For those of you not in the know, the Xcent is Hyundai’s new sub-four metre sedan that’s based on the Grand i10.

That the Xcent looks nice is no coincidence – Hyundai had a sedan in mind when it launched the Grand i10, the car the Xcent is based on.

There’s a nice sense of proportion to the Hyundai – the roof flows smoothly into the boot and the short nose also helps balance out the design.

The dashboard is shared with the Grand i10 and that means the quality is good, the design is appealing and it is easy to use.

There are small additions to the Xcent’s cabin over the Grand i10’s — the cubbyhole under the centre console gets a closeable lid and it also features automatic climate control.

Like the Grand i10, the Xcent also gets a push-button start in some variants.

Also on offer are steering-mounted audio controls.

The diamond-cut alloys are standard on top-end variants.

The front seats, also from the Grand i10, are very comfortable,

Rear-seat comfort is good and the seat back angle is a bit more reclined than the Grand i10’s.

The Hyundai Xcent has a 407 litre boot.