Hyundai has launched its all-new 2014 Hyundai Xcent compact sedan in the Indian market with prices starting at Rs 4.66 lakh.
South Korean automaker, Hyundai has officially resurrected the Accent name in the Indian market with the commercial launch of the all-new 2014 Hyundai Xcent with prices starting at Rs 4.66 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi.) This sub 4-metre sedan was shown at the recently concluded 2014 Delhi Motor Show and is the second model from Hyundai to launch this year after the Santa Fe SUV.
Measuring less than four metres in length, the Xcent goes up against Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire, Honda Amaze and the upcoming Tata Zest in the compact sedan segment. The car will be offered in three petrol and three diesel variants across three trim levels: Base, S and SX and with two transmission options: manual and automatic.
Design wise, the Hyundai Xcent shares its platform, as well as the front fascia with the Grand i10. The car follows Hyundai’s fluidic design language with the front featuring a hexagonal grille and the headlamps resembling the i20. The side profile also retains the same overall shape till the point of the C-pillar from where, the raked roofline protrudes out to take the shape of a chubby 407-litre boot, the largest in its segment. The rear has been set a little high up with a high loading bay, giving the car a slightly elevated stance. With the added boot, the car measures 3.95 metres in length, easily qualifying for the Government’s concessions for sub-four metre cars. 14-inch alloys will be available as an optional extra in the S variant while the SX gets it as a standard fitment.
When it comes to creature comforts and features, it is tough to beat Hyundai cars. The same legacy is carried forward by the Xcent as well, which has been loaded with a number of segment-first features such as the rear AC vents, 1GB hard drive for the 2-DIN music system, push button start, all-electric rear view mirrors, steering mounted audio and Bluetooth controls and a cooled glove box. Safety features include standard dual front airbags in the SX variant and optional ABS in S and SX. The top-end variant will also get reverse parking camera, another segment-first. Base variant will get power windows only in the front.
Hyundai has given the Xcent the same engines as the Grand i10 — the newly developed second generation 1.1-litre U2 CRDi diesel and the 1.2-litre Kappa dual VTVT petrol. The 1.1-litre U2 CRDi pumps out 72PS at 4000rpm and 180.4Nm between 1750 and 2500rpm with a mileage of 24.4kmpl. Hyundai says they have worked on the Xcent’s diesel engine to achieve enhanced performance, 13 per cent more torque and better mileage. The 1.2-litre Kappa petrol delivers 83PS of power at 6000rpm and 111.8Nm of torque with a claimed fuel efficiency of 19.1kmpl.
Both the engines are paired to a 5-speed manual transmission with the petrol getting the option of a 4-speed auto as well. The automatic delivers an ARAI approved fuel efficiency of 16.9kmpl.
Hyundai claims to have improved the turbocharger in the diesel Xcent for better throttle response and acceleration. The auto option will be available on in the S and SX trims. The bookings for the all-new 2014 Hyundai Xcent have commenced across all company showrooms starting today.
Hyundai has taken its own sweet time to get the Xcent rolled out in the Indian market, and in the process making sure that its contender doesn’t lag in any way in front of its rivals. It looks decent, comes in a range of petrol and diesel variants, handles well, and as of now is the most economically priced compact sedan in the Indian market. Add to that, the trusted Korean brand value and reliability, which is bound to give the Swift Dzire and the Honda Amaze some sleepless nights in the coming months.
