The Hyundai Exter’s Boxy And Upright And Styling Will Make It The Perfect Tata Punch Rival

• Hyundai Exter teased, based on carmaker’s Sensuous Sportiness design language.

• Teaser hints at boxy upright silhouette and squarish styling elements.

• Overall styling looks similar to the spied test mules.

• Could get a large touchscreen, sunroof and wireless phone charger as part of the features list.

• Prices could start from around Rs 6 lakh onwards.

Looks like it isn’t much longer until Hyundai completely reveals its new SUV, the Exter. Its exterior styling has been dropped via a design sketch teaser, giving us the first dekko at the car. The sketch reveals a very similar design to the test mule that was spotted on previous occasions and here’s everything we have deciphered so far:

Edgy-boxy styling

The teaser gives us a look at the front fascia of the upcoming Exter and everything looks edgy and boxy. The main headlights that flank the parametric-grille get a rectangular housing. The LED DRLs above it have a H-shaped insignia. You can even see roof rails and heavy dual-tone cladding on the lower front bumper that give it a beefy look.

Then there are the flared wheel arches, both front and rear, also incorporating a squarish-shape. Not much can be seen on the sides and nothing at the rear, but you can expect a upright stance if the spy shots are anything to go by.

Expected features

Note: Grand i10 Nios' cabin used for reference

One of the older papped images of the Exter revealed a sunroof on the vehicle, so that is one possible creature comfort that could be offered. Apart from that, it could get a digitised driver’s display a la Venue and i20, automatic climate control, a large touchscreen system, cruise control, and connected car tech.

Safety features are likely to include up to six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seat mounts and a reversing camera with parking sensors.

Powertrain possibilities 

 The Hyundai Exter could get the i10 Nios’ 1.2-litre petrol engine (83PS/114Nm) with the same five-speed MT and five-speed AMT options. A 1-litre turbo-petrol unit could well be on the cards, but there's no confirmation on that front just yet. A CNG kit could be offered post the micro-SUVs launch.

Price and rivals

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The Hyundai Exter’s retail pricing could start from somewhere around the Rs 6 lakh (ex-showroom) mark, and its styling and size will make it the perfect rival for the Tata Punch. It will also be an alternative to the likes of the Maruti Ignis and Citroen C3.