in 2023 before making its South African debut a year later. It has proven to be a big hit with consumers, selling hundreds of units per month.

Now, the carmaker has revealed the updated model, showcasing a number of subtle visual improvements.

Hyundai confirmed to Cars.co.za that the new Exter is coming to South Africa, though it’ll be quite the wait, as it is only scheduled to appear in December 2026, or possibly early 2027.

What we know so far

Since it’s a facelift and not a new generation, the changes to the Exter are mainly cosmetic.

The platform is unchanged, and the crossover is expected to retain its existing 1.2-litre, four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine.

This is the same powerplant used by the top-selling Grand i10, which produces 61kW and 114Nm.

It is front-wheel-drive, and buyers can choose between a five-speed manual gearbox or a five-speed automated manual transmission (AMT).

Visually, the car has a new front end with a simplified grille and an updated silver bumper that curves around the lower grille to meet the square fog lamp surrounds on either side.

The black wheel arch mouldings appear to be more prominent on the new version as well, likely to emphasis its compact SUV status.

It also has a fresh set of 15-inch alloy wheels, though it remains to be seen whether the entry-level models in South Africa will still be fitted with steel rims.

The back is mostly unchanged with identical taillight clusters, though it has a more prominent rear bumper.

It’s the interior that seems to have been given the biggest makeover, as the infotainment screen and surrounding buttons have been modernised to more closely resemble Hyundai’s other recent cars.

Likewise, there’s a new set of controls for the automatic air conditioning, and the cabin has swapped its plan black aesthetic for a new two-tone effect with blue and white surfaces.

There’s even a few sporty additions reminiscient of what you’d find on the brand’s performance models, as the Indian crossover is shown with aluminium sports pedals and a flat-bottom multifunction steering wheel.

It’s possible that these additions may be reserved for a new top-spec N Line derivative, similar to what we’ve seen with the i20, though this may be unlikely considering the price bracket the Exter competes in.

On that note, the current Exter is available in five specifications with prices ranging from R268,900 to R334,900, and while the facelifted version is sure to cost more, it shouldn’t be a massive jump compared to what we have now.

More information about the new Hyundai Exter will be announced closer to its South African launch window at the end of the year.

2026 Hyundai Exter