Just by looking, one can see the Hyundai Accent (left) and Xcent (right) are similar, but not identical
With news the Indian-built Hyundai Xcent will begin shipping to Mexico in the form of the Grand i10, we’re taking note of this subcompact vehicle quickly nearing US territory. Knowing little about the Xcent, which made its global debut less than a year ago, many are wondering if the car is the same thing as another bearing a very similar name: the Hyundai Accent.
Hyundai does have a history of renaming its vehicles in different countries (such as the i40 and Sonata having the same platform), so it is possible.
We’ll take a brief look at the differences between the Hyundai Accent and Xcent to see if they’re twins.
A Look at the Hyundai Accent and Xcent
Although the Hyundai Accent and Xcent sound very similar in name, they aren’t identical.
While the Accent sits at a 172 (4-door) or 162 (5-door) inch length (a little above four meters), the Xcent measures less than four meters in length, making it even more compact. Both are sedans, but the Xcent is a subcompact while the Accent is considered a compact vehicle. Under the hood, the Accent’s engines are all 1.6-liter, while the Xcent relies on 1.2-liter gasoline. Those are just some of the many differences.
So if they’re different, why did Hyundai choose the name Xcent? Isn’t that confusing?
The Accent debuted worldwide in 1999, and found most of its success in North America, where it’s become the longest-running small family car sold. It’s seen scattered success across the globe, with the exception being India, where it kept declining until its retirement from the Indian market in 2013. The Xcent was quickly launched to fill the Accent’s shoes, replacing the gap left in Hyundai’s lineup.
Using a similar name was a method of appealing to customer perceptions and loyalty to the retired Accent in India instead of instead of debuting an entirely new vehicle with a new name.
The Xcent actually resembles the Grand i10 with a boot, and differs from another car launched in India this year: the Elite i20. The difference here is the Elite i20 has far more features (ABS, power windows, alloy wheels, airbags), a hatchback design, and stronger engine options (1.4-liter four-cylinders, specifically diesel), making it much more expensive.
Does that mean, if it’s so different from the Accent, we’ll soon see the Xcent cross over the border from Mexico into the US market? At this point, it looks doubtful.
Source: Hyundai Cars in India
The News Wheel is a digital auto magazine providing readers with a fresh perspective on the latest car news. We’re located in the heart of America (Dayton, Ohio) and our goal is to deliver an entertaining and informative perspective on what’s trending in the automotive world. See more articles from The News Wheel.