Hyundai have launched the new Xcent compact sedan at the 12th Auto Expo in Delhi.
The new sedan is based on the Grand i10 hatchback, a car which garnered more than its fair share of attention and rave reviews, even receiving our ‘Car of the Year’ crown. The Xcent hopes to capitalise on the company’s dynamically-gifted package, sporting a voluminous boot, but measuring under four metres in length.
The Xcent, which not coincidentally, sounds a lot like ‘Accent’, is clearly not a new version of the old car; the Verna fills those shoes. It represents their entry into a new and burgeoning segment, with more buyers turning to compact sedans simply for what is perceived as a more prestigious buy than a hatchback, however good. Either way, the Xcent is here and it brings with it a choice of petrol and diesel engines. While the company haven’t divulged any powertrain details, considering its length, expect to see the 1.2-litre Kappa2 four-cylinder petrol and the 1.1-litre U2 CRDi three-cylinder turbo-diesel under the bonnet. Both will be paired to the 5-speed manual transmission, with the petrol also having an automatic option.
The company is targeting 90% localisation and, thus, we can expect pricing to be very competitive indeed when it does launch next month. The Xcent will go up against primarily against the Maruti-Suzuki Swift DZire and the Honda Amaze.
Story: Jim Gorde
Images: Gaurav Nagpal
