With the first generation Xcent having started to show its age now, Hyundai has started developing and testing the second generation model and plans to launch it next year. Using the details revealed by its spy shots, IAB's digital artist Shoeb Kalania has created a rendering to preview its front-end.
Hyundai has decided to take a similar approach to Maruti Suzuki for its sub-4 metre sedan. When the new generation Xcent arrives, it will not discard the outgoing model, but instead, make it a fleet-exclusive. This way, it will continue benefiting from the investments made in the old model and ensure that the all-new model isn't facing a negative perception in the market of being a taxi, something that can hurt private sales. For the latter, it will likely introduce the all-new model with a different name. Almost 50% of the first-gen model's sales come from fleet operators.
The second-gen model will apparently have a more aggressive design, and notably so for a sedan its size. At the front, the rendered model packs the cascading grille with honeycomb inserts in a bigger size and a new design. Boomerang-shaped LED DRLs sit on its either edges. The wide lower air intake has a sharp and dynamic shape for a sporty look. The round fog lamp units are housed in a triangular housing in the same way as on the facelifted Elantra. While the headlamp units are quite similar to the outgoing model and feature cost-effective halogen lighting.
Like the front-end, and even the profile, the interior will likely be nearly identical to the next-gen Hyundai Grand i10. Knowing how lifecycle makeovers are at Hyundai generally, it's safe to assume that the cabin will be thoroughly redesigned. Expect a newly designed dashboard, centre console, steering wheel, instrument panel and floor console as well as a new, 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Along with aesthetic improvement, the focus would be even on increasing the space for the occupants.
Also Read: Hyundai to upgrade 1.2L U2 CRDi diesel engine to BS-VI
Hyundai will offer the 2020 Xcent with upgraded, BS-VI version of the outgoing model's 1.2L Kappa petrol engine and U2 1.2-litre diesel engine. However, the transmission choices may be 5-speed manual and 5-speed automated manual instead of 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic. Expect the launch to take place by March 2020. A pure electric variant could follow at a later stage.
