Maruti Suzuki Ignis vs Hyundai Xcent [2014-2017]

The run to save money and space by developing sub-four metre sedans in India has seen a surge over the years. Hyundai joined the bandwagon too, in the hope of making a difference in the market as well as in its yearly revenue. After the Xcent was launched, we were itching to get our hands on the car for a longer duration and when we did we made full use of it.

Five hundred and fifty five kilometres in two weeks, all clocked in Mumbai and suburbs, almost 80 per cent of them in prime time traffic with average speeds of around 20km per hour and yet achieving fuel efficiency of 15.85kpl. These numbers are good enough to make the Xcent everyday companion for city use and the good part is that this compact sedan from Hyundai offers even more value with its feature list on these daily commutes.

Everyone wants more from less, and this seems to apply the most with cars these days. All Indians want a bada gaadi that is small enough on price and parking space to fit budgets and crowded cities, but large enough to seat four or five in comfort and swallow their luggage for the weekend as well. Hence the existence of the sub-four metre car, which offers a lot in a very small exterior footprint. Hyundai is entering the entry-level sedan market after quite a few years, and they need to get it right the first time around if they are going to compete with the likes of Suzuki and Honda. The Xcent is more than just a new take on an old car for them; it will offer new things with the trust of the name that is familiar to all of us.