Hyundai Xcent – Xcellent, Xciting, Xcent

The compact sedans or sub-4 m cars make up as much as 80% of entry level mid-size sedans in India. The bulk of sales came primarily from two models – Honda Amaze and Maruti Swift Dzire. These two highly successive models might intimidate any car manufacturer. But Hyundai is definitely not one of them and has entered the fray with their new Xcent. The Hyundai Xcent comes in the price range of Rs. 4.65 to 7.38 lakh.

Based on the Grand i10 and available with petrol and diesel options, the Xcent in true Hyundai fashion is well priced too. The design is neat and proportionate, especially given the constraints faced while designing a sub-4 m sedan. The Grand i10 and the Xcent are identical till the rear doors. Styling has restrained the iteration of Hyundai’s fluidic sculpture design language. The tail section is very well integrated with the rest of the body, though it looks a bit stubby. The shoulder line flows smoothly into the large wrap around tail lights and the rear section gets some details too, a sculpted bumper and a lip at the top of the tail gate. The tail gate opens to reveal a sizeable 407 L boot. 

The front facade has swept back headlamps, chrome plated radiator grille and trapezoidal air dam incorporated on the body colored front bumpers.

The diesel unit is a three-cylinder 1.1 L U2 CRDi engine with a maximum power of 71 bhp @ 4000 rpm and peak torque of 180 Nm @ 1750 rpm and is mated to 5-speed manual transmission system. The U2 CRDi engine on the Xcent has been tweaked around to offer more power and torque. This includes an electronically controlled turbocharger which makes it much more precise and increases the overall torque by 13%. The power delivery is extremely linear, the acceleration smooth, and the engine noise absolutely cut out from inside the cabin. 

The 4-cylinder 1.2 L Kappa dual VTVT petrol engine has a displacement capacity of 1197cc and generates 82 bhp @ 6000 rpm and has 114 Nm of peak torque @ 4000 rpm and mated with either 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission gearbox.

The cabin is feature rich and spacious. The dashboard and central console are a carry-over from the Grand i10. The Xcent includes an automatic climate control, steering mounted audio control, Bluetooth, 1 GB of on board music storage, electric-folding mirror, reverse camera, and push-to-start button. ABS is only an optional extra and airbags are available on the top variants only. There is a lot of leg room at the back and the seats have adjustable head rests, rear A/C vent ducts, and arm rest with cup holders. The front seats come with ample lateral and thigh support.

Toyota Etios Cross is another hot selling car in the Indian market is at price 5.7 lakh onwards.