The Upcoming Hyundai Xcent Has Been Spied, Giving Us Another Hint About Its Exterior

Note: Current-gen Xcent used for representational purpose.

• Expected to carry some styling cues from the Grand i10 Nios.
• The cabin is likely to bear some resemblance to the Grand i10 Nios with some carryover equipment.
• Likely to retain the same 1.2-litre petrol and diesel engines, albeit BS6-compliant.
• Expected debut at the upcoming Auto Expo 2020 with launch soon after.
• Likely to take on the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Honda Amaze and Ford Figo Aspire once launched.

Hyundai Motor India has been quite busy preparing to introduce the next iteration of its Xcent compact sedan, which was originally launched in India in 2014. The carmaker is expected to introduce the next-gen sedan in a BS6-compliant avatar at the upcoming Auto Expo 2020, with a launch soon after. Earlier spy shots of various prototypes undergoing testing have given us glimpses as to what we can expect. Some of them include signature Hyundai styling elements as well as similarities to the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios hatchback in terms of equipment and interior trims. This latest batch of spy shots reveals to us that the new Xcent will be offered with dual-tone colour options.  Expect it to take on the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Honda Amaze and the Ford Figo Aspire. 

We already know that the next-gen Xcent will be an evolution from its predecessor, with the basic silhouette nearly identical. Expected updates to the sedan may include a bigger cascading front grille, revised projector headlamps and LED taillamps. It could also have its number plate repositioned lower on the rear bumper like the Ford Aspire.  

While the spy images show a camouflaged interior, we expect the 2020 Xcent to carry a similar premium to the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios. It could share equipment like a blacked-out dashboard, steering wheel, and turbine-like air vents with its hatchback sibling. Other additions could include leather upholstery and adjustable head restraints for the rear bench. Also expect the new sedan to feature the floating infotainment system seen in the Venue, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Blue Link connected car technology could also be included.

 

Under the hood, it is likely to retain the 1.2-litre diesel and petrol engines from its predecessor, albeit with a BS6 upgrade. The petrol engine currently puts out 83PS and 114Nm of torque, whereas the diesel produces 75PS and 190Nm. The 5-speed manual gearbox is likely to be retained, however Hyundai could replace the 4-speed torque converter automatic in the petrol in favour of the 5-speed AMT from the Santro for cost-efficiency. 

Once launched, expect the new next-gen Xcent sedan to be sold at a premium over its predecessor. Expected price could be around Rs 6 lakh to 9 lakh (ex-showroom). Like the situation with the Grand i10 Nios, the existing Xcent could continue to be sold as a more affordable option. 

Image Source- Team BHP