If you have been following Indian roads for the last decade, you definitely know the Hyundai Xcent. Endorsed by Shah Rukh Khan and built to fit the government’s unique “sub-4-meter” tax rules, this car became a legend in its own right.
Whether you are looking for a reliable used car or just want to know how this compact beauty shaped the market, here is the complete story of the Hyundai Xcent.
1. The “Magic Trick” of Design
The Xcent wasn’t just a random design; it was a smart engineering move. Back in 2006, the Indian government lowered taxes for cars under 4 meters in length. To take advantage of this, Hyundai took the popular Grand i10 hatchback and cleverly integrated a boot (trunk) onto it.
- The Result: A car that looked like a sedan but was easy to drive in traffic like a hatchback.
- The Space: Despite being small on the outside (3,995 mm), it offered a massive 407-liter boot, making it perfect for family luggage.
2. Why Families Loved It (The “Good Stuff”)
According to long-term owners, the Xcent was more than just specs. It offered a premium feel that was rare in its segment at the time.
- Interiors: It had well-appointed, dual-tone beige and black interiors that felt upscale.
- The Drive: Owners praised the smooth and peppy petrol engine with a slick gear shifter, making city driving a breeze.
- Comfort: It offered a comfortable ride quality, and unlike many small cars, it handled surprisingly well.
3. The “Prime” Twist: From Family Car to Taxi King
Around 2017-2019, you might have noticed more Xcents with yellow number plates. Hyundai realized the car was incredibly reliable and spacious, so they launched the Xcent Prime specifically for fleet and taxi owners.
- Why Cab Drivers Loved It: It came with factory-fitted CNG, a speed-limiting function (80 kmph) for safety, and low maintenance costs.
- The Shift: By 2019, Hyundai confirmed that the Xcent would eventually be replaced by the Aura for private buyers, leaving the Xcent nameplate largely for commercial use.
4. Xcent vs. Aura: The New Generation
In 2020, Hyundai introduced the Aura, the spiritual successor to the Xcent. If you are comparing a used Xcent to a new Aura, here is what changed:
- Looks: The Aura is wider (1680 mm vs 1660 mm), offering better shoulder room.
- Tech: The Aura brought in modern features like wireless charging, a bigger 8-inch touchscreen, and boomerang LED DRLs.
- Engine: The Aura upgraded to BS6 compliant engines, whereas the older Xcent ran on BS4.
5. Is a Used Xcent Still Worth It?
If you are browsing the used car market today, the Hyundai Xcent remains a solid budget choice.
- Pros: Cheap service costs, decent fuel efficiency (approx 15.38 kmpl for the older Prime models), and that massive boot space.
- Cons: The steering can feel a bit “vague” for enthusiastic drivers, and the AC is adequate but not a “chiller”.
Final Verdict
The Hyundai Xcent might have passed the baton to the Aura, but it remains a significant part of India’s automotive history. It proved that you don’t need a massive car to have a comfortable sedan experience.
Dhanush, an automobile expert with over 5 years of experience in the latest auto news and updates. Your go-to source for every development in the world of cars and bikes
Dhanush, an automobile expert with over 5 years of experience in the latest auto news and updates. Your go-to source for every development in the world of cars and bikes