Road Test and Review: Hyundai Xcent
Welding a boot to a hatchback to build a sub-4 metre sedan and the subsequent design disaster is nothing new to us. But, hey, look at the new Hyundai Xcent. Despite being a sub-4 metre variant of the GRAND i10 hatchback, the Xcent flaunts a well-sculpted body that makes it arguably the best-looking sub-4 metre sedan as yet.
Design
One has to admit that achieving a well-proportionate sub-4 metre design out of a hatchback is no easy matter. That said, designers at Hyundai have done a wonderful job of seamlessly adding a boot to the GRAND i10. Inevitably, the Xcent is identical to the hatchback till the B-pillar. The roofline then blends beautifully into the boot with the help of slightly reworked rear window. Though not an eyesore, the rear profile is rather bland and doesn’t gel flawlessly with the rest of the car. Top variants get 15-inch diamond cut alloy wheels that give the sedan a slightly beefier stance.
As far as the dimensions go, the Xcent shares the hatchback’s 2,425mm wheelbase, which is longer than the Amaze and shorter to the Dzire only by a whisker. However, Xcent is evidently narrower in width than its competitors. Where the Xcent really scores over them is the 407-litre boot that easily holds four large suitcases.
Step inside and the cabin is respectably spacious. Save for a new cubbyhole with lid, climate control and a more reclined rear seat, interiors remain the same as the GRAND i10’s. The quality of the dual tone plastics shames more expensive models. The adjustable steering column feels premium and the gear lever is ergonomically placed on the dashboard. The chunky A/C dials and round vents add to the elegance of the dashboard.
The Xcent comes with rear A/C vents and 1GB built in audio memory, two first-in-segment features. Also on offer are push start button, keyless entry, auto-folding mirrors, Bluetooth connectivity and glove box chiller.
Performance
The engines - 1.1 U2 CRDi diesel and 1.2-litre Kappa petrol - have been carried over from the GRAND i10, too. Thanks to some tweaks to the ECU and a new electronically controlled turbocharger wastegate, the three-cylinder diesel engine now produces an extra 1 bhp and 22 Nm more torque over the GRAND. Although the improvement isn’t obvious behind the wheel, it’s more than sufficient to move the extra weight of the car. Idling vibration and turbo lag drop to minimal once on the move. The car comfortably swings between two and three digits speeds on the top gear and effortlessly cruises at around 140kmph.
Both engines are mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox and the petrol is also available with a 4-speed automatic transmission. ARAI has certified the diesel and petrol variants return a mileage of 24.4 and 19.1 kmpl respectively.
Ride and Handling
Reworked suspension, extra weight and broader tyres make the Xcent a better handler than the GRAND i10. Yet, the suspension battles to level the body around corners and over unduly surfaces.
Ride quality is indisputably the best in class. Most road and wind noise is held at bay thanks to great sound insulation, but the three-cylinder diesel engine emits an intrusive purr at low speeds. Small bumps and potholes are smoothed out by the supple suspension.
Light steering, nimble clutch, accurate gearshifts coupled with tilt steering and height adjustable seats make the Xcent a restful companion.
Safety
While airbags are standard on the top SX trim, ABS is available only as an option for the mid and top variants. It is equipped with reverse parking camera and electrochromatic rearview mirror as well.
Bottom-line
Hyundai conveys the message very clear – the Xcent is a practical family car. The 1.1-litre three-cylinder engine might appear slightly underpowered in front of its rivals, but 72 PS and 180 NM torque are sufficient to keep pace with traffic in city and on highways prudently. Moreover, Xcent diesel starts at Rs 5.56 lakhs, which is Rs 41,000 cheaper than the Honda and about Rs 20,000 than the Dzire. For those looking for a feature-rich yet affordable family car, the Hyundai Xcent will hit the spot.
Design
One has to admit that achieving a well-proportionate sub-4 metre design out of a hatchback is no easy matter. That said, designers at Hyundai have done a wonderful job of seamlessly adding a boot to the GRAND i10. Inevitably, the Xcent is identical to the hatchback till the B-pillar. The roofline then blends beautifully into the boot with the help of slightly reworked rear window. Though not an eyesore, the rear profile is rather bland and doesn’t gel flawlessly with the rest of the car. Top variants get 15-inch diamond cut alloy wheels that give the sedan a slightly beefier stance.
Step inside and the cabin is respectably spacious. Save for a new cubbyhole with lid, climate control and a more reclined rear seat, interiors remain the same as the GRAND i10’s. The quality of the dual tone plastics shames more expensive models. The adjustable steering column feels premium and the gear lever is ergonomically placed on the dashboard. The chunky A/C dials and round vents add to the elegance of the dashboard.
The Xcent comes with rear A/C vents and 1GB built in audio memory, two first-in-segment features. Also on offer are push start button, keyless entry, auto-folding mirrors, Bluetooth connectivity and glove box chiller.
The engines - 1.1 U2 CRDi diesel and 1.2-litre Kappa petrol - have been carried over from the GRAND i10, too. Thanks to some tweaks to the ECU and a new electronically controlled turbocharger wastegate, the three-cylinder diesel engine now produces an extra 1 bhp and 22 Nm more torque over the GRAND. Although the improvement isn’t obvious behind the wheel, it’s more than sufficient to move the extra weight of the car. Idling vibration and turbo lag drop to minimal once on the move. The car comfortably swings between two and three digits speeds on the top gear and effortlessly cruises at around 140kmph.
The ultra-quiet and efficient 1.2 litre Kappa petrol offers good low-down response for fairly swift acceleration. It’s a great performer in city, while I preferred the diesel variant on highways.
Ride and Handling
Reworked suspension, extra weight and broader tyres make the Xcent a better handler than the GRAND i10. Yet, the suspension battles to level the body around corners and over unduly surfaces.
Ride quality is indisputably the best in class. Most road and wind noise is held at bay thanks to great sound insulation, but the three-cylinder diesel engine emits an intrusive purr at low speeds. Small bumps and potholes are smoothed out by the supple suspension.
Safety
While airbags are standard on the top SX trim, ABS is available only as an option for the mid and top variants. It is equipped with reverse parking camera and electrochromatic rearview mirror as well.
Hyundai conveys the message very clear – the Xcent is a practical family car. The 1.1-litre three-cylinder engine might appear slightly underpowered in front of its rivals, but 72 PS and 180 NM torque are sufficient to keep pace with traffic in city and on highways prudently. Moreover, Xcent diesel starts at Rs 5.56 lakhs, which is Rs 41,000 cheaper than the Honda and about Rs 20,000 than the Dzire. For those looking for a feature-rich yet affordable family car, the Hyundai Xcent will hit the spot.
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