In the run up to the 2014 Auto Expo, Hyundai revealed the Grand i 10′s compact sedan edition the Xcent. Designed to compete in the compact sedan segment, the Xcent will take on the Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire and Honda Amaze head on. It has now been confirmed that the car we saw first on 4th February 2014, will now be launched on 12th March 2014 i.e. within the period Hyundai stipulated. Expected prices for the Xcent should begin around Rs 5.30 lakh and go on to around Rs 8.15 lakh.
With the smartly named Xcent, Hyundai is looking to capitalize on the success of the Accent. The name is different yet familiar enough for customers to accept it instantly. Hyundai only unveiled the Xcent in Delhi and did not reveal any details regarding the engine options. However, if market trends are any indication the car is likely to get a 1.4-litre petrol engine and a 1.2-litre diesel. The 1.4 petrol will most likely be mated with a 5-speed automatic gearbox as well. With the Xcent, Hyundai will have tapped into every major and fast growing segment with the exception of the compact SUV. However, the IX 25′s (Final name will be different) launch doesn’t seem too far away which means Hyundai is going high and low to tap into every mass moving segment.
One of the things we liked most about the Xcent was the design employed. Adding size while staying within the sub-4 metre mark is a challenge many take up, but few can pull off gracefully. In terms of styling the car is evidently the larger sibling of the Grand i10, but the difference in name will certainly play to its advantage. Although the cars in essence are the same, the change in name makes the Xcent stand out just enough.
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