Hyundai Xcent : In a market like India, compact sedans sit Just perfect for all practical and budgetary purposes, and the Hyundai Xcent was once a favourite among many a buyer.
While it is now replaced by the Aura, the Xcent still has a carry in the used car market, fleet market and to some extent, with the folks who need a rugged, no-nonsense commuter.
While Hyundai has always enjoyed the reputation of being the reliable engineering house with feature-rich products, the Xcent created a specific place for itself as an all-in-one compact, fuel-efficient, family car.
But what’s it really like in 2025, and is it still worth considering as interest peaks in pre-owned examples or its commercial variant?
Let’s take a deeper look.
Hyundai Xcent Design: Conservative—But Not in a Negative Way
The Hyundai Xcent is not the one that sets the Instagram on fire with one glance. It has a humble, well-resolved design, with practicality rather than flash in mind. Inspired by a fluidic sculpture design, the grille, smooth body lines and chrome details on the front add a touch of refinement without ever going over the top.
It is small enough to be a perfect run-around-the-city car with the boot offering more practicality than a hatchback – and yet being able to accommodate small families or cabbies, or both.
Interior: Smart Use of Space
Once inside, the neatly polished dashboard and unexpectedly spacious cabin for a sub-4m car further impress. While not premium, the materials are sturdy and put together fairly tight. The cabin has a light beige and grey theme, and is quite airy in-general.
In the front the Xcent has most space and at the rear it can comfortably carry two adults. Boot space of 407 litres is plenty for weekend bags and daily loads, making it an ideal option for city duties or as a commercial vehicle.
Features: A Hyundai Signature
The Hyundai Xcent was always a step ahead in offering a feature-laden package even back in the day. Top variants came with:
7-inch touchscreen infotainment (ca Android Auto & Apple CarPlay)
Steering-mounted controls
Sensors and camera, Reverse parking
Electrically adjustable ORVMs
Push-button start
By its category, these were premium features that provided it an upper-edge over rivals at the time, such as the Maruti Dzire or Honda Amaze.
Engine, Drive Train and Performance: Quiet and Smooth
The Xcent was available with two engine options:
1.2-litre, 82 bhp petrol engine and a
A 1.2-litre CRDi diesel motor, it has sulphur (about 74 bhp)
Both engines were fuel-efficient and were praised for their refinement. The petrol one is more successful in the private market the diesel won the hearts of the commercial drivers due to its better mileage(up to 25 km/l for diesel, 19–20 for petrol in real world).
The 5-speed manual shifter is slick and a joy to slot around. Some versions were also available with a 4-speed automatic, which was useful if not exactly sprightly.
Ride Quality and Handling
Comfort The Xcent is built for comfort, and it feels like it. The suspension is tuned to soak in the worst of the city roads comfortably, with low levels of NVH (Noise, vibration and harshness).
The G is not a car to bomb around corners and the suspension feels a bit jittery, but it remains stable and composed when driven with moderation.
With small dimensions, light steering and a tight turning radius, it’s quick and easy to maneuver in traffic and park in tight spaces, a big benefit in the city.
Safety
Safety features were same as for the base variant, which consisted of dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and rear parking sensors. Sure it’s not up to best contemporary safety standards – but it was up there for its time and category, and proved good in safety features.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Economical diesel and petrol motors
Smooth and roomy ride
Feature-rich for its segment
Easy to drive and park
Huge boot for a small car
Strong second hand value in the commercial market
Cons:
Design isn’t as fresh as some newer rivals
Feels average on the highway
For two adults only, best seat is the rear.
Rear Ac vents available only in higher variants
Unavailable new invo king StatewcsstoreNo longer available new
Hyundai Xcent Final Verdict
The Hyundai Xcent may not be the newest car in town today, but still makes good, practical sense for those in the market. Whether you’re a novice at giving a car home, a captain of industry ( even for a small fleet) or the kind of guy who’s looking to move up from a second-hand wonder, the Xcent shapes up well on efficiency, comfort and price.
If you can locate a well-cared for unit — it’s still a sound investment in 2025.