Hyundai India is celebrating the first anniversary of its micro-SUV, the Grand i10 Nios-based Hyundai Exter, with the launch of a special edition variant – the Exter Knight Edition. Priced competitively starting at Rs. 8.38 lakh (ex-showroom), the Exter Knight Edition targets style-conscious buyers seeking an SUV with a bolder and more distinct look. Let’s delve into the details of this new offering and explore what it brings to the table.
Knight in Black Armor: The Exter Gets a Makeover
The most striking aspect of the Exter Knight Edition is its visual transformation. It departs from the standard Exter’s design language by embracing a predominantly blacked-out theme with contrasting red accents. This approach creates a more aggressive and sporty aesthetic, likely appealing to younger buyers.
Here’s a breakdown of the key visual changes:
- Dominant Black Exterior: The Exter Knight Edition ditches the standard variant’s vibrant color options for a more mysterious look. The dominant color scheme is black, encompassing the grille, roof rails, ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirrors), and door handles.
- Red Accents for Contrast: To complement the black exterior, Hyundai has incorporated red accents strategically. These include red highlights around the fog lamp enclosures, red lining on the front grille, and red colored brake calipers peeking out from behind the alloy wheels.
- New Color Options: While black takes center stage, the Exter Knight Edition offers a wider color palette compared to the standard variant. Buyers can choose from five monotone options (Starry Night, Atlas White, Ranger Khaki, Shadow Grey) and two dual-tone options (Ranger Khaki with Abyss Black roof, Shadow Grey with Abyss Black roof).
A Glimpse Inside: Expected Cabin Updates
While official details about the Exter Knight Edition’s interior are scarce, we can expect some changes to complement the exterior makeover. Here are some possibilities:
- Black Interior Theme: To maintain a cohesive look, the cabin might adopt a primarily black theme, potentially with black upholstery for the seats and contrasting red stitching for a sporty touch.
- Feature Carryover: The feature list is likely to be carried over from the top-spec SX and SX(O) variants of the standard Exter. This means features like an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, wireless charging, and a sunroof might still be offered.
Under the Hood: No Changes to the Powertrain
The Exter Knight Edition stays true to the formula of “what works, don’t change it” when it comes to the engine. It retains the proven 1.2-litre Kappa naturally aspirated petrol engine churning out 83 horsepower and 114 Nm of peak torque. This engine is paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or an automated manual transmission (AMT) gearbox, catering to different driving preferences.
This approach makes sense. The focus of the Exter Knight Edition is on aesthetics, and the existing powertrain offers a good balance between performance and fuel efficiency, which are crucial factors in the micro-SUV segment.
A Strategic Move: The Benefits of the Knight Edition
The launch of the Exter Knight Edition is a strategic move by Hyundai for several reasons:
- Boosting Sales: The special edition with its unique visual appeal can potentially attract new buyers to the Exter showroom, especially those seeking a sportier look. This can lead to a sales boost for the Exter, especially in a competitive micro-SUV segment.
- Enhancing Brand Image: The Exter Knight Edition portrays Hyundai’s design prowess and its ability to cater to diverse customer preferences. This can strengthen the brand’s image among younger buyers seeking stylish and distinctive vehicles.
- Building on the Momentum: The Exter Knight Edition arrives at a time when the standard Exter has already established itself in the market. This special edition can capitalize on the existing positive customer sentiment towards the Exter and further solidify its position.
Exter Knight Edition: A Worthy Contender?
The Exter Knight Edition enters a crowded micro-SUV segment brimming with established players like the Maruti Ignis, Tata Punch, and Mahindra KUV100 NXT. Here’s how it stacks up:
- Price: With a starting price of Rs. 8.38 lakh, the Exter Knight Edition positions itself competitively within the segment. The price premium over the standard Exter variant is around Rs. 15,000, which is justified considering the visual upgrades.
- Features: Assuming the feature list is carried over from the top-spec SX and SX(O) variants, the Exter Knight Edition offers a comprehensive feature package that matches or even surpasses some rivals.
- Style: The Exter Knight Edition’s biggest selling point is undoubtedly its bold and stylish design. The blacked-out theme with red accents makes it stand out in a segment often dominated by safer color choices. This unique aesthetic might be a game-changer for buyers prioritizing a head-turning appearance.
- However, the Exter Knight Edition also faces some challenges:
- Limited Powertrain Option: The decision to retain the existing 1.2-litre petrol engine might limit its appeal for buyers seeking more power, especially when some competitors offer turbocharged options.
- Competition: The micro-SUV segment is fiercely competitive, and established players have their loyal customer bases. The Exter Knight Edition will need to make a strong case for itself to win over buyers.
- Overall, the Exter Knight Edition presents a compelling proposition for style-conscious buyers in the micro-SUV segment. It offers a fresh aesthetic at a competitive price point, while retaining the practicality and features of the standard Exter. While the lack of a more powerful engine option might be a drawback for some, the Exter Knight Edition has the potential to carve out a niche for itself with its bold design language.
- Beyond the Knight Edition: The Future of the Hyundai Exter
- The launch of the Exter Knight Edition signifies Hyundai’s commitment to the micro-SUV segment and its confidence in the Exter’s potential. Here’s what we can expect in the coming years:
- More Feature Additions: As the segment gets more competitive, Hyundai might introduce additional features in future iterations of the Exter to stay ahead of the curve. This could include advanced driver-assistance systems, connected car technologies, and more premium interior materials.
- Exploring Alternative Fuel Options: With the growing focus on eco-friendly mobility solutions, Hyundai might consider introducing a hybrid or electric variant of the Exter in the future. This would not only cater to environmentally conscious buyers but also help the brand comply with upcoming emission regulations.
- Maintaining the Value Proposition: Balancing style, features, and affordability will be crucial for the Exter’s long-term success. Hyundai will likely continue to offer variants that cater to different budgets and preferences.
- The Exter Knight Edition marks a significant step for the Hyundai Exter. It injects a dose of style and individuality into the micro-SUV segment, making it a more attractive proposition for a wider range of buyers. With continued innovation and strategic planning, the Exter has the potential to establish itself as a frontrunner in this ever-evolving segment.
