Hyundai Exter

The Hyundai Exter is the brand's smallest SUV, slotted below the Venue to take on the Tata Punch in India's busy micro-SUV space. It pairs a tall, boxy stance and SUV-style cladding with a 1.2-litre petrol that also comes in factory CNG form. Inside, it leans on features rarely seen this low in the market, including a sunroof and a dashcam, making it a value-led choice for first-time buyers.

On the road, the Exter feels best suited to the city, which is exactly where most owners will use it. The 1.2-litre petrol is smooth and willing at low speeds, and light steering plus a tight turning circle make it easy to thread through traffic and squeeze into parking spots. Push harder onto the highway and the engine starts to feel stretched, especially when fully loaded, so overtakes need planning. The optional AMT automatic is convenient but has the typical head-nod between shifts, while the 5-speed manual is the sweeter pick for keen drivers.

Ride quality is a strong point. The tall profile and generously cushioned suspension soak up broken roads and speed breakers well, and the high seating position gives a commanding view that buyers in this segment love. There is some body roll through quick corners, but it never feels alarming at sensible speeds. The CNG variant trades a little boot space and outright punch for genuinely low running costs, which makes it a smart buy for high-mileage city users who can live with the reduced flexibility.

The cabin is where the Exter justifies its SUV pricing. You get a clean dashboard, an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control, a sunroof, and a built-in dashcam with dual storage. Space up front is good and the boot is usable, though three adults across the rear bench will find shoulder room tight on longer trips. Material quality is acceptable for the price, with hard plastics in places, but the layout feels modern and everything is easy to reach.

Safety is a genuine highlight. Six airbags are standard across the range, and the Exter scored a strong result in Bharat NCAP crash testing, giving buyers reassurance that was once reserved for pricier cars. Electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and a rear camera further sweeten the package, so the Exter is not just cheap, it is also sensibly equipped to keep you safe.