The Fronx might exude a extra premium look, however can the Exter safe victory on this showdown with its intensive checklist of options? Let’s discover out…

In India, the desirability of proudly owning an SUV has elevated considerably over the previous few years. The form appeals to a variety of consumers because it seems to be rugged, provides good highway presence, and has a extra sensible floor clearance. 

Two mass-market examples are the Hyundai Exter and the Maruti Fronx. While the Hyundai Exter is a micro SUV that shares its underpinnings with the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, the Maruti Fronx is a crossover SUV primarily based on the Maruti Baleno. Although the Fronx is a much bigger and extra premium providing than the Exter, its Delta+ variant and the Exter’s SX (O) variant are equally priced, they usually additionally function the identical capability 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engines.

If you’ve a finances of Rs 10 lakh, which one is best fitted to you? We’ve in contrast them when it comes to house, practicality, and options to reply that query.

Looks

Before we start, let’s acknowledge the truth that each vehicles are primarily elevated hatchbacks. However, with regards to sporting a extra SUV-like look, the Exter takes the lead. Hyundai’s micro SUV boasts a standard boxy design, and its upright highway presence contributes to its SUV attraction. However, the headlight setup with H-shaped DRLs, and the rear LED rear lights that are once more related by a black strip with a parametric sample makes the Hyundai Exter too quirky for some folks.

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On the opposite hand, the Fronx doesn’t exude as a lot of an SUV vibe because the Exter, as an alternative leaning in direction of a crossover design. Elements comparable to aspect physique cladding and roof rails give it a extra rugged look than its hatchback counterpart, the Maruti Baleno. Furthermore, the Fronx’ design attracts appreciable inspiration from the Grand Vitara, which might doubtless be appreciated by many on account of its extra trendy attraction in comparison with the Exter. Another benefit the Fronx holds over the Exter is its bigger 16-inch wheels, in comparison with the 15-inchers on the Hyundai micro SUV.

In basic, the Exter can be extra interesting to those that favor a extra SUV-like stance. However, the design of the Hyundai Exter is considerably polarising on account of its quirky components. On the opposite hand, the Fronx boasts a extra upmarket and premium look, which is able to doubtless be appreciated by a broader viewers. 

Interior

The inside of the Hyundai Exter carefully resembles that of the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios. Compared to the Maruti Fronx, the Exter’s dashboard seems less complicated. Despite laborious plastics being utilised all through, the standard, match, and end are deemed acceptable at this value level.

On the opposite hand, the Fronx maintains its premium look on the within. It shares its inside with the Baleno, that includes a multi-layered dashboard design that imparts a extra upmarket really feel. In distinction to the Exter’s black inside, the Maruti crossover incorporates maroon inserts on the dashboard and door panels. Speaking of match and end, the Fronx additionally achieves comparable ranges of high quality.

Features

We are evaluating the SX (O) variant of the Exter with the Delta+ variant of the Fronx. Both fashions come outfitted with a touchscreen infotainment system supporting Android and Apple CarPlay, electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs, computerized AC, auto headlights, and a tilt-adjustable steering wheel.

Hyundai Exter SX (O): Features on board Hyundai’s micro SUV embody an 8-inch touchscreen system, a digitised instrument cluster which helps wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, computerized AC, driver seat top adjustment, and to not neglect, an electrical sunroof as effectively. 

The options checklist doesn’t finish right here; the Exter additionally will get a tyre stress monitoring system, a wi-fi cellphone charger, cruise management, rear AC vents, and ambient footwell lights. These facilities give the Exter a major edge over the Fronx. However, it is price noting that the Exter nonetheless lacks wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a function anticipated on this value vary. 

Maruti Fronx: While the Delta+ variant of the Fronx will not be as feature-loaded as its personal Alpha variant, it nonetheless comes with a smaller 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, an analogue instrument cluster with a small MID (multi-information show), computerized AC, electrically adjustable ORVMs, and steering-mounted audio controls.

Overall, the Exter offers a complete vary of options in comparison with the Fronx at an identical value level. However, there are some lacking options that one may count on at this value level. On the opposite hand, the Fronx consists of every part obligatory, however on this comparability, the Exter emerges as a better option over the Fronx when it comes to its gear checklist.

Safety

While the Exter is well-equipped with security options, the Fronx’ Delta+ trim might disappoint. Hyundai’s micro SUV boasts six airbags, a tyre stress monitoring system (TPMS), digital stability management (ESC), and a rear parking digital camera. In distinction, the mid-spec Fronx is restricted to 2 entrance airbags and lacks a rear parking digital camera. These omissions, contemplating the practically Rs 10 lakh price ticket, depart clients wanting extra. Talking about their security scores, neither of those SUVs have undergone crash testing but. 

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Practicality

Both, the Exter and Fronx, supply good practicality, offering two cup-holders on the entrance, bottle-holders on all 4 doorways able to accommodating 1-litre bottles, and a devoted house for maintaining your smartphone. However, the Exter holds a bonus on this division, that includes further storage alongside the handbrake, storage on the dashboard, and even a cooled glovebox.

When it involves charging ports, the Exter’s SX(O) trim is supplied with a C-type charging port on the entrance, together with energy shops for each entrance and rear passengers. In distinction, the Fronx’ Delta+ will get a 12V energy outlet and a USB charging port within the entrance, however lacks each USB-A and USB-C charging ports on the rear.

Boot Space

Though, on paper, the Exter provides extra boot house than the Maruti Fronx, in a sensible state of affairs the Fronx can accommodate three suitcases simply on account of its depth. Meanwhile, the boot loading lip isn’t too excessive, and the rear seats have a better recline angle, on account of which it may well’t match bigger suitcases, and baggage must be packed in smaller baggage.

Rear Seat Comfort

Hyundai Exter: First of all, the cabin of the Hyundai Exter feels ethereal and provides a very good sense of house. The Exter provides good headroom and the backrest angle is relaxed, however the level to notice right here is that it has flat seats and does not maintain you that effectively. When it involves shoulder room and seating 3 folks on the again, the Fronx, being 55 mm wider than Hyundai’s micro SUV, provides higher house. 

Maruti Fronx: While Fronx offers ample shoulder room for 3 occupants within the rear, it falls quick when it comes to headroom. If an individual over six ft tall sits within the rear seat, their hair will contact the roof. If the backrest angle was extra, it might additional improve the general seating consolation.

Both the Exter and Fronx present virtually equal thigh help on their rear seats. However, the Exter solely options two adjustable headrests on the rear seats, whereas the Fronx comes with an extra center headrest.

Ride Comfort

Between the Exter and the Fronx, it is the Fronx that provides a extra snug journey, whereas additionally offering a way of stability on the highway when navigating sharp corners. The suspension setup on the Fronx is well-balanced, providing the most effective of each worlds. It manages to soak up the sharper bumps effectively and likewise insulates you over pace breakers. At excessive speeds, it stays secure and provides good confidence to the motive force. 

Compared to the Maruti Fronx, the Exter has a stiffer suspension setup and it doesn’t really feel as snug or plush because the Fronx on unhealthy roads. Though it does stay secure on highways, in metropolis limits you are feeling the sharp bumps extra contained in the Exter. Also, at larger speeds, you additionally really feel extra of the physique roll, which is fairly apparent as a result of Exter’s tall SUV-like profile and smaller wheels. 

Engine & Performance

Before we get into which one feels higher when it comes to efficiency, let’s take a look at their powertrain particulars:

Both vehicles are outfitted with naturally aspirated petrol engines of equal capability, with the Fronx being barely extra highly effective than the Exter. While the output figures do not present a major distinction on paper, you’ll be able to really feel the excellence in real-world efficiency.

The Fronx’ petrol engine feels extra tractable than that of the Exter. In metropolis limits, the Fronx provides higher low-end torque than the Exter. The distinction turns into extra noticeable as you’re taking them on the freeway. The Exter doesn’t really feel as alive because the Fronx, and even for making small overtakes contained in the Exter, that you must plan first after which downshift. The Fronx, on different hand, doesn’t require an excessive amount of downshifting for small overtakes on the freeway. 

Price & Verdict

While the Hyundai Exter boasts a complete checklist of options and offers glorious headroom for practicality, it falls behind the Fronx when it comes to cabin really feel, journey consolation, and engine efficiency. 

So, which one do you have to purchase? The reply is simple. If you prioritise a standard SUV look with an abundance of options, then the Exter must be your selection. However, when you’re not a fan of the quirky design components – just like the Exter’s – and premium cabin options, a well-balanced journey, and engine efficiency matter extra to you, then the Fronx is undoubtedly the higher selection.

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