Hyundai has introduced the 2017 model year update for its compact sedan, the Xcent. Priced at Rs 5.38 lakh for the petrol range and Rs 6.28 lakh for the diesel range (ex-showroom Delhi), the refreshed Xcent update gets a new 7.0-inch touchscreen system with support from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with a new diesel engine from Grand i10. The 2017 Xcent is available across 11 variants, with the top-spec diesel going upto Rs 8.41 lakh. So here is a list of cars that you should have a look at before you go out to buy the new Xcent.
For the entry-level trim of the new Xcent, the E petrol, you can have a go at the top-of-the-line Tiago petrol. For a similar amount, the Tiago AMT could also be one of your choices. Or you can just go ahead and get the top-spec Kwid, Eon, or the Maruti Alto and Celerio. That will save you a good amount of money and get you the touch-screen audio along with power windows. However, you’ll miss out on the boot space of the compact sedan. Another alternative is the Datsun Go Plus, which with seven seats is affordable still.
The E+ petrol Xcent is priced at Rs 5.93 lakh while the E+ diesel gets a price tag of Rs 6.38 lakh. At this price, you have the option of buying the Chevrolet Beat diesel LT or the Wagon R VXI+ (O) AMT. The Ignis Delta 1.3 MT can also be capped under the Xcent pricing. The new E+ trim is available with rear AC vents, electrically adjustable ORVM, all-four power windows, two-DIN Integrated Audio with Bluetooth and aux-in and USB connectivity. The Swift VDI with ABS or the top-of-the-line Tigor petrol is an excellent alternative.
The Xcent S trim is loaded with LED DRLs, parking sensors, keyless entry, smartphone charger, and comes mated to automatic transmission. The manual version in petrol and diesel is priced at Rs 6.29 lakh and Rs 7.19 lakh, respectively. While the automatic petrol variant is priced at Rs 7.09. You can have a look at the B-segment hatches such as the top-spec Honda Brio, Ford Figo Titanium1.5 TDCi, or the second–to-top Hyundai Grand i10 diesel. The Renault Pulse and its sibling, Nissan Micra, could get you potent diesel hatches.
Moving on to the SX trim, the ABS is a welcome addition, apart from the driver seat adjustment, and the new seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system which gets smartphone connectivity. The petrol variant is priced at Rs 6.73 lakh, while the diesel version is Rs 7.63 lakh. At this price, you get a Fiat Linea 1.3 L Multijet Classic complete with a boot and a torquey diesel motor. And then, there´s always the premium B+ segment hatches in this price range. The Delta variant of the Baleno will fit in at this price either with a petrol auto option or the diesel manual option. The Honda Jazz will also be available either in the base diesel or the mid-level petrol trims exactly like the Elite i20.
Moving on to top-spec SX (O), the Xcent comes loaded with all the bells and whistles here. The 15-inch alloy wheel, leather upholstery, engine start/stop button, all comes as standard. The petrol version is priced at Rs 7.51 lakh, while the diesel trim is offered at Rs 8.41 lakh. Apart from all the premium hatches, at the price of the SX (O), the body style can be shifted up a notch and you can get yourself a compact SUV, entry level Ford Eco sport. Top-seller Vitara Brezza ZDi, the workhorse Mahindra Bolero Plus, Maruti Ertiga ZDi or VXi CNG, all of them can be had for the price of a Xcent SX (O) diesel. Entry level premium sedans like the Volkswagen Polo and Maruti Ciaz also cap in under that pricing.
