ஹூண்டாய் எக்ஸ்சென்ட் 1.2 VTVT எஸ் AT

The Hyundai Xcent is one of the most popular compact sedans in India. However, if you are looking to get one with an automatic transmission, the Xcent VTVT S AT is the only way to go. Priced at Rs 7.14 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi, as of 8 May, 2017), the S AT is the mid-level model in the variant range.

Compared to the equivalent manual variant, the automatic commands a premium of around Rs 88,000.

The Xcent received its latest update in 2017 and the refresh has also changed the feature list a little. On the outside, apart from smoked headlamps and a chrome radiator grille, the car also gets daytime-running LED lights. It also features full-wheel caps, while the bumpers, wing mirrors and door handles are all body-coloured. Also, the wing mirrors get integrated turn indicators.

The safety kit includes dual front airbags, front fog lamps, a rear defogger and rear parking sensors too. Unfortunately, the Xcent AT cannot be had with ABS, since that is only available on the SX and SX (O) grades.

Inside, a 2-tone beige-black interior comes as standard, but the S grade adds bits like metal finish door handles, a front passenger seatback pocket, and chrome touches on the gear and handbrake levers. Yes, you do get a double-din stereo for entertainment, and it supports Bluetooth/AUX/USB connectivity options. The car also gets steering-mounted audio controls. Exclusive to the automatic variant is a smartphone holder atop the dashboard. This is particularly useful if you use your phone as a navigation device.

The feature list goes on to include rear AC vents, electrically folding wing mirrors, tilt steering and a vanity mirror for the front passenger.

While the Xcent facelift did get an uprated diesel engine, the petrol motor remains the same as before. Powering the car is a 1.2-litre petrol engine that makes 83PS of power and 114Nm of torque. The motor comes paired with a 4-speed automatic gearbox and Hyundai claims the car can manage a fuel efficiency of 17.36kmpl, which is nearly 3kmpl less than its manual counterpart.

Rivals to the Xcent petrol AT include the Ford Aspire, Maruti Dzire and Honda Amaze.