Hyundai is planning to launch the new Exter crossover in South Africa within the next three months.
Stanley Anderson, the sales and operations director of Hyundai Automotive South Africa, confirmed to TopAuto at the recent launch of the facelifted i20 that the Exter will arrive in South Africa this September.
What to expect
The Exter will serve as Hyundai’s new entry-level SUV when it lands in South Africa later this year.
It is an A-segment vehicle that is smaller in size than the current base crossover – the Venue – which will be reflected with a lower price tag.
While the final pricing will only be announced closer to the car’s launch, Anderson confirmed that the Exter will compete with the likes of the Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger, which are two of the most popular and affordable SUVs in the country.
2023 Indian-spec Hyundai Exter
As a point of reference, the Magnite currently starts at R240,000 while the Kiger goes for R249,999, so expect the Exter to retail for something similar come September.
In comparison, the Venue has a starting price of R309,900, so the Exter will likely undercut the former by around R50,000.
The budget SUV shares a platform with the Grand i10, which already pulls double duty as the carmaker’s entry-level hatchback and sedan in South Africa.
This is reflected in its proportions, as the Exter has the same wheelbase of 2,450mm and is the same length as the i10 hatchback at 3,815mm, though it is a little wider and taller at 1,710mm and 1,631mm, respectively.
Hyundai has yet to disclose the engines and equipment for the newcomer, but it is anticipated that it will be powered by the same 1.2-litre, naturally-aspirated petrol block found in the Grand i10, which produces 61kW and 114Nm.
Similarly, it should have access to either a five-speed manual or automated manual transmission (AMT).
In its home market of India, the Exter also comes with a variety of kit including keyless entry, an 8.0-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic aircon, a wireless charging pad, and a leather multifunction steering wheel.
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