Hyundai will launch the Xcent compact sedan in the Indian market on the 12th of March, 2014. The Hyundai Xcent is a sub 4-metre sedan based on the Grand i10 hatchback and replaces the Accent in the company’s portfolio. It is also Hyundai’s first sub 4-metre offering in the country (other than a hatchback as the company doesn’t have a compact SUV or compact sedan on sale yet). Being based on the Grand i10, the Xcent shares a lot of elements with it but somehow the integration of the boot doesn’t look very soothing from certain angles.
The Hyundai Xcent shares its equipment list and engines with the Grand i10. However the Xcent gets a few additional features like a climate control system, reverse guide camera and rear seat arm rest with twin cup holders. The top variants of the Xcent are bolted on to 15-inch alloy wheels. Although Hyundai hasn’t disclosed the dimensions of the car, except that it’s a sub 4-metre, we expect the Xcent to measure 3990 mm in length. The wheelbase will be longer on the Xcent but the width and height will remain the same as the Grand i10.
Hyundai has achieved 90% localisation with the Xcent and the car will be quite frugal as it will use the same 1.2-litre petrol and 1.1-litre diesel engines. The Hyundai Xcent will compete with the Maruti Swift DZire and Honda Amaze in the Indian market while the yet-to-be launched Tata Zest will also be a tough challenger to the Korean car. We expect Hyundai to price the Xcent between Rs. 5.25 lakhs for the base petrol to Rs. 8.85 lakhs for the top-end diesel in the Indian market (ex-showroom, Delhi) with prices being introductory.
