New Hyundai Xcent tries to be mini-Verna; but looks like a roadside mod job!

We’re just days away from the new Hyundai Xcent’s launch. The new car will be the facelifted version of Hyundai’s only compact sedan. Here are the first uncamouflaged pictures of the new Xcent and well, the results are less than impressive.

The Xcent tries too hard to ape the new Verna/Elantra!

Here’s why we’re saying this. The car’s front end looks like an aftermarket mod job done by some streetside modder. Too much chrome, and that trapezoidal grille that clearly looks out of place makes the new Xcent more of a poor imitator than a fresh looker. Come on Hyundai, you’ve given us some really ravishing designs. Why take a step back?

Hyundai launched the facelift version of the Grand i10 earlier this year, and the Xcent was expected with a similar design. The compact sedan, however, looks very different. The trapezoidal grille looks inspired from the bigger siblings, Elantra and upcoming Verna. The bumper has also been redesigned, and the front-end now looks more aggressive than the outgoing model. The bumper also gets slim fog lamps with a lip spoiler. There are LED DRLs positioned just above the fog lamps, similar to the older generation i20. The headlamps have been updated as well but bear a similar design to the current generation vehicle.

From the rear, the facelift Xcent gets all-new tail-lamps. The new tail lamps have partial use of LEDs and look good. There is a very subtle use of chrome at the rear – there is only a chrome applique between the tail lamps. We do not know how the vehicle will like from the side yet, but from the testing pictures, it can be assumed that the Xcent retains its shape. It will also get newly designed diamond cut alloy wheels with the update.

On the inside, the Xcent will get a cabin similar to that of the Grand i10. There will be a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink connectivity. Also, the dashboard could get a more premium, dual-tone colour scheme.

Launch and pricing

Hyundai will launch the new Xcent on the 20th April, and dealerships have already begun taking bookings. The compact sedan will compete against the all-new DZire that will come out next month. The outgoing Xcent has been doing around 4,000 units/month over the last few months, which is much lower than the Dzire’s numbers (15,000+/month). Hyundai will be hoping that this facelift lifts up sales.

Picture Source: TBHP