2017 Hyundai Xcent Facelift Review – Polished Xcent

What is it?

The refreshed 2017 Hyundai Xcent armed with better looks, more features and a bigger diesel heart. This has been done to bring it in line with Hyundai’s current family and, more importantly, to ensure the Xcent better equipped to deal with the arrival of the all new Dzire. The Xcent has always been a very well rounded package. It’s comfortable, has decent space and boasts class-leading levels of quality. So, have the updates made it better? Read our 2017 Hyundai Xcent facelift test drive review to find out

Also See – 2017 Hyundai Grand i10 Review

What’s New on the Outside?

There’s a new grille and a new front bumper that brings the Xcent in line with Hyundai’s current design language. It gets Hyundai’s new ‘Cascading’ grille design – a design feature that every new Hyundai gets – along with dollops of chrome. The sporty new bumper features sleek fog lamps flanked by LED daytime running lamps. Interestingly, these LEDs turn off every time the handbrake is pulled. We’re not quite sure what purpose that serves. The updates to the nose of the  Xcent are quite different from what we have seen on the Grand i10. So, there is now a clear distinction between the pair when viewed head on.

The 2017 Hyundai Xcent looks much better and most of it is down to the changes that have been made to the back. The oddly shaped tail lamps have been replaced by a sleeker pair. This helps the Xcent look wider although, dimensions have not changed. Besides these changes, there are new diamond cut alloys wheels and a sleeker rub strip on the side. Also, the diesel variants now carry a ‘1.2 D’ badge on the front fender, a nod to the new engine that powers the car.

What’s New on the Inside?

In terms of appearance, nothing really. It is nearly identical to the what have already seen in the Xcent. However, there is one noticeable change in the form od a new 7-inch infotainment unit. The beige bit of the dashboard seems a couple of shades darker. As always, the quality levels and fit and finish are exemplary. Bits like the steering wheel and gear knob will feel like they belong to cars from a couple of segments above.

The Most notable gain in equipment is a new touchscreen infotainment system on the top end Asta trim. It is similar to the that does duty on the new Grand i10. Apart from offering the usual AUX, USB and Bluetooth support, this unit also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It responds to touch inputs well and is overall easy to use. Also, the volume and some other functions can still be controlled using good old fashioned dials, which means your co-passenger won’t struggle with it while you drive over rough patches of roads.

Hyundai is offering a very nifty smartphone dock as well, but that, for some strange reason, has been reserved for the petrol auto variant only. Electrically adjustable ORVMs with auto fold function, auto aircon, rear AC vents round off the features list. Sadly, the Xcent misses out on a distance to empty readout and speed sensing door locks.

What’s New Under the Hood?

Hyundai has swapped the 1.1 L diesel for a bigger, more torquey 1.2 L Diesel. While it is still a 3 cylinder unit, engine capacity has gone up from 1120 cc to 1186 cc. Also, Power is now up to 75 PS and peak torque stands at 190 Nm available from 1750 RPM to 2250 RPM. So, on paper, the Xcent doesn’t seem underpowered in comparison with its rivals. The engine still vibrates quite a bit at idle, an inherent trait of 3 cylinder units. But, things smoothed out as the revs build up. Turbo lag has been very well contained and the Xcent diesel, which is the one we tested, feels smooth and responsive right from the get go.

Peak torque is available in a narrower rev band, but the Xcent never felt strained. For best results, try keeping the revs above 1800 RPM. Transferring power to the front wheels is a 5-speed manual transmission that offers smooth gearshifts and frankly, is an absolute delight to use. Petrol variants also come with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Only the Xcent petrol gets an optional 4-speed automatic transmission. Despite an increase in capacity, the claimed fuel efficiency of the diesel variant has gone up and now stands at 25.4 KMPL overall.

Has the Ride and Handling Changed?

This is one area where the Hyundai Xcent shines. The way the sedan’s suspension irons out bumps is genuinely impressive. In fact, over rough patches of roads, the Xcent rides much better than cars a couple of segment above. High-speed stability is confidence inspiring as the car feels planted even at triple digit speeds.Under heavy braking, the Xcent feels composed. Its brakes offer good bite and pedal action is nice and gradual. Now, Hyundais have often been criticised for their overly light steering, but that is fast becoming a thing of the past. Case in point, the Xcent. At city speeds, the steering is relatively light and easy to use and weighs up quite well as speeds build up. However, there isn’t much on offer in terms of feedback. So, bottom line, the Xcent boasts impressive ride quality and handles well too.

Should I Buy One?

There are some points that do not work in the Xcent’s favour. For starters, although the looks might have improved, it is still not what one would call pretty. In terms of safety, the lower and mid level trims disappoint as the only standard feature is dual front airbags. ABS is available only on the top-end SX(O) trim. Also, the Xcent could have done a few more minor additions to the features list like a distance to empty readout and speed sensing door locks.

Having said that, there are quite a few things that make the Xcent a very compelling buy in its segment. The Hyundai Xcent has been solidly put together and offers decent space for five and their luggage. The new diesel engine ensures it doesn’t feel underpowered. Ride quality is exemplary as it strikes the right balance between comfort and handling. All in all, we do not see any reason why the Hyundai Xcent will not continue posting strong sales month after month.

2017 Hyundai Xcent facelift Test Drive Review – Specifications

2017 Hyundai Xcent facelift Test Drive Review – Price List

What do you think of our 2017 Hyundai Xcent facelift Test Drive Review? Do let us know via the comments section below.