Hyundai has unveiled a new special edition of its entry-level SUV, the Exter, just one year after the model's initial launch in the Indian market. The Hyundai Exter Knight edition embraces a distinctive dark theme both inside and out, establishing itself as the new flagship trim level within the Exter lineup. Following the established pattern of Knight editions across other Hyundai models, this iteration of the small SUV emphasizes a stylish and somewhat aggressive aesthetic through a comprehensive blacked-out treatment. The launch images showcase the Exter Knight in Abyss Black, but customers will have the option to choose from other colors, including Starry Night, Atlas White, Ranger Khaki, and Shadow Gray.
The dark theme extends throughout the exterior, evident in the black alloy wheels, black badging, and black skid plates. This monochromatic approach creates a stealthy, almost nocturnal appearance. The only splashes of color are the red accents on the front bumper and tailgate, along with matching red brake calipers, providing a subtle contrast to the predominantly black exterior. The interior design follows a similar philosophy, featuring dark upholstery complemented by red highlights. These red accents can be found on the dashboard, piping, and stitching, adding a touch of visual interest. However, they also serve to draw attention away from the abundance of hard plastic surfaces that characterize the cabin's materials.
The Hyundai Exter Knight edition is based on the high-specification SX trim level, inheriting its comprehensive list of standard features. These include LED lighting for enhanced visibility, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen for navigation and entertainment, a rearview camera for parking assistance, a wireless charging pad for convenient device charging, six airbags for comprehensive safety, and a sunroof for an open-air driving experience. These features contribute to a well-equipped and technologically advanced cabin environment.
The Exter Knight edition is exclusively powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.2-liter petrol engine, generating 82 horsepower and 114 Nm of torque. This engine is available with either a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automated manual transmission, both of which send power to the front wheels. It’s worth noting that lower trims of the Exter, which shares its platform with the Hyundai i10, are also offered with a bi-fuel powertrain option, catering to customers seeking alternative fuel solutions.
The Hyundai Exter Knight is available for order in India, with prices ranging from Rs 8.38 lakh to Rs 10.43 lakh ($10,034 to $12,489) depending on the chosen configuration. This pricing strategy positions the Knight edition just Rs 15,000 ($180) higher than the equivalent SX trims, making it a compelling value proposition for Indian buyers seeking a distinctive and well-equipped small SUV. The introduction of the Exter Knight also reflects a trend in the Indian automotive market, with competitors like the Tata Punch expected to launch a similar Dark Edition in the near future. The Nissan Magnite already offers a Kuro Edition, demonstrating the growing popularity of these darkened and stylistically enhanced models in this vehicle segment. The Exter Knight allows Hyundai to capitalize on this trend and offer a competitive option in this increasingly crowded space.