Hyundai Xcent to get new base variant for taxi market

Hyundai reportedly plans to launch a new base variant of the Xcent compact sedan that will specifically target the taxi market. The variant in question will directly compete with the Maruti Suzuki Dzire Tour, which has successfully capitalized on the 1st generation Dzire's popularity.

Currently, the base trim of the Xcent petrol is priced at Rs. 5.18 lakh, while the base diesel variant is priced at Rs. 6.01 lakh (both prices ex-showroom Delhi). The new variant is expected to be introduced after stocks of the current Xcent base trim have been cleared out.

According to the report by Autocar India, the new base variant will lose features like central locking, front power windows, blackened B-pillars, full wheel covers and the cooled glove-box, in order to cut costs and price it more competitively. It will also get a different cloth / Rexine seat upholstery combination.

The engine options will remain the same - 1.2L, 4-cylinder petrol and 1.1L, 3-cylinder diesel, mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. Hyundai has already been targeting the taxi market, given the rising number of players in the segment. With the introduction of this variant targeting fleet operators, Hyundai will be hoping to move more units of the Xcent, which averages around 4,000 sales a month, while the Dzire manages over five times that number.

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