Hyundai Xcent 2014-2016 1.2 Kappa S Option

Xcent 2014-2016 1.2 Kappa S Option Review

Hyundai Motors India Limited has officially rolled out its compact sedan model, Xcent in the automobile bazaar. This sub 4 meter sedan is available with petrol and diesel engine options. This car is being presently sold in a total of seven different petrol trims. Among these, the Hyundai Xcent 1.2 Kappa S Option is one of the mid level variant that comes equipped with a 1.2-litre petrol power plant and that is coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission gearbox. Most of the exteriors and interiors of this sedan resembles the Grand i10 hatchback. This trim comes with advanced aspects like an anti lock braking system along with 14-inch “Clean Silver” alloy wheels as part of the optional package. This compact sedan comes with attractive comfort features including a proficient AC unit with rear air vents, multi-functional steering wheel, an advanced instrument cluster along with a MID (multi information display) and various other aspects. It also comes with innovative safety functions including a key less entry, central locking system, day and night interior rear view mirror, rear parking sensors, front fog lamps and a few other functions. This vehicle is placed against the likes of Honda Amaze and Maruti Swift Dzire in the sub 4 meter segment of the Indian car market.

Exteriors:

This newly introduced compact sedan has inherited the DNA design of brand Hyundai, which makes it look captivating. The company has designed this car keeping in mind the taste of the younger generation car buyers. It has an elegant front facade with a swept back design based headlight cluster that comes incorporated with halogen lamps. The upper grille is very sleek and is decorated with a chrome plated strip that has a company logo embossed on it. Just below this is a trapezoidal shaped air intake section with a thick chrome surround and it is flanked by a pair of round shaped fog lamps. On the side profile, it comes fitted with body colored door handles and ORVM caps along with black colored molding. The wheel arches of this trim have been fitted with a set of 14 inch, “Clean Silver” alloy wheels that gives a distinct look to the sides. The rear profile of this sub 4 meter sedan is very distinct, thanks to the wraparound design taillight cluster that dazzles the rear. The boot lid too has an edgy design that is accentuated with a chrome plated strip and the company logo that gives a premium sedan look. The safety of the rear profile is further enhanced by reflectors and by the protective cladding fitted under the bumper.

Interiors:

The interior section of this Hyundai Xcent 1.2 Kappa S Option variant comes with beige and black key interior color scheme and it is complimented by Blue interior illumination. The car maker has borrowed the dashboard from its Grand i10 hatchback and equipped it with innovative features including a multi-information display, instrument cluster and so on. The steering wheel has three spokes and it is equipped with Bluetooth and audio control buttons. There are newly designed seats with integrated headrests, which provide better comfort to the occupants. The parking lever and the gear shift knob are in chrome, while the inside door handles have been garnished with silver color. The manufacturer has equipped the cabin with many utility based features such as accessory power sockets, cooling glove box, rear seat center arm rest with cup holder, room lamps, map pockets, digital clock and many other sophisticated aspects.

Engine and Performance:

Powering this variant is the 1.2-litre Kappa Dual VTVT petrol power plant that has a displacement capacity of 1197cc . This engine comprises of 4-cylinders, 16-valves and comes incorporated with a multi point fuel injection system. This enables the motor to produce 81.86Bhp at 6000rpm while generating a peak torque output of 113.75Nm at just 4000rpm. The car company has coupled this sophisticated engine with a 5-speed manual transmission gearbox that sends the torque output to the front wheels. According to the company, this petrol variant can give away a mileage of about 19.1 Kmpl, which is quite attractive.

Braking and Handling:

The front wheels of this sedan are assembled with a set of disc brakes, whereas its rear wheels have been fitted with drum brakes. As part of the optional package, the company has also incorporated anti lock braking system that reinforces the braking mechanism . On the other hand it comes equipped with a motor driven (electric) power steering system that reduces the efforts of driver by offering precise response. The front axle of this compact sedan have been fitted with McPherson Strut type of system, while its rear axle is assembled with a coupled torsion beam type of system. In a bid to improve the suspension mechanism, the company has fitted gas filled shock absorbers to both the front and rear axle.

Comfort Features:

The Hyundai Xcent 1.2 Kappa S Option trim is one of the mid range variant. It comes with interesting features like a multi information display that features a dual trip meter, digital clock and average vehicle speed indicator. It also has a manual air conditioning system with heater, rear AC vents, cooling glove box, front and rear power windows with driver side auto down function, electrically adjustable and foldable external mirrors, driver seat height adjuster, an advanced instrument cluster, rear seat center armrest with cup holder, adjustable rear seat headrest and a few more aspects. This trim has been equipped with a 2-DIN music player with 1GB of internal memory . Then it also has a multifunction steering wheel along with mounted Bluetooth and audio control buttons.

Safety Features:

The safety aspects of this variant are quite advanced and provide good protection to the occupants. The list includes an engine immobilizer system, rear defogger, front fog lamps, key less entry, a central locking system and so on. It also comes with a day and night internal rear view mirror, waistline molding, side turn indicators on external wing mirrors, anti lock braking system and rear parking sensors . 

Pros:

1. Comfort and safety features are quite good.

2. Price tag is rather economical.

3. Exteriors are very good and refreshing.

4. Engine performance is satisfying. 

Cons:

1. Interior plastic quality can be made better.

2. Fuel economy should be improved. 

3. Cabin space can be more spacious. 

4. Boot compartment capacity is less.