The Hyundai Exter is one of the most sensible cars in its segment. It has the right footprint, a modern design, a reputation for reliability, and the backing of the Korean automaker’s sales and service network.
However, every time I compare it with the 2026 Tata Punch, the Exter falls short on a few key parameters. The product isn’t bad, but it lacks a couple of features that genuinely improve everyday driving, comfort, and long-term ownership.
So, here’s my wishlist for what the Hyundai Exter facelift should offer if it wants to win over value-driven buyers like me, looking for their first car.
Also Read: Tata Punch EV Facelift Teases a Cleaner Face and Smarter Tech for 2026
My 2026 Exter Wishlist
1. A More Powerful Engine
Exter is based on one of the most refined and reliable 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol engines available in the Indian market: the 1.2-litre Kappa II MPi (83 PS and 113.8 Nm), mated to 5-speed manual and 5-speed AMT transmissions.
While it does well under most scenarios, it doesn’t offer quick acceleration, feels slightly underpowered under full load, and isn’t as relaxed on higher speeds (100 kmph around 2,800 to 2,900 rpms).
Tata has addressed such concerns on its 2026 Punch by equipping it with a more powerful 1.2L turbocharged petrol engine (118 bhp and 170 Nm) mated to a six-speed manual transmission. It not only provides quicker acceleration but also remains more relaxed at higher speeds (100 kmph around 2,500-2,600 rpm).
For scenarios like driving up a multi-story parking, cruising at the permitted limit on national highways or expressways, or driving uphill on mountains, the Punch with a turbocharged engine performs better.
Hyundai already has a smaller turbo-petrol engine, and while it might have to spend some money on redesigning the chassis, equipping the Exter with a turbo-petrol engine could (at least on some trims), along with a 6-speed manual transmission, could appeal more to young driving enthusiasts like me.
The new Punch iTurbo also gets Eco and City driving modes to adjust throttle response, which the Exter doesn’t offer either.
Also Read: Tata Punch 2026 vs Hyundai Exter: Which Of These Mini SUV You’d Pick?
2. 360-Degree Camera For Surround View
I’ve used the 360-degree camera feature on the Kia Seltos and the Maruti Baleno, and it’s one of the most useful features on a car, especially for new or aged drivers. Perhaps the most critical angle is the profile view during a traffic jam, while parking the car, or turning around a hairpin bend on hilly terrain.
The feature is now available in Tata’s micro SUV, that too with blind-spot monitoring, no less. Given that the Exter is Hyundai’s primary competitor to the Punch, its facelift should include a 360-degree camera, even though it is reserved for the top-end SX (O) or SX Tech variants.
For a compact SUV aimed squarely at city buyers, this feature makes perfect sense, and Hyundai already offers it on larger models. Hence, I would request Hyundai India to bring it to the 2026 Exter.
Also Read: 2026 Tata Punch vs. Competition: Which Micro-SUV Makes the Most Sense?
3. Updated Driver’s And Infotainment Screens
While the Exter still features an 8-inch infotainment screen, Punch has been upgraded to a 10.25-inch screen. Given that’s where most drivers interact with their car daily, upgrading the Punch’s infotainment screen will make it easier to read and navigate, provide more space for split-screen setups, and make the camera feeds appear clearer.
The Punch also gets wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8-speaker setup (including four tweeters), and a 65W USB-C charging port for modern smartphones. If anyone from Hyundai was watching the launch event or has test-driven the Punch, please take notes.
These features elevate the cabin experience to another level, and the Exter 2026 must come with them for me to consider it over the Tata Punch.
Also Read: 2026 Tata Punch Gets A Turbo-Petrol Engine, Sharper Styling, And Revised Variant Naming
4. Bigger 16-Inch Allow Wheels
Exter’s top model features 15-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, which aren’t small by any standards. In fact, they look pretty against the vehicle’s silhouette. However, now that a car offers larger alloys in the same budget, it might make buyers think twice before going with the Hyundai Exter (and I’m one of them).
The new Punch features 16-inch alloy wheels on its top-end models. Larger alloys don’t just look better (due to their thinner profile); they also improve overall handling, grip, braking performance, and heat dissipation at higher speeds. I am not asking to make larger tires standard across the lineup, but buyers should at least have the option to get them on Exter’s models.
Also Read: 10 Cheapest Cars With Ventilated Seats in India
5. Front And Rear Armrests
For some reason, the Exter doesn’t offer front- and rear-center armrests in 2026 (while the Punch does), and it feels wrong.
The rear seats are spacious, with enough legroom and headroom for average-height people, and they have dedicated air conditioning vents, but they don’t have a center armrest (neither does the driver in the front).
They’re a vital comfort feature, especially on longer family drives. If Hyundai wants to enhance the comfort of drivers and passengers, it needs to provide front and rear center armrests in the Exter facelift.
These aren’t the only advantages that the Punch currently offers over the Exter. Hyundai’s micro-SUV also lacks rain-sensing wipers, LED fog lamps with cornering function, hill descent control, and advanced traction management.
At the end of the day, I’m not looking for a gimmicky car. I’m looking for a feature-rich, future-proof vehicle under Rs. 10 lakh that feels complete on day one and still relevant five years down the line. If the Hyundai Exter facelift brings in these features, or even most of them, it immediately becomes my top priority.
Also Read: Mahindra XUV 7XO vs Tata Safari: Battle Of The India 7 Seaters
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