2017 HYUNDAI XCENT
Xcent gets a fresh face and a new heart
Out goes the old 1.1-litre diesel engine and in comes the 1.2-litre unit
IIF THE GRAND I10 WAS a step up for Hyundai in modern times, the Xcent was supposed to build on the Grand’s success. It was the contemporary challenger to the Dzire, which is arguably the most successful car from Maruti Suzuki now. So much so that the next generation Dzire will be launched before the new Swift. It’s time for all sub 4-metre sedans to feel threatened because the outgoing Dzire is an odd looking car and it still sells like hot cakes. The new one looks better. So the first one to up its game is Hyundai.
Visually, the Xcent is far more striking than before. The nose is now considerably differentiated from the Grand i10, something that should bode well for the perceived value of the car. The grille is now wider and chrome lined, and grabs most of the attention up front. This is offset with new fog lamps that have been redesigned and are now flanked by LED DRLs. The whole front bumper has been given a rejig and looks more outgoing than the conservative design of the older one. The rear has also been significantly updated, with the boot looking far better integrated with the rest of the car. The wider tail lamps improve the way the car looks from the rear, and do away with the cut-paste look the older car had.
The interiors have been given a mild tweak as well. The SX and SX(O) variants now get a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that comes integrated with Android Auto, MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay and voice recognition. The screen doubles up as a reversing camera in the new car. Finish in the cabin is top class, and it feels like a more expensive Hyundai.
However, the biggest change is what lies under the hood. Out goes the old 1.1-litre diesel engine and in comes the 1.2-litre unit that was recently added to the updated Grand i10 line-up. The increased capacity bumps up power by 3bhp, and makes a total of 190Nm as well. The three cylinder engine has a fair bit of clatter at idle, something inherent in three cylinder diesels. However, once you’re on the go, the vibrations smoothen out and it feels far more refined. The car feels a lot quicker, and it makes driving it so much more of a pleasure. The turbo doesn’t kick in suddenly and give it a surge forward, the build up of torque is more linear. Quick overtakes can be undertaken without thinking twice and it is far more composed out on the highway than before.
The performance game has moved up. Diesel cars like the Aspire and Amaze make about 100 horsepower and the Ameo rolls up its sleeves at 109bhp. The Xcent is relatively underpowered, but it has a very drivable motor. It feels a little out of breath on the highway but works wonderfully in the city with its light controls, punchy mid-range and slick gearbox. The Xcent then is more of a city car compared to its competitors. It’s fresh for now but the question is, for how long? ⌧