The compact sedan segment is all set to expand with the launch of the new Hyundai Xcent on March 12. The Xcent marks Hyundai’s entry into the sub-four metre sedan segment that accounts for nearly 81 percent of all mid-size sedan sales in India.
Tata, that kickstarted the segment with the Indigo CS, was the first to take advantage of the government’s small car norms that tax vehicles less than four-metres long at a lower rate. The huge potential sales then enticed Maruti that launched its second generation Dzire in sub-four metre form. While the Maruti Swift Dzire has reigned supreme in this segment, Honda’s own take one the compact sedan, the Amaze, has been selling in big numbers as well.
The Hyundai Xcent, due for launch on Wednesday, March 12, is based on the carmaker’s Grand i10 hatchback and shares much of its styling. Till the rear doors and even on the inside, there’s little to tell them apart. But the tail section blends in nicely and it’s likely it’ll offer best-in-class boot space. Under the skin as well, the Xcent shares the Grand i10’s 1.1-litre diesel and 1.2-litre petrol engines.
Hyundai is likely to price the Xcent very aggressively which could spell trouble for even the well established of the competitors.