New Delhi:
In the dynamic landscape of today’s automotive industry, hatchbacks are becoming a thing of the past, with SUVs gaining preference among consumers.
Recognizing this shift, Hyundai, the second-largest car manufacturer in the country,
has expanded its portfolio to include more SUVs and crossovers.
Among its lineup, the i20, Creta, and Venue have garnered significant popularity in the mass market.
However, Hyundai’s latest offering, the Exeter, stands out as an affordable entry-level SUV that rivals the i20 in terms of pricing.
Competitive Pricing
While the Hyundai i20 boasts a starting price of Rs 7.04 lakh, reaching up to Rs 11.21 lakh for the top model (ex-showroom),
the Exeter comes with a more budget-friendly price tag, ranging from Rs 6.13 lakh to Rs 10.28 lakh (ex-showroom) for the top model.
Remarkably,
both the base and top models of the Exeter are cheaper than their counterparts in the i20 lineup.
Engine, Transmission, and Impressive Mileage
Under the hood, the Exeter is powered by a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, offering 83PS/114Nm on petrol and 69PS/95Nm on CNG.
It provides versatility with options for both 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT gearboxes in the petrol version, while the petrol-CNG variant is equipped with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Notably, the Exeter delivers exceptional mileage,
offering up to 19.4kmpl on petrol and an impressive 27.1km/kg on CNG.
Feature-Rich Offering
Loaded with features, the Exeter sets itself apart as a micro SUV designed to cater to modern needs.
It boasts an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 4.2-inch digital driver display with MID, wireless phone charger, sunroof, automatic climate control,
cruise control, dash cam with dual cameras, and a comprehensive safety suite including 6 airbags,
ABS with EBD, ESC, VSM, and hill hold assist.
Competition and Market Presence
In the competitive market landscape, the Exeter faces rivals such as the Tata Punch and Maruti Ignis.
Despite stiff competition, the Exeter’s feature-packed offering and affordability make it a compelling choice for consumers seeking a versatile and value-driven SUV.
However, it contends with the popularity of the Tata Punch in particular, which enjoys higher sales figures in the market.
With its blend of affordability, impressive mileage, and feature-rich design,
the Hyundai Exeter emerges as a formidable contender in the micro SUV segment, poised to meet the evolving preferences of today’s consumers.
