Hyundai Exter Prototype
The prototype of the Exter was spotted in the international market recently

Hyundai Exter is the official name of Ai3 compact SUV

Hyundai India has announced the nomenclature of their upcoming compact/mini/micro/small SUV/Crossover, it is called Hyundai Exter.

It is codenamed Ai3 internally and will be based on the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios platform – K1 platform. The South Korean carmaker will position it under the Venue.

According to Hyundai, the Exter nomenclature symbolises outdoors, travel and leisure. While it is definitely not going to be an off-roader, the carmaker is following a similar strategy seen with the Tata Punch.

In terms of design we can expect a tall and upright stance with a high ground clearance on offer. Styling details might be inspired by the elder SUV siblings of Hyundai. The interior is expected to be optimised for maximum room.

It will be powered by a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. There will be no turbo petrol on offer and of course no diesel engine option too. It will share most of its mechanicals with the Grand i10 NIOS.

We expect Hyundai to commence production of the Exter by July and launch it within a month. The main rival is going to be the Tata Punch.