2020 Hyundai Xcent compact sedan: What it could look like

Hyundai India will launch the 2nd generation Grand i10 hatchback by the end of this year, and the car has already been spotted under testing. The compact sedan version of the Grand i10 – the Xcent – will also move a generation ahead next year. The 2020 Hyundai Xcent is expected to look similar to the Grand i10 in terms of front end styling while the rear will see the addition of a three box style sedan boot. Here is a speculative render from IAB that shows what the 2020 Hyundai Xcent compact sedan could look like.

As the renders suggests, the 2020 Hyundai Xcent will look a lot sharper than the current version. The headlamps could get narrower while the front grille could ape the one on the Santro hatchback but with enough differentiation to give the new Xcent a distinct identity. The Grand i10 is likely to get similar front end styling. Since Indian car buyers love chrome, expect the higher variants of the car to feature plenty of chrome on the front end. At the rear, Hyundai is likely to make the new Xcent’s boot more flowing, unlike the bulbous lines of the current car. Boot integration is one of the biggest design issues when it comes to sub-4 meter compact sedans, and it’ll be interesting to see how Hyundai manages to make the new Xcent look better than the current version.

The new car will get fresh interiors, with a brand new dashboard design, a new infotainment system run through a touchscreen panel, additional features and possibly more space. As for mechanicals, the 2020 Hyundai Xcent is expected to share its engines and gearboxes with the new Grand i10. Petrol, diesel and CNG-Petrol engines are likely to be offered with the current line-up expected to be carried over with Bharat Stage 6 (BS6) compliance. The 1.2 liter-4 cylinder naturally aspirated petrol and the 1.4 liter-4 cylinder turbocharged diesel engines are expected on the new car, with better fuel efficiency, similar or slightly detuned power and torque outputs, and much better refinement levels thanks to BS6 compliance. Apart from manual transmissions being standard with both engines, AMT options are likely to be offered with both petrol and diesel engines.

The all-new Xcent is expected to be here by the middle of next year, and the 2020 Auto Expo could be the big event where Hyundai showcases the new car, either as a cooncept or near-production model. The compact sedan will continue to challenge the likes of the Maruti Dzire, Honda Amaze, Volkswagen Ameo, Tata Tigor and Ford Figo Aspire in the hugely competitive segment. Expect pricing for the new car to go up thanks to BS6 compliance, and the starting price figure is likely to be around Rs. 6 lakhs.