Hyundai Exter Crowned Indian Car of the Year 2024, Here's Why

In a dazzling ceremony held in New Delhi, the Hyundai Exter emerged triumphant in the 19th edition of the Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) awards, securing its position as the top car for 2024.

The Exter outshone its competitors, including the Maruti Suzuki Jimny, Honda Elevate, Toyota Innova Hycross, and others, to claim the coveted title.

The ICOTY awards, a benchmark for automotive excellence in India, are decided by a distinguished jury of 18 professional automotive journalists from renowned magazines and media houses across the country. Among the esteemed jurors are Yogendra Pratap, Editor of Auto Today, and Rahul Ghosh, Associate Editor of Auto Today, who evaluated each contender.

The Hyundai Exter, a formidable player in the subcompact SUV segment, secured its victory with a robust performance and a slew of impressive features. The Exter faced tough competition from the Maruti Suzuki Jimny, which clinched the runner-up position, while the Honda Elevate and Toyota Innova Hycross jointly secured the second runner-up spot. Other contenders included the Citroen C3 Aircross, Mahindra XUV400, Hyundai Verna, and the MG Comet.

Powered by a 1.2-litre four-pot engine producing 83bhp and 113.8Nm of torque, the Hyundai Exter offers versatility with a 5-speed MT or AMT gearbox. Notably, Hyundai provides a CNG powertrain option, with power figures at 69bhp and 95.2Nm of torque.

The Exter boasts an array of features such as LED lighting, sunroof, climate control, dashboard camera, rear-AC vents, and a wireless charger, making it a well-rounded choice for consumers.

In addition to the Indian Car of the Year, other notable winners were announced. The BMW 7 Series was crowned the Premium Car of the Year, showcasing its excellence in the luxury automotive segment.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5, with its eco-friendly credentials, was declared the Green Car of the Year, aligning with the growing environmental consciousness in the automotive industry.

The ICOTY awards not only recognize outstanding vehicles but also highlight the commitment of automakers to innovation, performance and sustainability in the dynamic Indian market. As the automotive landscape evolves, these awards continue to play a pivotal role in guiding consumers towards vehicles that set new benchmarks in the industry.