2026 Hyundai Exter Facelift India Launch Soon: Key Details and Expected Changes
Hyundai is preparing to refresh its popular micro SUV, the Hyundai Exter, with a new facelifted model expected to arrive in India soon. Spotted testing multiple times in recent months, the 2026 Exter facelift aims to maintain its strong presence in the competitive sub-compact SUV segment against rivals like the Tata Punch and Maruti Fronx.
Familiar Exterior with Strategic Updates
The latest spy shots of the heavily camouflaged test vehicle suggest that the 2026 Exter will retain much of its original silhouette. Key exterior elements like the grille, headlamp clusters, and tail-lamp signatures appear largely unchanged.
The test unit featured R14 steel wheels and lacked roof rails, indicating that Hyundai is actively testing base variants—likely the EX or EX(O) trims. The micro SUV will continue to feature muscular wheel arch cladding to preserve its rugged, SUV-inspired stance. While the overall exterior design remains familiar, minor revisions to the bumper profiles are expected once the camouflage is removed.
Interior and Feature Enhancements
While the exterior remains a subtle evolution, the cabin is set for a more significant overhaul to enhance the user experience. Key expected interior updates include:
- Infotainment & Tech: A larger infotainment touchscreen system and updated graphics for the digital instrument cluster.
- Connectivity: Upgraded connected car features for improved functionality.
- Comfort Features: Possible introduction of ventilated front seats, rear sunshades, and front/rear armrests to improve long-distance comfort.
- Cabin Aesthetics: Refreshed interior color themes and improved materials throughout the dashboard and upholstery.
Safety and Powertrain Specifications
The current Exter is already recognized for its safety, offering six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), hill start assist (HAC), and a built-in dashcam as standard or available features. The facelifted version could potentially introduce more advanced driver assistance features to further strengthen its safety rating.
Under the hood, the 2026 Exter is expected to carry over its reliable 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine.
- Petrol Performance: 83 PS of power and 113.8 Nm of torque, paired with either a 5-speed manual or a Smart Auto AMT transmission.
- CNG Option: A bi-fuel petrol + CNG variant will remain available, producing 69 PS and 95.2 Nm of torque, mated exclusively to a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Expected Price and Competition
The current Hyundai Exter is priced between Rs 5.64 lakh and Rs 8.85 lakh (ex-showroom). Given the anticipated tech upgrades and feature additions, a slight price increase across the variant lineup is likely for the facelifted model.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the engine options for the 2026 Hyundai Exter facelift? The Exter facelift is expected to continue with the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and the bi-fuel petrol + CNG option.
2. Will the 2026 Hyundai Exter get a new design? The overall design will remain familiar to the current model, though minor tweaks to the bumpers and updated interior materials are expected.
3. What new features are expected in the Exter facelift? Potential new features include a larger infotainment system, ventilated front seats, rear sunshades, and upgraded connected car technology.
4. Which cars will the 2026 Exter compete with? It will continue to rival micro SUVs and sub-compact cars like the Tata Punch and Maruti Fronx.
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