70,000 km with a Hyundai Xcent: 10 issues & 7 quick observations

Overall, the Xcent does what is was intended to do and designed for. Never left me stranded on the road, or anything like that. It was pretty reliable.

BHPian trail_lover recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I had a 2014 Xcent Petrol Manual Transmission S(O) until September 2022, when I sold the vehicle. I had used it for 7.5 years and drove about 74,000 km on it. Usage was 80% on the highway and 20% in the city.

I'm giving below the problems I faced with the car first:

• Its average fuel efficiency was 14 to 17 kmpl throughout its lifetime. In 100% city usage it used to give 11 to 13 kmpl.

• It was very difficult to achieve the claimed 19.2 kmpl.

• 3rd gear acceleration in manual transmission was flat. That is, the vehicle doesn't gain speed as much as the high RPMs. It is difficult to over take. You find yourself shifting to 4th gear in the middle of your overtaking maneuver.

• Clutch assembly had to be replaced and overhauled at 60,000 km. The clutch tends to slip easily giving burning smell if you try maneuvers like reverse parking on an incline etc.

• A/c evaporator coil which is found inside the cabin failed at the end of the 3rd year of the car and had to be replaced. The entire car dash board and instrument panel was removed for this.

• A wheel speed sensor failed and it was giving ABS malfunction indicator lamp during the 3rd year. The entire wheel assembly hub which houses the wheel speed sensor was replaced under warranty.

• Very poor torque and drivability in hill stations. Had to change gears too often in uphill drive, and when descending a hill, the 3rd gear will take you too fast and force you to apply the brakes often, and 2nd gear will take the engine to very high RPMs. The car is just designed for city driving conditions only and never for a hill station.

• I had strong petrol smell coming from the near the fuel lid around 65,000 km with stronger smell when the tank is below one fourth level. Puffs of petrol smell when the vehicle goes on speed breakers when their is a slosh inside the tank. I had the charcoal canister which sits above the fuel tank replaced after which the smell was under control but still had petrol smell around the fuel lid.

• Engine is not as smooth and refined as Suzuki engines. On very cold days, and after heavy rains I used to have engine misfires sometimes (but rarely).

• Steering started tightening a bit after 70,000 km. But came back to normal after a water wash and lubrication of bushes

Now for the CONS of the vehicle:

• Highest F.E I achieved was around 21 kmpl on a 100% highway drive with single passenger, very less luggage and A/C turned off for most of the time.

• Very smooth gear shifts and ergonomic gear knob.

• Seat height adjuster was given in the mid-variant. Good driving posture and visibility.

• Good leg-room in the back-seat and large 407 liter boot space.

• Very quiet cabin, excellent NVH performance. No squeaks and rattles. Tight as a drum always. No engine noise, vibrations inside cabin. No shaking or vibrating gear shift knob. No wind noise at higher speeds.

• Suspension is on the softer side, good for a plush ride, but does not help in bad roads. Could have been slightly stiffer.

• Very good braking. Better than Maruti Suzuki cars. ABS kicks in and saves you a lot.

Overall, a very likeable good looking car. Does what is was intended to do and designed for. Never let me stranded on the road, or anything like that. It was pretty reliable.

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