Hyundai Exter brings SUV attitude to compact car practicality

The Citizen

01-07-2025

At first glance, the Hyundai Exter might seem like a Grand i10 wearing hiking boots – and that's not too far off. Under the skin, the Exter shares its platform and mechanical bones with the Grand i10, but its styling, packaging and positioning mean it's aimed at a different kind of buyer in South Africa.
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Hyundai didn't just give the Exter a plastic cladding and call it a day. No, it stretched the Grand i10 formula into the small crossover space, answering a question many buyers may have been asking: 'Can I get something compact, efficient and spacious that doesn't look like a rental car?'
Design: Inside-out
Let's start with the looks. The Exter leans heavily into crossover styling cues, with square lines, exaggerated wheel arches, roof rails and upright lighting elements. Compared with the hatchback's softer curves and the sedan's more subdued shape, the Exter appears chunkier and more SUV-like, even though it's not much bigger. The boomerang LED daytime running lights, H-shaped elements, and plastic body cladding aren't just for show – they give it presence. In contrast, the Grand i10 hatch is friendlier and more youthful, while the sedan plays it safe and practical.
Inside, the Exter builds on the Grand i10's foundation but brings a few surprises. The basic layout is familiar – touchscreen infotainment, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, manual aircon – but the Exter feels more upmarket in how it uses space and materials (even though plastic is abundant). The higher seating position gives drivers better visibility, and there's a sense of more headroom and width thanks to the boxier shape. Like the hatch and sedan, the Exter offers rear air vents, USB ports, and split-folding rear seats on higher trims, but it feels slightly more premium in execution, particularly in its cabin colour themes.
In our initial impressions of the little crossover, we noted:
'The Exter has a big role in enhancing Hyundai's local portfolio. In taking over from the Venue as the automaker's most affordable crossover, it must convince potential buyers of its prowess. The eye-catching price point will draw in consumers, but how the buying public reacts to the overt use of plastic will be key.'
Size compared to siblings
Dimensionally, the differences are subtle but meaningful. The Exter has a slightly longer wheelbase and sits taller than the Grand i10 hatch, which improves rear seat comfort and boot access. At 3 815mm long, it's a tad shorter than the sedan (3 995mm) but more upright, which means more usable interior space in a smaller footprint. It rides higher off the ground, too – an important consideration for rural or less-than-perfect urban roads in South Africa. That extra ride height gives the crossover the advantage over speed bumps and gravel, something the low-slung Grand i10 hatchback and sedan sometimes need a more gracious hand for when crossing.
In summary
So, where exactly does the Exter slot in? It doesn't replace the Grand i10 – instead, it builds on it. Think of it as the adventurous sibling in a sensible family. The Grand i10 hatchback still makes perfect sense for city drivers looking for efficiency and value in a small footprint. The sedan adds more boot space and a slightly more grown-up appeal. The Exter, however, adds some flair and versatility for those who want SUV looks without SUV costs.
Importantly, Hyundai hasn't priced the crossover out of reach. Its value proposition is strong, and for many buyers, the newcomer will feel like a more substantial car without asking for much more money than a top-spec Grand i10. And that's the point.
Hyundai Exter pricing
Exter 1.2 Premium MT – R269 900
Exter 1.2 Executive MT – R289 900
Exter 1.2 Premium AT – R294 900
Exter 1.2 Executive AT – R314 900
Exter 1.2 Elite AT – R334 900
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The post Where the Hyundai Exter Fits in the Grand i10 Line-Up appeared first on CAR Magazine.
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