Hyundai to launch Xcent variant aimed at Taxi Operators

The tourist-taxi segment has long favoured the Maruti DZire as the cab-car of choice. The low running costs, large boot, comfortable cabin and the backing of the Maruti name all contributed to this. So much so, that Maruti continued with the old, large boot variant exclusively to cater to the demand, even as it launched the compact-sedan variant for the private vehicle segment.

The runaway success of the DZire Tour (as the cab variant is called) hasn’t gone unnoticed. The country’s number-two car manufacturer and Maruti’s arch-rival – Hyundai is now looking to move into the segment. It is said to be reading a cab-variant of its compact sedan, the Xcent to meet the specific requirements of operators.

Hyundai cars have been known to be loaded on the features front, and even the base variant of the Xcent gets cabin comforts and conveniences such as central-locking, power windows for the passengers at the front, full-wheel caps and so on. The cab-variant of the Xcent is expected to slot in below this base variant that’s currently on sale. So we wouldn’t be surprised to see most if not all of these cabin comforts being given the boot.

A bare-basic edition is what is most likely to be offered. So expect to see, half-wheel caps, hand-cranked windows, no-central locking and a basic key-fob. Even the interior trim could be revised in interests of durability and economy. Things on the engine front are likely to remain unchanged, with the 1.2 litre petrol and diesel engines continuing to be offered as before. Pricing is expected to be a few thousands cheaper that of the base variant that’s currently on sale.

A launch is expected to happen, once the current stocks of the base model are exhausted. With the taxi-edition of the Xcent, Hyundai will be aiming for its share of the near 3000 units that Maruti manages with the DZire Tour each month.

The battle for the compact-sedan segment is being fought on all fronts and this fresh salvo is the beginning of yet another intense confrontation. May the best taxi-cab win!