Hyundai has launched the new and updated Xcent compact sedan in India. What with the launch of Tata Tigor in the same segment, and the Aspire getting a sporty makeover recently, it’s a neck-to-neck finish for the Xcent against its segment rivals. You can read all about how it fares against its adversaries in our Competition Check over here.
In the meantime, this segment’s leader, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, is now ready to enter its third generation pretty soon. Until the new Dzire hits the showrooms, check out how the new Xcent locks horns with the current Maruti Suzuki Dzire.
Exterior and Dimensions
The new Hyundai Xcent hasn't undergone any changes in dimension. It measures the same 3995x1660x1520mm as compared to 3995x1695x1555mm of the Dzire. The wheelbase of the Xcent at 2425mm is a tad smaller than the Dzire’s 2430mm. However, the Xcent triumphs over the Maruti with a large boot space measuring 407litres, while the Dzire has 320litres. The Xcent gets 15-inch alloy wheels similar to the Dzire. The Maruti, however, looks dated now and is in dire need of a refreshment in the wake of all its competition getting an overhauling. The Xcent with its updated fascia and revised rear looks more upmarket.
Interior
The cabin of the Xcent is carried forward from the older car. The dashboard has retained its dual tone setup but now comes with a 7.0-inch touchscreen system with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other features on this top-of-the-line model include climate control, button start, smartphone holder, leather wrapped gear knob, reverse camera and steering mounted audio controls. Also offered as a standard across all variants are dual airbags.
The Dzire, on the other hand, has the same dashboard layout as all the Maruti models do. A few subtle updates have been added to keep it looking fresh all this year which include engine start/stop button, new upholstery, front and rear charging socket, electrically foldable rear view mirrors, audio and Bluetooth control on the steering wheel, reverse parking sensors and much more.
Engine
The Swift Dzire is powered by the 1.2-litre engine developing 83bhp and 115Nm, coupled with a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic. The diesel engine is a 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged mill developing 74bhp and 190Nm. The diesel engine comes mated to a five-speed manual or a five-speed AMT gearbox.
The new Xcent get a change of diesel heart and now continues with a powertrain scrounged from updated Grand i10. A petrol engine is a 1.2-litre unit producing 81bhp/114Nm while the diesel is a new 1.2-litre unit producing 75bhp/190Nm. Both can be had with a five-speed manual while the petrol can also be had with a four-speed AT.
Price
The 2017 Hyundai Xcent has been launched in the Indian market and has been priced at Rs 5.38 – 7.09 lakh for the petrol range and Rs 6.28 – 8.41 lakh for the diesel range (ex-showroom Delhi). The prices for the Dzire petrol starts at Rs 5.35 lakh and diesel at Rs 6.16 lakh. The top-of-the-line can be had for Rs 7.03 lakh for petrol and Rs 8.58 lakh for diesel. Both the cars are evenly matched in terms of pricing.
