Hyundai Xcent: The Hyundai Xcent was launched as a sub-4m sedan, that revolutionized functionality for the Indian car buyer. Touted as a sub-four-meter sedan based on the Grand i10 platform, the Xcent delivered the looks and comfort of a sedan in a small, easy-to-live-with package for a lot less. Quickly, it was lauded for mixing it’s roomy interior with modern fittings and a frugal approach to fuel. This made it a desirable option for consumers, ride-sharing companies, and fleet operators alike. Hyundai marketed it as a family car with value-laden features that did not skimp on quality or comfort. The Xcent gradually became very strong offering among people who wanted a trouble-free, urban-oriented sedan that felt easy to own and run.
Sleek Stylings for an Impeccable Finish
Hyundai Xcent’s exterior design is based on simplicity and elegance. Despite small in size, the sedan sports a nice proportion with a clean design. The front is unfortunately dull; it wears a familiar hexagonal grille, swept-back headlamps, combined fog lamps which provide an overly mature ambience for my personal taste. From the side, there\’s a short boot extension, which is well integrated into the hatchback form and all the subliminal design language throughout. Chrome touches on the grill, the bootlid and alloy wheels in higher trim levels give it a sense of premiumness. At the back, wraparound tail lights and a slightly contoured bumper add closure to the Xcent. All said and done, there is nothing intrusively designed; instead, it’s all about style from the time you are at least 6-50!
Well-Appointed Cabin with Everyday Practicality
Enter the Hyundai Xcent, and you find a cabin with comfort, usability and quality firmly in mind. An all-new small crossover that heavily borrows design cues from the CS concept, sentiment inside the cabin is much of an analogue with the X1 to maintain brand consistency. Dual tone interior color schemes open up the space and make it feel spacious inside, as the cabin is well-built with the dashboard intelligently laid out with ergonomic controls. The seats are also excellent – they are well bolstered and have a good cushioning and good under-thigh support for the long drives. Let’s face it, no one purchases a car in this segment to carry adult-sized people in the back, but rear seat leg room is more than sufficient, and the flat floor makes it easier for three to get situated back there. Boot space is another strong point, there is more than enough room for all your luggage without sacrificing rear seat comfort. Hyundai’s usual fastidiousness is apparent in the soft-touch surfaces and storage solutions, while the level of fit and finish is of a just-above-its-station standard in the cabin.
City and Highway Mix of Engine Options
All these while, the Hyundai Xcent has been made available with a petrol and a diesel powertrain and so, it appeals to a wider audience. 1.2Kappa petrol is also relaxed to drive with smooth and linear power delivery which is good for city drive & daily commute. The gasoline version, available with a 5-speed manual gearbox option or optional automatic, combines feisty spirit with user friendliness. On the other, the 1.2-litre CRDi diesel motor did not exactly make it a ball of fire, but was strong on low-speed torque and offered a stonking mileage figure, making it the darling of high-mileage users and commercial operators. Both engines are designed for zippy driving enjoyment, whether grinding it out in the city or opening up on the highway in casual cruising. With light steering, small turning circles and smart set of powertrains, the Xcent comes across as a sensible all-round car.
Ride Quality and Driving Dynamics
Ride quality is good on the Hyundai Xcent which has a well-tuned suspension. It readily soaks up tiny bumps and uneven pavement, translating to a cushy ride for occupants. The steering is light at low speeds for ease of maneuvering in city confines but maintains enough weigh-back on the motorway to instill confidence. Body roll is kept in check, and the car remains quite composed even during fast lane changing or cornering. Noise and hokey-pokey vibrations are also pretty well suppressed, which helps the cabin feel relaxed. The brake is gradual, the feel reliable, while the stopping power is enough for different types of surface conditions. Whether it’s in the city traffic or out on the highway, the Xcent offers a sense of grown-up confidence and predictability to the drive experience and is enveloped in comfort.
Mahindra Marazzo – Premium design MPV launched with safety features
Safety and Utility Considerations
In the safety department, Hyundai Xcent is loaded with essential features that a common man actually cares about. Dual airbags and ABS were provided standard or as an option in some variants for some basic occupant protection. The car too comes with parking sensors at the rear, day-night IRVMs, seatbelt reminders and impact sensing door unlock in the higher models. Although it doesn’t have fancy driver-assistance features, it is centred on primary safety and structural safety. In terms of utility, the Xcent offers power windows, remote key entry, rear AC vents, and enough boot space to cater to family and commercial applications. A good mixture of comfort, economy and reliability have made it a really strong contender in the compact sedan segment.
Hyundai Xcent: One Small Sedan That Always Left an Impression
The Hyundai Xcent has been more than just a sub-four meter sedan, it has been a sustainable mobility solution catering to varied needs of the Indian consumers. The Camry was a perfectly designed example of a car, doing everything one would expect with great engines, nice interior, absent of an annoying or embarrassing gimmick. Although modern Hyundai cars have replaced the Xcent in the lineup, its legacy continues thanks to its popularity in the used car market and fleet industry. It still makes sense for budget buyers in need of a reliable car with low cost of ownership and good after-sales support. In a segment where value for money and adaptability is the governing law, the Xcent played itself as a complete package that checks all the boxes of city commute by delivering all the utility.