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Hyundai Xcent is the most value for money compact sedan
The Hyundai Xcent is a value for money compact sedan which is also generously loaded with features, writes Faisal Ali Khan of MotorBeam.com
The compact sedan space is seeing a high growth in popularity in the Indian market which is largely due to the fact that these kind of vehicles are priced attractively (they are also taxed less and thus automakers can pass on the benefits to the buyers).
The latest to enter the compact sedan space is Hyundai with the Xcent, which is the Grand i10 based compact sedan, measuring under 4-metres in length. The vehicle has received more than 11,000 bookings in the past month since launch.
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Hyundai Xcent is the most value for money compact sedan
The styling of the Hyundai Xcent is a mixed bag. While the front looks good, it doesn't gel well with the rear which is a bit plain.
The boot has been integrated decently well as it doesn't look like an after thought. However the proportions aren't as flowing and the Xcent does end up looking a bit out of sync from certain angles.
The design does grow on you with time but this isn't a vehicle you will buy for its appearance.
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Hyundai Xcent is the most value for money compact sedan
Step inside and you are greeted by a cabin which is vastly similar to the Grand i10. The dashboard is neatly laid out and is appealing with the dual-tone treatment giving it an airy feeling.
Hyundai has loaded the Xcent with a ton of features like climate control AC, 1 GB storage for the audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, steering mounted audio controls, electrically retracting rear view mirrors, keyless go, push button start, etc.
The car also gets a rear seat arm rest and rear AC vents.
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Hyundai Xcent is the most value for money compact sedan
Space inside the cabin is abundant and both front and rear seat passengers won't complain about legroom or headroom.
The seats are supportive too but the front headrests are fixed which can be a bit of a problem for tall passengers. The rear seat gets adjustable headrests and the seat has been reclined a bit for improved comfort.
The Xcent has the biggest boot in its class, which at 407-litres can easily swallow two big bags.
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Hyundai Xcent is the most value for money compact sedan
The Xcent carries over the same set of engines from the Grand i10. The 1.2-litre Kappa mill belts out 83 PS at 6000 RPM and 114 Nm at 4000 RPM. It's coupled to both 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions.
The petrol engine gives the Xcent linear performance with the low and mid-end being the strong part of this motor. The top-end isn't as solid as its Japanese rivals.
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Hyundai Xcent is the most value for money compact sedan
The diesel engine on the Xcent is the same 1.1-litre, 3-cylinder powerplant which has been given a 1 PS power hike and a 22 Nm torque increment.
This oil burner now generates 72 PS and 180 Nm, paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox. Post the turbo-lag, there is a good mid-range punch but the motor lacks top-end power and starts to run out of steam post 3500 RPM.
NVH levels are surprising good for a 3-pot unit. While the petrol is rated at 19.1 km/l, the diesel is rated at 24.4 km/l (as per ARAI).
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Hyundai Xcent is the most value for money compact sedan
The Xcent has decent handling, it's not the sharpest around the corners although body roll is well contained.
The steering lacks feel though and it's very light at low speeds with decent weight at high speeds, but not feedback rich.
This isn't a car you would push around corners although it's very stable at high speeds. The NVH levels are also fantastically low.
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Hyundai Xcent is the most value for money compact sedan
Ride quality from the Hyundai Xcent is excellent, more so at low speeds and it does give the passengers a pliant ride.
Bad roads do tend to unsettle the vehicle but the Xcent doesn't bounce around. The brakes offer strong stopping power.
Driving the Xcent is an easy task, thanks to the light controls and easy manoeuvrability it offers.
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Hyundai Xcent is the most value for money compact sedan
The Hyundai Xcent is an excellent sub 4-metre sedan as it manages to excel in various departments.
The Xcent comes with a lot of equipment and is very spacious too. It rides well and is comfortable as well. Both engines are frugal, offering decent performance.
Priced between Rs 552,000 to Rs 890,000 (on-road, Mumbai), the Xcent rubs shoulders with the Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire and Honda Amaze.