The Hyundai Exter is a stylish mini-SUV that appeals to young urban consumers who want style, utility, and affordability all in one vehicle. The Exter aims to be a savvy option in the low-end market, boasting an SUV-like appearance, aggressive styling, and a well-equipped interior.
The Exter is powered by a 1.2L petrol engine, which delivers performance and economy in equal measure, designed to fit both daily trips and long drives. In this segment, the running cost is a factor that is more vital than the purchase price, as fuel, servicing, and maintenance expenses will significantly impact its long-term affordability for families and first-time buyers.
The Exter boasts of high fuel efficiency, low cost of servicing, and the trustworthiness of the Hyundai service network. Its high resale value provides another level of financial stability as customers are assured the best value for their money.
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Hyundai Exter: Fuel Type and Mileage Overview
Hyundai Exter is available in 2 fuel variants: CNG and petrol. Both are equipped with the commendable 1.2L Kappa engine, characterised by smooth operation and excellent efficiency. The petrol variant offers 2 options: a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 5-speed AMT, catering to the diverse needs of drivers.
The CNG version, intended to be highly economical, is available only with a 5-speed manual transmission. The petrol-powered Exter offers a mileage of up to 19.4 kmpl, and its CNG variant boasts of an impressive 27.1 km/kg, according to ARAI mileage figures.
This dual-fuel capability adds further practicality to the Exter as an eminently usable urban commuter, appealing to cost-conscious consumers who need to maintain a budget while having the experience.
To know the mileage of the Hyundai Exter along with its fuel type and transmission types, refer to the table below:
| Fuel Type | Transmission | ARAI Mileage |
| Petrol | Manual | 19.4 kmpl |
| Petrol | Automatic | 19.2 kmpl |
| CNG | Manual | 27.1 km/kg |
With mileage figures ranging from 19.2 kmpl (petrol automatic) to 27.1 km/kg (CNG), and a starting price of around ₹6 lakh (ex-showroom), the Hyundai Exter stands out as an efficient and value-packed micro-SUV for city commuters and budget-conscious families.
Real World Mileage Used for Calculations
The Hyundai Exter builds on Hyundai’s reputation for combining stylish design, practical features, and fuel efficiency within the micro-SUV segment. It is offered in both 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT driving solutions, catering to those who enjoy the control of a manual driving system, as well as those who prefer the convenience of AMTs.
The Exter petrol AMT has an ARAI-rated fuel economy of 19.2 kmpl, while the manual version achieves a comparable ARAI mileage of 19.4 kmpl. In actual operation, the mileage is slightly less at about 14-15 kmpl in the city and 17-18 kmpl on the highway.
The CNG variant, rated at 27.1 km/kg, typically returns 22–24 km/kg. With a 37-litre tank, the petrol Exter offers a mixed range of 550–600 km, while the CNG model ensures excellent economy for daily commutes.
Although they are slightly lower than official ARAI figures, these values reflect real-life driving conditions and demonstrate why the Exter makes a sensible choice as an urban family car, thanks to its economical combination of practicality and low running costs.
Annual and 5-Year Fuel Cost Estimate
When comparing the petrol and CNG options of the Hyundai Elantra, the cost of fuel emerges as a significant parameter in the overall cost calculation.
By assuming 10,000 km of annual driving, it is possible to calculate the monthly operating cost and compare it to other key factors, such as fuel consumption, refuelling frequency, and long-term cost savings.
| Variant | Mileage | Fuel Required (Annual) | Annual Fuel Cost | 5-year Fuel Cost | Fuel Cost / Km |
| Petrol + Manual | 19.4 kmpl | 515.5 L | ₹46,395 | ₹2,31,975 | ₹4.63/km |
| Petrol + AMT | 19.2 kmpl | 520.8 L | ₹46,872 | ₹2,34,360 | ₹4.68/km |
| CNG + Manual | 27.1 km/kg | 369 kg | ₹27,675 | ₹1,38,375 | ₹2.76/km |
Note: The cost of fuel is assumed to be at ₹90 per litre for petrol and ₹75 per kg for CNG (Delhi rates). Actual expenses may vary depending on location and fluctuating fuel prices.
The AMT model also has a significantly lower running cost, with greater long-term savings, especially for those who drive frequently or over long distances.
Hyundai Exter: Service and Maintenance Costs Over 5 years
The Hyundai Exter is a stylish and compact SUV that combines urban functionality with rugged style. With a refined 1.2L Kappa petrol engine and a factory-fit CNG model, the Exter offers a versatile blend of power, providing peak fuel efficiency in an affordable package.
The estimated cost of routine maintenance for the Hyundai Exter is ₹27,000–₹30,000 over five years. This includes scheduled servicing with essential replacements, such as engine oil, air and fuel filters, coolant, and brake fluid, as well as periodic system checks.
These figures are indicative and may vary based on variant (Petrol or CNG), transmission type (manual or AMT), driving conditions, and city of registration. Additional expenses such as GST, labour charges, and optional service packages are not included.
Hyundai’s widespread service network and reliable availability of spare parts contribute to the Exter’s long-term affordability, making it a wise choice for budget-conscious urban families.
Estimated Hyundai Exter Service Costs by Year
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the estimated annual service costs for the Hyundai Exter (Petrol variant) over a 5-year ownership period, based on periodic maintenance schedules and typical part replacements:
| Year | Routine Service | Additional Cost | Total Cost |
| 1st | Free | ₹1,601 | ₹1,601 |
| 2nd | Free | ₹1,818 | ₹1,818 |
| 3rd | ₹2891 | ₹2178 | ₹5,069 |
| 4th | ₹2891 | ₹1818 | ₹4,709 |
| 5th | ₹2891 | ₹2786 | ₹5,677 |
Insurance and Other Recurring Expenses
The Hyundai Exter offers excellent value as a budget‑friendly compact crossover SUV in India, not only in terms of upfront cost but across its entire ownership journey. Hyundai’s expansive service network and access to affordable genuine spare parts help keep maintenance expenses under control.
Insurance for the Exter is similarly competitive, with a third-party premium of approximately ₹3,416 per year across its variants. When it comes to maintenance, typical service costs for the petrol variant over five years range between ₹14,460 and ₹18,874.
For the CNG version, routine service expenses for the first 50,000 km amount to around ₹23,196, averaging roughly ₹387 per month. Meanwhile, total cost of ownership analyses estimate that over the vehicle’s lifecycle, Exter owners spend around ₹41,040 on servicing and ₹6,84,135 on fuel.
Overall, the TCO works out to approximately ₹14.34 lakh, including insurance and depreciation. Fuel efficiency remains a strong suit for the Exter. The claimed figures stand at approximately 19.4 kmpl for petrol and 27.1 km/kg for CNG.
Real-world consumption may vary, but these numbers underscore its frugal running costs, which are exceptionally substantial when combined with its mileage advantage.
Total Ownership Cost of Hyundai Exter (5-Year Estimate)
The following table explains the detailed description of the cost of total ownership of the Hyundai Exter when used over five years:
| TCO Calculation | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Total |
| Insurance Cost | ₹16,500 -₹18,500 | ₹16,500 -₹18,500 | ₹16,500 -₹18,500 | ₹16,500 -₹18,500 | ₹16,500 -₹18,500 | ₹82,500 -₹92,500 |
| Fuel Cost | ₹46,395 | ₹46,395 | ₹46,395 | ₹46,395 | ₹46,395 | ₹2,13,975 |
| Tyre Change Cost | ₹0 | ₹0 | ₹18,000 -₹30,000 | ₹0 | ₹18,000 -₹30,000 | ₹36,000 -₹60,000 |
| Service Cost | ₹1,601 | ₹1,818 | ₹5,069 | ₹4,709 | ₹5,677 | ₹18,874 |
| Depreciation | ₹1,57,605 | ₹52,535 | ₹1,05,070 | ₹1,05,070 | ₹1,05,070 | ₹5,25,350 |
| TCO | ₹2,22,101 -₹2,24,101 | ₹1,17,248 -₹1,17,998 | ₹1,93,034 -₹2,05,034 | ₹1,72,674 -₹1,74,674 | ₹1,91,642 -₹2,05,642 | ₹8,96,699 -₹9,27,449 |
| TCO/KM | ₹224 | ₹117 | ₹205 | ₹174 | ₹205 | ₹927 |
How to Reduce Your Hyundai Exter’s Running Cost
Here are the running costs of your Hyundai Exter with tips and insights:
- Stick to Scheduled Maintenance
Regular servicing, especially of oil, air filters, and spark plugs, ensures efficient performance and reduces long-term costs.
- Drive Smoothly
Avoid sudden acceleration and harsh braking. Maintain a steady speed to reduce fuel consumption significantly.
- Maintain Proper Tyre Pressure & Lighten the Load
Correct tire inflation reduces rolling resistance, improving fuel efficiency. Removing unnecessary weight and accessories, such as roof racks, also helps.
- Minimise Idling
Turn off the engine during long stops, idle engines waste fuel.
- Use Air Conditioning Wisely
AC increases fuel usage, especially in city driving. On highways, closed windows with AC may be more efficient than open windows.
- Shift Gears Early & Use Eco Mode
For manual transmissions, shift to higher gears early to keep RPMs low. Eco mode further optimises fuel use.
Summary
The Hyundai Exter positions itself as a value-packed micro-SUV, combining modern styling, feature-rich interiors, and affordable ownership costs. It caters to urban and semi-urban buyers looking for a stylish yet economical vehicle for daily commuting.
The Exter’s petrol variants offer ARAI-certified mileage of up to 19.4 kmpl, while the CNG version delivers an impressive 27.1 km/kg. In real-world usage, owners typically report fuel efficiency of around 14-15 kmpl for petrol and 22-24 km/kg for CNG, depending on driving conditions and traffic.
Maintenance expenses remain budget-friendly, with a 5-year estimated service cost of around ₹18,874, which includes scheduled servicing, oil and filter replacements, and other routine consumables. Hyundai’s vast service network and reasonably priced spare parts ensure hassle-free ownership.
Overall, the Exter’s strong balance of fuel efficiency, low upkeep, and SUV-inspired appeal makes it an excellent choice for cost-conscious buyers. It is particularly suitable for first-time car owners and families seeking a stylish yet economical city-friendly SUV.
FAQs about Hyundai Exter Running Cost Breakdown
Q. Is the Hyundai Exter costly to maintain?
No, the Exter is budget-friendly, with a straightforward service schedule and lower maintenance costs compared to many of its rivals. Its fuel-efficient engines keep daily running expenses under control, making it practical for families and commuters.
Q. Are Hyundai Exter spare parts overpriced?
Not at all. Hyundai’s extensive service network and reasonably priced spare parts, such as filters and brake pads, help keep ownership costs predictable and affordable.
Q. Does the Hyundai Exter come with expensive insurance premiums?
No, its insurance costs are in line with other compact SUVs. Premiums remain budget-friendly, varying slightly by variant, fuel type, and add-ons.
Q. How frequently does the Hyundai Exter require servicing?
The Exter needs servicing every 10,000 km or once a year. Routine tasks, such as oil and filter changes, help keep the SUV reliable without incurring significant expense.
Q. Is the Hyundai Exter a smart pick for cost-conscious buyers?
Yes, with its fuel efficiency, low upkeep, SUV-like styling, and Hyundai’s after-sales support, it offers substantial value in the micro-SUV segment.
