Looking for the best budget cars, or value for money cars in India? Today, we look at the compact SUV Hyundai Exter and its variants, and find out which of these is ideal for a budget-conscious car buyer.
In this article, we will discuss
- What a budget-conscious buyer looks for in a car
- Hyundai Exter – a comprehensive analysis of its variants, features, affordability, and fuel efficiency
- How to pick the right car for you
As far as the best budget compact SUVs in India go, the Hyundai Exter is affordably priced and is quite well-equipped for its price, too. Besides, it has been praised for its user-friendliness and smooth powertrains.
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What a Budget-conscious buyer looks for in a car
A budget-conscious buyer should look for these in a car:
- Affordability – a car should be affordable, and have low maintenance costs
- Fuel efficiency – The car shouldn’t guzzle fuel
- Safety features – Essential safety features are a must in a car
- Brand perception – Is the brand of the car known for its wide service network, after sales service, etc.
- Resale value – The car should fetch good resale rates
A budget-conscious buyer primarily seeks value for money. This means prioritizing fuel efficiency, essential safety features, and durability.
They may be willing to compromise on premium features or the latest gadgets, but not on core functionality. Reliability, low maintenance costs, and a decent resale value are other considerations. They also value transparent pricing without hidden costs.
Lastly, the aesthetics of the car, while secondary, can’t be completely ignored as even budget buyers appreciate a touch of style.
Why Hyundai Exter is Popular
The Hyundai Exter stands out as an ideal choice for budget-conscious buyers because of its competitive pricing, positioned between Rs 6 lakh and Rs 10 lakh. It caters to those who yearn for an SUV without exhausting their finances.
The Exter’s SUV characteristics, such as the flat bonnet and elevated stance, combined with its expansive features list, appeal to a wider audience. Its compact size, with a surprisingly spacious cabin, provides practicality for city drives and long trips. Leveraging the same platform as the reliable Grand i10 Nios further enhances its reputation.
Moreover, Hyundai’s offering of both manual and automated manual transmissions, as well as a petrol-CNG powertrain, provides options for varied buyer preferences.
Hyundai Exter Variants Shortlist in Rs 6-8 Lakh Range
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 18 August 2023 |
| S | ₹727,000 |
| S AMT | ₹797,000 |
| SX | ₹800,000 |
Hyundai Exter S
At ₹727,000, the Exter S is the cheapest variant on our list, and offers impressive attributes like ABS, 6 airbags, and a petrol engine providing 19.4 kmpl city mileage. It combines essential safety features with convenience like a touchscreen LCD, power steering, and front power windows, ensuring the budget-conscious buyer doesn’t miss out on basics. If you’re a first-time car buyer, you can read our comparison of the Exter with Tata Punch.
Hyundai Exter S AMT
Priced slightly higher at ₹797,000, the S AMT variant brings automated manual transmission into the mix. This not only offers convenience for city drivers but also includes rear power windows and all attributes of the Exter S, providing an enhanced driving experience for those willing to invest a bit more without breaking the bank. We have also compared the Exter with Hyundai i20 for tech-savvy gadget lovers.
Hyundai Exter SX
With a tag of ₹800,000, the SX doesn’t differ much in price from the S AMT but opts for a manual transmission. Its feature list closely matches the other two variants, making it a contender for those who prefer manual drive without a price hike. If you’re safety-conscious, check out how the Exter fares against Citroen C3.
Our Pick for the Best Hyundai Exter variant for Budget-conscious buyers
The best Hyundai Exter variant for a budget-conscious buyer would undoubtedly be the Hyundai Exter S. This base variant provides a balance of price, performance, safety, and necessary features.
At ₹727,000, it is the most affordable car variant on our list in the compact SUV segment, and provides the safety assurance of ABS and 6 airbags, vital for any buyer.
With a petrol engine offering an efficient 19.4 kmpl in the city, running costs are kept minimal. The inclusion of power steering, front power windows, and an LCD touchscreen ensures a comfortable drive without the excess frills.
Its essence captures what a budget-conscious buyer seeks: cost-efficiency without compromising on safety or essential features.
The 3 Variants Ranked
- Hyundai Exter S
- Hyundai Exter S AMT
- Hyundai Exter SX
| Attributes (P0) | Hyundai Exter S | Hyundai Exter S AMT | Hyundai Exter SX |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Airbags (number) | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| City Mileage (kmpl) | 19.4 | 19.2 | 19.4 |
| Power Steering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Windows – Front | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- Hyundai Exter S is the top choice for its value for money proposition.
- Hyundai Exter S AMT comes next, ideal for those looking for automated convenience without a significant price jump.
- Lastly, Hyundai Exter SX finds its place for those leaning towards manual transmission but desiring the features of the S AMT.
These three variants fit within your budget, and exemplify affordability without forsaking essential attributes. They encapsulate the core qualities budget-conscious buyers search for, making the Hyundai Exter a prime consideration in its segment.
If you’re interested in reading more such guides to popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
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