2026 Hyundai Exter launched: What’s new in Tata Punch rival

Hyundai Motor India today announced the launch of the new 2026 Hyundai Exter facelift in the Indian market. This marks the first facelift for the micro SUV since its launch in 2023, bringing cosmetic updates, new features, enhanced safety and other improvements. It's now priced between Rs 5.79 lakh and Rs 9.41 lakh (both prices ex-showroom) and continues to compete directly with the Tata Punch, Renault Kiger, Nissan Magnite, Maruti Suzuki Fronx and Toyota Taisor. Interested customers can book the new Exter online or by visiting their nearest dealership. Deliveries are expected to start by the end of this month. The updated Exter also receives new variant names and is offered in six variants - HX2, HX4, HX4+, HX6, HX8, and HX10. Additionally, it also gets two new colour options - Golden Bronze and Titanium black matte. The 2026 Hyundai Exter gets exterior updates, including a wider front fascia, revised bumper and a new black radiator grille. It also features new 15-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. At the rear, the SUV receives a redesigned tailgate, updated C-pillar garnish and a wing-type spoiler as part of the styling changes. Moving inside, the overall layout still remains the same but now it features a dual-tone navy and grey cabin theme and a 3D carbon-pattern dashboard finish. It also adds a D-cut steering wheel, metal pedals, new seat upholstery and a folding driver armrest. Driver seat height adjustment and adjustable rear headrests are now standard across variants. Petrol versions continue to offer 391 litres of boot space. In terms of features, The 2026 Hyundai Exter gets a segment-first built-in dashcam, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a rear Type-C USB port and over 60 Bluelink connected features. It also continues with an electric sunroof, digital instrument cluster and OTA updates for maps and infotainment, along with over 300 embedded voice commands that work without internet. The SUV gets over 45 safety features, including 30 as standard. Electronic stability control (ESC), hill-start assist control (HAC) and six airbags are standard across variants.The 2026 Hyundai Exter continues with a 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 83 hp of power and 114 nm torque, offered with manual and AMT options. Hyundai says it remains the only model in its segment with a four-cylinder engine. A CNG variant with a dual-cylinder setup is also available, now with an underbody-mounted spare wheel as standard, offering 225 litres of boot space.