A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
EXTER starts ZAR 689900 cheaperEXTER from ZAR 269,900 · T1 i-DM from ZAR 689,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
EXTER
T1 i-DM
Engine Power
50.5
100
Torque
95.2
220
Engine Size
1197
1499
Claimed Mileage
Not Applicable
1.1
Ground Clearance
185 mm
190
Boot Space
Not Applicable
574
Airbags
6
Front, front side, and front/rear curtain airbags
Kerb Weight
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Seating Capacity
5
Not Applicable
Warranty
5
-
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
T1 i-DM has a slight advantage, but EXTER remains highly competitive.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
T1 i-DM
+19 pts
Efficiency
EXTER
+27 pts
Safety
T1 i-DM
+33 pts
Practicality
T1 i-DM
+1 pts
Ownership
T1 i-DM
+12 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
EXTER
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Fuel Efficiency
🏆 Overall Winner
T1 i-DM
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFamily Usage
Which One's Right for You?
EXTER
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
T1 i-DM
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
EXTER
T1 i-DM
Model Introduced Year
Current local generation year not confirmed
2026
Generation
Current South African EXTER listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
Current local listing
Facelift History
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
Not listed by current South African source page.
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
2026
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Compact SUV
SUV
Color Note
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
-
Dealer Stock Note
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
-
Model Year
2026
Current
Production Status
published
Active
Segment
SUV
SUV
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Spec
EXTER
T1 i-DM
Ground Clearance
185 mm
190 mm
Wheelbase
2450 mm
2800 mm
Length
3815 mm
4705 mm
Width
1710 mm
1967 mm
Height
1631 mm
1843 mm
Kerb Weight
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gross Vehicle Weight
Not Applicable
2348 kg
Seating Capacity
5
Not Applicable
Boot Space
Not Applicable
574 l
Towing Capacity
Not Applicable
1600 kg
Front Track Width
Not Applicable
1690 mm
Rear Track Width
Not Applicable
1700 mm
Turning Radius
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Front Legroom
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Rear Legroom
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Front Headroom
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Rear Headroom
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not Applicable
1455 l
Number of Doors
5
Not Applicable
Max Payload
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Boot Volume
Not Applicable
574 l
Doors
5
Not Applicable
Seats
5
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Capacity
37 l
70 l
Gross Vehicle Mass Kg
Not Applicable
2348 kg
Ground Clearance Max
185 mm
190 mm
Ground Clearance Min
185 mm
190 mm
Ground Clearance Mm
185 mm
190 mm
Height Mm
1631 mm
1843 mm
Length Mm
3815 mm
4705 mm
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Payload Kg
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Cargo Volume
Not Applicable
574 l
Tare Mass Kg
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Turning Circle
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Turning Circle M
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Width Mm
1710 mm
1967 mm
Gross Combined Mass Kg
-
3948 kg
Spec
EXTER
T1 i-DM
Engine
Not Applicable
1.5TD hybrid-dedicated engine
Engine Type
Not Applicable
1.5TD hybrid-dedicated engine
Displacement
1197 cc
1499 cc
Cylinders
Not Applicable
4
Valves per Cylinder
Not Applicable
4
Power
50.5 kW
100 kW
Power @ RPM
Not Applicable
5200
Torque
95.2 Nm
220 Nm
Torque @ RPM
Not Applicable
2500
Fuel System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Turbocharger
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Top Speed
Not Applicable
>180 km/h
0-100 km/h
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Compression Ratio
Not Applicable
12:1
Cylinder Bore
Not Applicable
72 mm
Piston Stroke
Not Applicable
92 mm
Engine Code
Not Applicable
SQRH4J15
Power
68 bhp
134 bhp
Fuel Grade Required
Petrol
Hybrid
Cylinder Layout
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Aspiration
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Type Config
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
0–100 km/h
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Capacity
Not Available
18.4
Charging Port
Not Available
-
AC Charging Time
Not Available
6.6kW AC 30-100% in 180 minutes
Engine Displacement
1197 cc
1499 cc
Engine Displacement Litres
1.2 l
1.5 l
EV Range
Not Available
100 km
Acceleration 0 100
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined System Power
Not Available
250
Combined System Torque
Not Available
530
Engine Config
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Cylinders
Not Applicable
4
Engine Displacement Cc
1197 cc
1499 cc
Engine Power kW
50.5 kW
100 kW
Engine Torque Nm
95.2 Nm
220 Nm
Engine Valves
Not Applicable
4
Induction
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Max Power kW
50.5 kW
100 kW
Max Torque Nm
95.2 Nm
220 Nm
Maximum Power
50.5 kW
100 kW
Maximum Torque
95.2 Nm
220 Nm
Motor Position
Not Available
-
Motor Power
Not Available
150
Motor Torque
Not Available
310
Motor Type
Not Available
-
Power kW Rpm
Not Applicable
5200
Active Exhaust
Not Available
-
System Output
Not Available
-
Torque Nm Rpm
Not Applicable
2500
Turbo Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
EXTER
T1 i-DM
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Type
Front-wheel drive
2WD
Drivetrain Layout
Front-wheel drive
2WD
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
5 km/h
Not Applicable
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drivetrain
Front-wheel drive
2WD
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Type Front
Not Available
-
Differential Type Rear
Not Available
-
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Automatic
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Front-wheel drive
2WD
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case Guard
Not Available
-
Transmission Speeds
5 km/h
Not Applicable
Spec
EXTER
T1 i-DM
Claimed Mileage
Not Applicable
1.1 km/l
City Mileage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Highway Mileage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Capacity
37 l
70 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
VI B
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Average Fuel Consumption
Not Applicable
1.1 l/100km
Claimed Fuel Consumption
Not Applicable
1.1 l/100km
Fuel Efficiency
Not Applicable
1.1 l/100km
Real-world Mileage
Not Applicable
1.1 km/l
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Time AC Full
Not Applicable
6.6kW AC 30-100% in 180 minutes
Charging Time DC Fast 80pct
Not Applicable
50kW DC 30-80% in 27 minutes
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Consumption
Not Applicable
1.1 l/100km
Combined Consumption L 100km
Not Applicable
1.1 l/100km
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Economy Combined
Not Applicable
1.1 l/100km
Fuel Tank Litres
37 l
70 l
Fuel Type
Petrol
Hybrid
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
1200
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
21
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Wltp
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
EXTER
T1 i-DM
Airbags
6
Front, front side, and front/rear curtain airbags
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Not Available
Yes
Traction Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Not Available
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Yes
Brake Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
-
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Front Parking Sensors
Standard
Front and rear
AEB
Not Available
Yes
BA
Not Available
Not Available
Brake Override System
Not Available
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Not Available
Front, front side, and front/rear curtain airbags
Driver Airbag
6
Not Available
EBD
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
-
Hill Hold
Standard
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
6
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Not Available
Side Airbags
Not Available
Front, front side, and front/rear curtain airbags
TCS
Standard
Yes
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Driver Front Passenger Airbags
6
-
Driver Passenger Airbags
6
-
Spec
EXTER
T1 i-DM
Cruise Control
Standard
-
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Not Available
-
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
-
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
-
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
-
Auto Lights
Halogen with automatic function
-
Auto Wipers
Not Available
-
Drive Modes
Not Available
-
EV Mode
Not Available
-
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Front and rear
Reverse Camera
Not Available
-
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Park Assist
Not Available
-
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Yes
Spec
EXTER
T1 i-DM
Seat Material
Cloth
Black synthetic leather with orange stitching
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
-
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Front seats
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Multi
Rear USB Ports
Standard
-
Steering Wheel Material
Not Applicable
-
Instrument Cluster Type
Digital instrument cluster
-
Interior Colour Options
3
-
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
-
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Driver 6-way electric with ventilation, lumbar support and memory; passenger 4-way electric with ventilation and leg rest
Fabric Seats
Cloth
-
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Driver 6-way electric with ventilation, lumbar support and memory; passenger 4-way electric with ventilation and leg rest
Interior Courtesy Lamps
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen EXTER grade before assuming a feature is included.
-
Leather Accented Seat Trim
Cloth
-
Interior Colours
3
-
Seat Capacity
5
-
Seat Count
5
-
Seat Trim
Cloth
Black synthetic leather with orange stitching
Seat Adjustment
-
Driver 6-way electric with ventilation, lumbar support and memory; passenger 4-way electric with ventilation and leg rest
Rear AC Vents
-
Yes
Spec
EXTER
T1 i-DM
Climate Control
Not Available
Dual-zone climate control
Power Windows
Not Available
-
Keyless Entry
Not Available
-
Push Button Start
Not Available
-
Wireless Charging
Wireless
50W
Sunroof
Not Available
Yes
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Yes
Automatic Headlamps
Halogen with automatic function
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
-
AC Type
Not Available
Dual-zone climate control
Adaptive Dampers
Not Available
-
Engine Warranty
4
10-year/1,000,000 km engine warranty
Gear Shift Type
AMT
Not Applicable
Hill Start Assist
Standard
-
Launch Control
Not Available
-
Performance Data Logger
Not Available
-
Rev Matching
Not Available
-
Seat Type
Cloth
-
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
Not Available
Service Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
7-year/75,000 km service plan
Stability Control
Not Available
Yes
Steering Mounted Controls
Multifunction
-
Valves Per Cylinder
Not Applicable
1
Battery Preconditioning
Not Available
-
Battery Voltage
Not Available
-
Bed Extender
Not Available
-
Canopy Fitment
Not Available
-
Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Difflock
Not Available
-
Front Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Intelligent Battery System
Not Available
-
Load Bed Cover
Not Available
-
Load Bed Light
Not Available
-
Load Bed Steps
Not Available
-
Loadbox Depth Mm
Not Available
-
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Not Available
-
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not Available
-
One Pedal Driving
Not Available
-
Rear Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Rear Electric Motor
Not Available
-
Regenerative Braking
Not Available
-
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
-
Source Model Column
exter
-
Sport Plus Mode
Not Available
-
Sports Bar
Not Available
-
Tailgate Damper
Not Available
-
Tailgate Lock
Not Available
-
Tow Bar Type
Not Available
-
Trim Level
flagship
-
Variant Role
Flagship / premium derivative
-
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
-
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
-
Fuel Consumption Combined
-
1.1
Rear Seat Split
-
60/40
Roof Load
-
300kg static / 100kg dynamic kg
Towbar
-
Yes
Spec
EXTER
T1 i-DM
Infotainment Screen
SYNC
15.6-inch
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Wireless
Android Auto
Standard
Wireless
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
Not Available
9 Sony speakers
Digital Instrument Cluster
Digital instrument cluster
10.25-inch
USB Ports
Standard
-
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Wireless
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Multifunction
-
Infotainment Screen Size
SYNC
15.6-inch
Audio Controls On Steering
Multifunction
-
Rear Usb
Standard
-
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
Standard
-
Infotainment Screen
SYNC
15.6-inch
Multi Information Display
Digital display
-
Connected Services
Standard
-
Smartphone Connectivity
Standard
-
Touchscreen
SYNC
15.6-inch
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Wireless
Spec
EXTER
T1 i-DM
LED Headlamps
Halogen with automatic function
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
H-signature LED
Yes
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Yes
Roof Rails
Not Available
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
3
See OEM source page for colour availability.
Body Type
SUV
-
DRL
H-signature LED
Yes
Led Headlights
Halogen with automatic function
Yes
Auto Headlights
Halogen with automatic function
-
Automatic Headlamps
Halogen with automatic function
-
Daytime Running Lights
H-signature LED
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
3
-
Headlamp Levelling
Halogen with automatic function
-
Headlamps
Halogen with automatic function
Yes
Headlight Type
Halogen with automatic function
Yes
Headlights
Halogen with automatic function
Yes
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
-
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Yes
Spec
EXTER
T1 i-DM
Approach Angle
Not Available
-
Departure Angle
Not Available
-
Wading Depth
Not Available
-
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Front-wheel drive
2WD
Breakover Angle
Not Available
-
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
-
Front Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Off Road Descent Control
Not Available
-
Off Road Traction Assist
Not Available
-
Crawl Control
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
Not Available
-
Skid Plates Transfer Case
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Mud
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Normal
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Rock
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Sand
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Snow
Not Available
-
Terrain Response System
Not Available
-
Underbody Camera
Not Available
-
Underbody Protection
-
Metal guard plate for front compartment
Spec
EXTER
T1 i-DM
Tyre Size
Not Available
235/60 R19
Front Brake Type
Not Available
Ventilated disc brake
Rear Brake Type
Not Available
Solid disc brake
Spare Wheel Type
Not Available
-
Wheel Rim Size
Not Available
19
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
-
Handbrake Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Multifunction
-
Steering Wheel Phone Controls
Multifunction
-
Wheelbase Mm
2450 mm
2800 mm
Towing Braked Kg
-
1600 kg
Towing Unbraked Kg
-
750 kg
Wheel Material
-
Alloy
Spec
EXTER
T1 i-DM
Front Suspension
Not Available
MacPherson strut suspension
Rear Suspension
Not Available
Multi-link independent suspension
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
-
Spec
EXTER
T1 i-DM
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
-
Battery Warranty
4
8-year/160,000 km battery warranty
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
-
Engine Oil Change Interval
15000 km / 12 months
-
First Service At
15000
-
Service Plan Duration
3 Years / 45000 km
7-year/75,000 km service plan
Service Plan Distance
3 Years / 45000 km
7-year/75,000 km service plan
Alternator
120A
-
Battery Type
Lead-acid
-
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Not Applicable
Service Intervals
15000 km / 12 months
-
Spec
EXTER
T1 i-DM
Warranty Years
5
7-year/200,000 km vehicle warranty
Warranty Kilometers
5
7-year/200,000 km vehicle warranty
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
-
Basic Warranty
5
7-year/200,000 km vehicle warranty
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Warranty
5
7-year/200,000 km vehicle warranty
Warranty Roadside Assistance
5 Years
-
Spec
EXTER
T1 i-DM
CO2 Emissions
Not Applicable
25 g/km
Hybrid System Type
Not Available
Plug-in Hybrid
Fuel Octane Requirement
Petrol
Hybrid
Particulate Filter
Not Available
-
Spec
EXTER
T1 i-DM
Ownership Role
Flagship
South Africa market model
Price Source
South Africa variant price CSV; verify against latest OEM price list
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Overall Winner
T1 i-DM
Performance
45/100
Efficiency
29/100
Safety
94/100
Practicality
69/100
Ownership
77/100
EXTER
Performance
26/100
Efficiency
56/100
Safety
61/100
Practicality
68/100
Ownership
65/100
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Jetour T1 i-DM
wins with 63 pts
vs 54 pts for EXTER
In structured scoring, T1 i-DM emerges as the stronger overall package. However, EXTER may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the T1 i-DM edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: EXTER 56 vs T1 i-DM 29. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: EXTER 61, T1 i-DM 94. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: EXTER 65, T1 i-DM 77. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: EXTER 68, T1 i-DM 69. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: EXTER 26, T1 i-DM 45. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The T1 i-DM edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The T1 i-DM scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between EXTER and T1 i-DM in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: EXTER scores 26 vs 45.
Efficiency: EXTER scores 56 vs 29.
Safety: EXTER scores 61 vs 94.
Practicality: EXTER scores 68 vs 69.
Ownership: EXTER scores 65 vs 77.
Final structured scoring gives T1 i-DM
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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