Hyundai Exter HX10 AT: First Impressions

I recently took a close look at the 2026 Hyundai Exter in its fully loaded top-spec variant, the HX10 AT.

Priced at around Rs 9.42 lakh (ex-showroom), it brings a refreshed design, strong feature list and the familiar 1.2-litre petrol engine paired only with the AMT gearbox.

Here’s what stood out on first impressions.

Exterior Design

The facelifted Exter looks more modern and SUV-like than before, borrowing obvious inspiration from its bigger sibling, the Venue.

Up front, the HX10 gets a large black radiator grille, bi-function projector headlights and LED daytime running lamps that give it a sharper face. Silver skid plates add a bit of ruggedness.

From the side, you see 15-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, wheel-arch cladding, roof rails and LED turn indicators on the body-coloured ORVMs.

At the rear, LED tail lamps, a wing-type spoiler and a shark-fin antenna complete the package.

The overall stance is tall and boxy, helped by the 185 mm ground clearance, and it stands out nicely in the micro-SUV crowd.

Also Read - 2026 Hyundai Exter Every Variant Explained
 

Interior

Step inside and the dual-tone navy and grey cabin with a 3D carbon-pattern dashboard feels fresh and upmarket for this price.

The HX10 uses semi-fabric seat upholstery that looks neat and should be easy to live with. Exclusive to this top variant are the metal pedals that give a sporty touch, along with a leather-wrapped D-cut steering wheel and gear knob, footwell lighting and a folding driver’s armrest.

The 8-inch HD touchscreen comes with onboard navigation, OTA updates and Hyundai Bluelink connected car tech (including roof-mounted SOS buttons). Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay work via an adapter.

Other convenience features include an automatic climate control with rear AC vents, wireless phone charger, cooled glovebox, cruise control, paddle shifters, keyless entry, push-button start, automatic headlights and rear wiper with washer.

Front seats offer decent support and a height-adjustable driver’s seat. Rear space is good for two adults thanks to the tall roof and 2450 mm wheelbase, three across is possible for short trips. The single pane sunroof lets in additional light, improving the airy feel in the cabin.

Material quality is typical Hyundai: solid, well-finished and premium for this price point, and built to last. Everything feels thoughtfully laid out for daily use.

Boot space is a practical 391 litres, which is among the best in the segment, and the rear seat folds to free up extra luggage space.

Engine and Performance

The HX10 AT is powered by the proven 1.2-litre four cylinder Kappa petrol engine that produces 82 bhp and 114 Nm of torque.

The Exter remains one of the few cars in this segment to get a four cylinder. Thanks to this, its cabin remains nearly silent at idle and does not get annoyingly loud even when you push the engine to higher revs or while cruising at high speeds. This is something its rivals with three-cylinder engines just cannot match.

It is paired exclusively with a 5-speed AMT, with paddle shifters, which let you take manual control when needed, especially useful on highways or while overtaking.

The AMT is engineered mainly for easy city driving. It removes the need for a clutch pedal, which is a big relief in stop-and-go traffic. Gear shifts are generally smooth once you are moving, though like most AMTs it can feel a bit hesitant or jerky at very low speeds if you are not gentle with the throttle. Overall it is refined enough for daily use and pairs well with the flexible four-cylinder engine.

ARAI claims around 19.2 km/l for the automatic. Real-world figures from similar Exter models usually settle in the 13-16 km/l range in mixed city and highway driving, depending on traffic and AC use.

Expect stress-free city manners and decent highway capability with up to four passengers and their luggage. We will update with full driving impressions once we get proper time behind the wheel.

Also Read - 2023 Hyundai Exter Ownership Review After 30,000 Kilometers: A Comprehensive Long-Term Test
 

Safety

Safety equipment on the Exter is solid.

The HX10 AT comes with six airbags as standard, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), hill-hold assist, tyre-pressure monitoring system (TPMS), rear parking sensors and camera, ISOFIX child-seat anchors, 3-point seatbelts for all passengers and an in-built dashcam.

However, unlike its closest Tata rivals, there are no published BNCAP or GNCAP crash test results for this car, which does not inspire much confidence.

Competition

The Exter directly competes with the Tata Punch and Citroen C3, specifically their 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol variants. It also indirectly rivals the Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, and Maruti Fronx.

The Hyundai stands out among these rivals on several fronts, including its four-cylinder engine, premium cabin and quality of interiors, generous boot space, and the feature-rich top automatic variant.

Also Read - 2026 Tata Punch VS Hyundai Exter: Which Micro SUV Should You Buy?
 

Should You Buy One?

If you want a feature-packed automatic micro-SUV under Rs 10 lakh, the Exter HX10 AT makes a lot of sense.

It gives you a sunroof, connected navigation, strong safety kit and practical space in a compact, easy-to-drive package. The price premium over the HX8 is noticeable, and some buyers may find the mid variants better value, but if you want the fully loaded experience with all the bells and whistles, this is the one to go for.

It is ideal for city commuting and occasional weekend trips. Hyundai’s service network is another practical plus.

Once we drive it properly we will share more on ride quality, refinement and real-world numbers, but on paper and first impressions, the HX10 AT already looks like a complete and convenient daily car.