Hyundai has launched the all-new Xcent and we have admit that it has come a long way from where it started. Introduced in 2014 as Hyundai’s first sub-four metre sedan offering, the new 2017 Xcent starts at Rs 5.38 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi. Here is a photo tour of the car.
The biggest changes are up front. The Xcent ditches its plain Jane looks for the aggressive Elantra-like styling with the horizontally slatted front grille and a new set of headlamps.
The front bumper is all new and contours the lower half of the air dam curving into the LED Daytime running lamps. Along with the chrome grille, LEDs give the car a sporty look.
Moving on to the sides, the profile is fairly the same but adorns newer lines to accommodate the design changes. The diamond-cut alloy wheels stand out from the profile.
Just like the front, the tail section has also undergone a complete revamp with the part deck-lid mounted two-part tail lamps with light guides and a dash of chrome for the required premium.
It gets a large 407-litre boot and from the looks of it, it should be quite easy to load and unload despite the slightly higher lip. The spare tyre is under the boot lining along with the jack.
On the inside, the cabin retains its predecessor’s simplicity with the black and beige colour scheme. The dashboard has also been retained, but with a few changes to accommodate new equipment.
The touchscreen audio system is the 2-DIN unit that has also been offered on the 2017 Hyundai Grand i10. It gets Bluetooth connectivity with USB and AUX inputs as well.
The steering has been retained and gets steering mounted controls for Bluetooth telephony as well as to control the audio system. It gets push-button start as well for the top-spec car.
There is just enough space to squeeze three occupants in the back. But if there are only two occupants in the rear, then they can pull out the rear armrest and enjoy cooling from the rear AC vents as well.
There are two engine options for the Xcent – the 82bhp 1.2-litre petrol and the new 74bhp 1.2-litre diesel engines mated to five speed manual gearboxes. Automatic is offered only with petrol.
The new 2017 Xcent looks like it has been built with Indian consumer in mind and should help Hyundai take up the fight against Maruti Suzuki Dzire, the bestseller among compact sedans.
