Hyundai has continued its global expansion by introducing the India-made Exter to the South African market. This move strengthens Hyundai’s growing international presence, as the Exter becomes the eighth model exported from India to South Africa. The launch demonstrates Hyundai Motor India’s (HMIL) commitment to providing cutting-edge vehicles to consumers worldwide. By exporting cars from its Indian production facilities, Hyundai positions itself as a key player in both domestic and global markets.
Hyundai’s Strong Global Footprint
Hyundai has consistently focused on expanding its global footprint. The launch of the Exter in South Africa aligns with the company’s strategy to penetrate more international markets. Notably, Hyundai has shipped 996 units of the Exter to South Africa in the first batch alone. The prices for the Exter range between R 269,600 and R 334,900 (approximately Rs 12.97 lakh to Rs 16 lakh). By tapping into the South African market, Hyundai ensures that its vehicles appeal to a broad range of consumers, providing them with affordable yet feature-rich options.
Additionally, Hyundai’s export strategy is not new. The company has been exporting vehicles to South Africa for 20 years. In fact, Hyundai first began exports to this region in 2004, marking two decades of international trade and collaboration. Over time, Hyundai has built a reputation for delivering reliable, innovative vehicles to South Africa, contributing to the brand’s strong market presence.
Key Features That Set the Exter Apart
Hyundai designed the Exter to stand out in a highly competitive market. First, the vehicle comes packed with several features that enhance both its aesthetics and functionality. On the exterior, the Exter boasts projector headlights paired with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs). These features not only enhance the car’s appearance but also provide better visibility on the road. The vehicle’s stylish alloy wheels, rugged cladding, and roof rails further boost its appeal, giving it a sporty yet refined look.
Inside the cabin, Hyundai ensures that the Exter delivers a premium experience. The car includes a modern touchscreen infotainment system, which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This connectivity feature makes it easy for drivers to sync their devices and enjoy entertainment on the go. Additionally, the Exter includes automatic climate control, ensuring that passengers stay comfortable regardless of external weather conditions. Hyundai also leads the segment by offering an electric sunroof, which adds a luxurious touch.
A standout feature of the Exter is the dual-camera dash cam. This feature, another first in its segment, records real-time footage from both the front and rear of the car. This safety feature not only aids in accident documentation but also enhances overall driving security.
Performance and Powertrain Options
Hyundai equips the Exter with a 1.2-litre petrol engine, which delivers 82 bhp of maximum power and 113.8 Nm of torque. This engine ensures that the Exter strikes a balance between power and fuel efficiency, making it an ideal choice for both city driving and long journeys. The vehicle also offers two transmission options: a 5-speed manual transmission (MT) and an automated manual transmission (AMT). The AMT version includes a segment-first paddle shifter, allowing drivers to shift gears more seamlessly and enjoy a sportier driving experience.
The Exter’s performance makes it a versatile vehicle that appeals to a variety of consumers. Whether for daily commutes or long road trips, the Exter delivers smooth, reliable performance, ensuring that drivers enjoy every journey.
Hyundai’s Extensive Lineup for South Africa
With the launch of the Exter, Hyundai continues to diversify its product lineup in South Africa. The Exter joins a range of models that Hyundai already exports to the country, including the Grand i10, Nios, Aura, i20, N Line, Venue, and Alcazar. All of these models, including the Exter, are produced at Hyundai’s factory in Tamil Nadu, India. The success of these models highlights Hyundai’s commitment to quality and innovation, ensuring that consumers in South Africa have access to world-class vehicles.
By continuously expanding its lineup, Hyundai meets the needs of various consumer segments, from compact cars to premium SUVs. This diverse portfolio allows Hyundai to maintain a competitive edge in both the Indian and South African markets.
Exter’s Success in India
The Exter’s journey began in India, where it was launched in July 2023. Since then, the vehicle has enjoyed impressive demand in the domestic market. By December 2023, Hyundai had already received 1 lakh bookings for the Exter, indicating its popularity among Indian consumers. The car’s stylish design, advanced features, and strong performance have contributed to its widespread appeal.
Hyundai recently announced that it has crossed 1 lakh sales of the Exter, reinforcing its status as one of the brand’s top-performing models in India. This success demonstrates the Exter’s ability to meet consumer expectations and highlights the potential for similar success in South Africa.
Conclusion
The India-made Hyundai Exter’s launch in South Africa marks another milestone in Hyundai’s global strategy. By exporting feature-rich, high-quality vehicles to international markets, Hyundai continues to solidify its reputation as a leader in the automotive industry. The Exter’s stylish design, advanced features, and reliable performance make it a strong contender in both the Indian and South African markets. With its successful entry into South Africa, the Exter promises to further elevate Hyundai’s global presence, ensuring that the brand remains at the forefront of automotive innovation. read more iPhone 16 Series sets India sales record on day one.
