THE EXTER FACTOR

Hyundai's smallest SUV doesn't do anything radically different, but it sticks to the basics in a thoroughly competent manner

- Pablo Chaterji

I must confess that I didn't arrive at the Exter's media drive in Jaipur in the finest of moods. Having been laid out with a rather severe flu a few days previously, I wasn't at a 100 per cent - low on energy and with a stuffy head, all I wanted to do was wrap myself in a blanket and avoid humanity. Not the most promising start to the launch event of a brand new car, you'll agree, and the night before the drive, I hit the sack in a somewhat ominous frame of mind. There was also the 'not yet another SUV' factor to be considered.

The early start the next morning didn't help - I am of the firm opinion that early mornings should be outlawed and I dragged myself to the flag-off area with a cloud hanging over my head. Then, something happened I saw the Exter properly for the first time. As in, I really looked at it with intent, rather than the cursory glances I'd given the display car the previous night. Hyundai's latest car instantly began to grow on me, and it was definitely one of those looks better in the flesh' designs. Perhaps the day wasn't going to go south after all.