Hyundai has just unveiled the Grand i10 compact sedan which has been called Xcent. The Xcent is Hyundai’s take on a sub 4-metre sedan. The car is very similar to the Grand i10 as far as the interiors go but the rear seat has improved legroom. The Hyundai Xcent will be offered in both petrol and diesel engine options and will be priced aggressively to take on the Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire, Honda Amaze and Tata Zest. The engines will be mated to both manual and automatic transmissions. Hyundai intends to replicate the success of the Verna with the Xcent, as 81% of total volumes of the low mid-segment comes from sub 4-metre sedans.
The Hyundai Xcent is loaded with an array of features which has made the Grand i10 so popular (push button start, keyless go, 1 GB internal memory for audio system, steering mounted audio controls, rear AC vents, auto folding mirrors with electric adjustment, ABS, dial airbags, rear defogger, etc). The three biggest changes on the inside are the addition of a rear seat arm rest (with cup holders), climate control AC and reversing camera. The company claims the Xcent has the best in class boot space with one touch release. The underpinnings are from the Grand i10 but the Xcent runs on 15-inch wheels (for top trims). The Xcent name is derived from the Accent (one of very popular models for Hyundai) with the x being for the x factor, appealing to the youth.
Hyundai has designed the Xcent keeping Indian customers in mind, focusing on their needs and lifestyle. The sedan has been made in India and the interiors are dual tone black and beige for added airiness. Hyundai hasn’t disclosed any specifications of the Xcent yet (the dimensions or the increase in wheelbase compared to the Grand i10), nor has it revealed which engines will power it but we expect the 1.2-litre Kappa petrol and 1.1-litre U2 diesel engines to be offered. Expect the Xcent to be as frugal as the Grand i10 when it goes on sale in March 2014. The company believes the Hyundai Xcent will offer the most value in the compact sedan space. The car is 90% localized.
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