Hyundai Xcent, Track Test

With the introduction of a new 1.2-litre diesel engine in the Xcent – and also the Grand i10 – this model once again qualified for our awards this year, along with its sibling. The Xcent also went through a mild facelift, which spruced up its looks and added further equipment to keep the car competitive in a fiercely contested segment. 

Now, some of the design choices on the new Xcent are a bit of an acquired taste – the big, chrome grille at the front for instance. Though we think that the styling of the boot lid and the new rear bumper work quite well compared to the old car. The interior has also received Hyundai’s new touchscreen multimedia system, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard. The quality of the materials are good overall, it has plenty of cabinspace but the high window sills don’t give you the most airy ambience. On the safety front, the Xcent offers dual airbags as standard across the range, while ABS is standard on all versions except the base model. 

The major changes to the diesel engine of the Xcent has been to increase its displacement in order to improve its power delivery – output, meanwhile, has gone up by just 2bhp. However, even with its 74bhp of power, the Xcent is no driver’s car and that reflects in its lap time. It clearly needs more power to be more competitive in its segment. Ride quality and high-speed stability, though, remain quite good. The steering too has been worked on to give it some more feeling, but it’s still nowhere near being on the same level as Hyundai’s all-new products – the Elantra and Verna (both ‘Best of’ winners now at autoX). 

In effect, the Xcent offers a value-for-money package for the commuter looking to buy a reliable, quality product at a good price – and one that’s packed with features. For the driving enthusiasts out there though, you’ll have to look elsewhere. 

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