Hyundai Xcent SX

The Hyundai Xcent SX is a feature-rich compact sedan that builds on the platform of the Hyundai Grand i10 hatchback. It comes with a choice of 1186 cc diesel and 1197 cc petrol engines, both available with manual and automatic transmissions. The SX variant is loaded with features such as automatic climate control, rear AC vents, 12V power sockets at the front and rear, and a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The car also includes safety features like dual airbags, keyless start, and reverse parking sensors. The interior is well-appointed with a cooled glove box, foldable arm-rest, and cup-holders. The Xcents ground clearance is higher than many sedans, making it suitable for Indian road conditions. Overall, it offers a comfortable ride, decent fuel efficiency, and a robust feature set, making it a strong contender in its segment.

The Hyundai Xcent SX is a solid contender in the compact sedan segment, though it faces stiff competition from the Maruti Suzuki Dzire. From my perspective, the Xcent stands out for its refined engine, particularly the 1.2-liter diesel unit, which offers a good balance of power and fuel efficiency. The cars exterior design, especially the integration of the boot, is one of its strong points. However, the narrow second row and inconsistent brake bite during cold starts are notable drawbacks. The ownership experience has been largely hassle-free for many users, with decent ride quality and light steering making it a beginner-friendly vehicle. Despite some issues with fuel economy and maintenance, the Xcents overall package, including its feature-rich interior and comfortable ride, makes it a viable option for those seeking a compact sedan.

Hyundai was speculated to launch a CNG variant of the Xcent, which would have catered to the growing demand for fuel-efficient vehicles in India. Although the launch was expected, it never materialized. I believe a CNG variant would have been a great addition to the Xcent lineup, given the rising fuel costs and environmental concerns. | (No specific date available, but based on recent updates it would be around early 2020s)

The Hyundai Xcent has been removed from the companys India website, indicating its discontinuation in the Indian market. This move follows the launch of the Hyundai Aura, which replaced the Xcent as the new sub-4 metre sedan offering. I believe this decision is a strategic move to focus on newer models that better align with current market trends.

Hyundai updated the Xcent with additional safety features, including ABS and EBD across all variants, along with dual front airbags. This update was part of a broader effort to enhance safety standards in the segment. I think this was a necessary step to stay competitive and ensure customer safety.

The 2017 Hyundai Xcent facelift was launched in India, featuring significant design and cosmetic updates, including a revised grille, bumper, and headlamp cluster. The facelift also introduced a new 1.2-litre diesel engine. I believe these changes made the Xcent look more upmarket and appealing to buyers.

The Hyundai Xcent SX (O) variant was equipped with advanced features such as a steering wheel mounted with voice recognition, electrically adjustable and retractable ORVMs, and a push button start/stop system. This variant also included a rear camera and parking sensors, enhancing both convenience and safety. I think these features made the SX (O) a compelling choice for those seeking a well-equipped subcompact sedan.

The Hyundai Xcent SX is priced competitively in the Indian market. The ex-showroom price for the Xcent SX variant ranges from approximately Rs. 7.09 lakh to Rs. 8.80 lakh, depending on the engine and transmission options. On-road prices, including taxes and other costs, can range from around Rs. 8.5 lakh to Rs. 10.5 lakh. This pricing positions the Xcent SX as a mid-range option within the compact sedan segment, offering a good balance of features and affordability. However, the final on-road price can vary based on the state and city due to different tax structures.

When it comes to mileage, the Hyundai Xcent SX delivers varying results depending on the engine and driving conditions. The diesel variant, with its 1186 cc engine, offers an ARAI-certified mileage of 24.4 kmpl, while the petrol variant with a 1197 cc engine provides around 19.1 kmpl for the manual transmission and 16.1 kmpl for the automatic. In real-world driving, users have reported mileage ranging from 12-13 kmpl in city traffic to around 18-20 kmpl on highways. This makes the Xcent a reasonable choice for those concerned about running costs, especially with the diesel option.