Hyundai Xcent 2014-2016 1.1 CRDi Base

Xcent 2014-2016 1.1 CRDi Base Review

The facelifted version of Hyundai Xcent compact sedan is launched in the country's car market. Among its several variants, this Hyundai Xcent 1.1 CRDi Base is the entry level diesel trim. It now comes equipped with an anti lock braking system as a standard feature. Other than this, no other updates have been given to this variant. Under the hood, it has a 1.1-litre diesel engine, which is skillfully coupled with a five speed manual transmission. This power plant allows the vehicle to attain a maximum speed of 160 Kmph, while it has the ability of crossing the speed barrier of 100 Kmph in 16 to17 seconds from a standstill. Its outer appearance is quite good and includes some striking aspects. Some of these include a chrome plated radiator grille, headlight cluster, boot lid, ORVMs, and a set of steel wheels. On the other hand, its roomy cabin is equipped with a manual AC with heater, sunvisors, fabric upholstered seats, power steering, dual tripmeter and so on.

Exteriors:

It has a bold frontage, sleek sides and an elegant rear profile, which gives it an inviting appearance. It comes with an overall length of 3995mm along with a total width of 1660mm and a decent height of 1520mm. This compact sedan is designed with a large wheelbase of 2425mm. To describe its frontage, it has a bold radiator grille embedded with a prominent company's logo in the center. This grille is flanked by a luminous headlight cluster that is incorporated with halogen lamps and turn indicators. The body colored bumper is fitted with an air dam for cooling its engine quickly. The sleek bonnet comes with a few visible character lines, whereas its windscreen is integrated with a couple of wipers. Its neatly designed side profile is fitted with door handles and outside rear view mirrors, which are black in color. The neatly carved wheel arches are fitted with a set of 14 inch steel wheels, which are covered with full wheel covers. These rims are equipped with 165/65 R14 sized tubeless radial tyres. The company has also given a full size spare wheel, which is affixed in the boot compartment. This is a standard feature across all the variants in this model series. On the other hand, its rear end is designed with wraparound tail light cluster, chrome plated boot lid and body colored bumper. Then, there is a windshield fitted with a high mount brake light that gives it a complete look.

Interiors:

This variant has its interiors designed in a dual color scheme along with blue interior illumination. It is incorporated with well cushioned seats that provide good comfort to all its occupants. These seats are covered with fabric upholstery. This trim has quite a few utility based features such as a rear center armrest with cup holders, door trims with map pockets, and a large glove box that comes with a cooling aspect. Its power steering system with tilt adjustment function makes it quite easy to handle this car. The instrument panel is equipped with a few functions such as a tachometer, gear shift indicator, door ajar warning and driver seat belt with warning notification, which adds to the convenience of the driver. Apart from these, it also has a digital clock, dual tripmeter and a low fuel warning lamp as well. On the whole, this vehicle can carry nearly five people with much ease and provide them with ample head as well as leg room.

Engine and Performance:

The car maker has offered it with a 1.1-litre diesel engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1120cc. This DOHC based power plant is integrated with three cylinders and 12-valves. It can generate a peak power of about 71.01bhp at 4000rpm along with a peak torque output of 180.4Nm between 1750 to 2500rpm. This motor is incorporated with a common rail based direct injection system. This allows it to deliver about 24.4 Kmpl on the highways and nearly 18.9 Kmpl, when driven under standard driving conditions. It is cleverly mated with a five speed manual transmission gearbox, which sends engine power to its front wheels.

Braking and Handling:

It is bestowed with a proficient braking system that comprises of disc brakes on its front wheels, while the rear wheels are equipped with a set of robust drum brakes. The front axle is assembled with a McPherson strut, while the rear one is fitted with a coupled torsion beam axle. Moreover, this proficient suspension mechanism is further assisted by gas filled shock absorbers. On the other hand, it is incorporated with a motor driven electric power steering system, which is tilt adjustable and makes its handling convenient to the driver.

Comfort Features:

In terms of comfort, it includes a few interesting aspects that aids in providing good comfort to its occupants. The spacious cabin is incorporated with a manually operated air conditioning system with heater, which keeps the cabin air maintained. It has a power accessory socket in the center console that is useful for charging mobiles, laptops and other gadgets. Apart from these, it also has front power windows, sunvisors with vanity mirror on passenger side, internally adjustable outside rear view mirrors, responsive power steering wheel, day and night internal rear view mirror and a few others that enhances the level of convenience.

Safety Features:

This compact sedan is designed with a reinforced body structure that provides extra protection to the occupants sitting inside. It includes the advanced anti lock braking system that prevents it from skidding during emergency braking. There are seat belts offered to all its passengers for enhanced protection in case of any crash. An engine immobilizer helps in avoiding theft and any unauthorized ignition of the engine, while the central locking system further ensures added security. Apart from all these, it also includes a high mount stop lamp, driver seat belt reminder, as well as door ajar warning lamp that adds to the safety quotient.

Pros:

1. Fuel economy is quite satisfying.

2. Availability of ABS is a plus point.

Cons:

1. Few more safety features can be added.

2. Absence of a music system is a drawback.