The Exter runs on Hyundai's 1.2-litre Kappa four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 82 hp at 6,000 rpm and 113.8 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. It's paired with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a Smart Auto AMT.

Expanding on these powertrain choices, a bi-fuel Hy-CNG Duo variant pairs the same engine with factory-fitted CNG hardware. In CNG mode, outputs drop to 68 hp and 95.2 Nm, a standard trade-off with CNG, as the fuel burns at lower pressure than petrol. Because of this specific setup, the CNG variant is only available with a 5-speed manual, meaning the AMT option is exclusive to the petrol-only versions.

The Exter's petrol variants carry a 37-litre fuel tank. The Hy-CNG Duo bi-fuel variant retains the same 37-litre petrol capacity and adds a CNG cylinder rated at 60 litres in water equivalent, the standard unit used to measure CNG storage by comparative volume.

Translating these capacities into range, the standard petrol engine achieves an official 19.4 kmpl, while opting for the AMT yields a closely matched 19.2 kmpl. For buyers prioritizing maximum efficiency, the factory-fitted CNG manual variant extends those figures significantly, boasting an ARAI-certified return of 27.1 km/kg.

However, as with all official ratings, real-world fuel economy will vary based on driving conditions, traffic, vehicle load, and individual driving style.

The Exter's cabin gets a digital instrument cluster with a colour TFT display across all variants. Moving up the range, higher variants add an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and top variants get an HD version of this screen paired with Bluelink connected car tech, which includes over-the-air updates for maps and infotainment.

For comfort, climate control with a digital display, rear AC vents, and a wireless phone charger are available on select variants.

Storage is covered with front and rear door map pockets throughout the range, a passenger seat-back pocket, and a USB Type-C fast charger on most variants. A cooled glovebox and rear wiper and washer appear on upper variants.

Lastly, seat upholstery progresses from fabric on entry variants to fabric-leatherette combinations on mid and higher ones.

The Exter measures 3,815 mm long, 1,710 mm wide, and up to 1,631 mm tall with roof rails fitted, over a 2,450 mm wheelbase. Across this footprint, the design leans into SUV styling cues – black painted roof rails, front and rear skid plates, a black painted radiator grille, and C-pillar garnish.

Complementing these elements, a black painted rear spoiler and shark-fin antenna feature on select and higher variants.

As for lighting, LED taillamps are standard across the range, along with LED daytime running lamps and bi-function projector headlamps, units that handle both low and high beam from a single lamp, arrive on higher variants.

Rounding out the exterior, wheels range from steel units on entry variants to diamond-cut or black painted alloys at the top, with 15-inch tyres on most of the lineup.

The Exter fits six airbags, across driver, passenger, side, and curtain as standard across every variant in the lineup.

Complementing this, ABS (anti-lock braking system, which prevents wheel lock-up under hard braking) with EBD (electronic brake-force distribution) is also universal. ESC (Electronic stability control), HAC (hill start assist), and VSM (vehicle stability management) are available from select variants upwards.

Broadening this safety suite, other fitted safety equipment includes rear parking sensors on all variants, a rear camera on select variants, TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring), ISOFIX child seat anchors, seat belt pretensioners and load limiters for both front occupants, a high-speed alert system, emergency stop signal, and an immobilizer throughout the range.

However, despite these extensive active and passive features, no Bharat NCAP or Global NCAP crash test results for the car are currently available.

The Exter has a few close competitors in its segment, namely Tata Punch, and Maruti Suzuki FRONX.

The Exter holds an edge in build quality, interior fit and finish, AMT tuning, and boot space, while the Punch counters with a better audio system and a more established sales record in the segment.

FRONX returns superior claimed fuel efficiency figures and offers a turbo-petrol engine option that the Exter does not. The Exter responds with a more comprehensive standard safety net and Bluelink connectivity on top variants.