The Hyundai Xcent was one of the most popular sub-4 meter sedans in India but of late, the car has been slipping down on the sales chart. This is due to the enhanced competition along with its outdated looks and interiors. For the same, Hyundai is currently working on the next generation model of the car that will be launched here next year. Now, this all-new upcoming Hyundai Xcent has been spied testing in Europe as seen in these images by Autocar India. The overall profile of the Maruti Suzuki Dzire challenger seems to be similar to the outgoing model but that’s where the similarities end.
Before we go on talking about the details leaked by these spy shots, let us tell you that Hyundai will most probably bring it here with a new name. This is mainly because of the car’s popularity in the cab segment, which according to Hyundai affects sales. Therefore, the Korean manufacturer will continue offering the Xcent to cab operators under the same name but the next generation model seen here could get a new name. The cab version of the Xcent will also be updated but will not be a full-fledged new generation model. The car will be officially launched next year.
Moving on to how the car may look like, the spy shots here give us a good idea of the same. The front end gets a sharper, more angular look characterized by the honeycomb cascading grille, new bumper and triangular fog lamp housing. Paying close attention to these spy shots will reveal that the car here features two boomerang-shaped LED DRLs on each side of the grille, which is quite an interesting design touch. The rear is has been completely hidden by the black wraps and hence little could be said about that. The number plate housing will be on the bumper and the tail lamps will get LED inserts. Hyundai could also plaster the car’s name on the boot’s centre as seen on the Hyundai Venue.
Talking about the upgrades in its interiors, the new Xcent will share a lot of parts as well as interior design with the upcoming Grand i10. The steering wheel could be borrowed from the Hyundai Venue and it will also get a large 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment from the Venue. As with most of the upcoming Hyundai cars, the infotainment system. will come with features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and the BlueLink connectivity feature. The upholstery will also be updated along with the dashboard design.
As for the engines, the new Hyundai Xcent will be powered by BSVI compliant versions of the 1.2-litre Kappa petrol engine as well as the U2 1.2-litre diesel motor. The petrol variant will now feature an AMT gearbox instead of the current model’s 4-speed torque converter. When launched next year, the all-new Hyundai Xcent will rival the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Honda Amaze, Ford Aspire and the Tata Tigor.
