The first few sketches of the Hyundai Eon small car are out and it shows a very aggressively styled hatchback. The Korean automaker will launch the Eon in India between 10-15th October and prices are expected to start as low as Rs. 2.5 lakhs for the base variant, while the top end model will be priced lesser than the base i10, which is priced at Rs. 3.88 lakhs (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi). The company is squarely aiming at the Maruti Alto with the launch of the Hyundai Eon, which features significantly more interior and boot space than the Maruti.
The 814 cc, 3-cylinder, MPFI motor of the Hyundai Eon produces 56 PS of power at 5500 RPM and 75 Nm of torque at 4000 RPM. The engine is the same IRDE unit from the Santro but with the removal of a cylinder, to make this 3-pot motor. The Eon measure 3495 mm in length, which might be shorter than the Alto but the former has a bigger wheelbase at 2380 mm. The Eon is wider and taller than the Alto with a width of 1550 mm and height of 1500 mm). The boot space is 215 liters, which is more than the new Swift. The Eon has received an ARAI certified mileage of 21.1 kmpl, which is again better than the Alto (2 kmpl more).
Hyundai doesn’t plan to discontinue the Santro anytime in the near future. The Eon will feature dual-tone interiors, driver side airbag, fog lamps, keyless entry, front power windows, power steering, central locking, ABS and rear defogger. The Eon has been designed specifically for the Indian market and has been 4 years in the making. The gearbox is from the Santro but has been tweaked for smoother shifts. The car weighs just 772 kgs, which is by far the lightest in the country (sparing the Tata Nano). The 155/70/13 tyres along with front discs and rear drums do a decent job of braking. The front suspension are MacPherson struts, while the rear are Torsion beam axle, which give the Eon a decent ride and handling balance. The company will offer 3 variants of the Eon at launch.
