时间：2022-10-13 11:49:19
Most entry-level players in the Indian market have been the tried and tested handme-downs from higher segments, ageing warriors with nips and tucks but no money for plastic surgery. Emission norms have necessitated better and more efficient engines but that’s where the buck stops. It is here that hyundai comes in with its masterstroke—the eon.
The eon’s looks are there for all to see. There are enough defining lines to lend it character. The top-of-theline eon comes with fog lamps, a micro roof antenna and full covers on 13-inch wheels. The car sports the same wheelbase and underpinnings as the i10 and the santro. The engine has three-cylinders as opposed to santro’s four, with identical bore and stroke and a single overhead cam and three valves per cylinder. The engine is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.
The interiors are modern and stylish with a two-toned dash. Carved out front seatbacks mean that there is plenty of knee room at the back. Boot space is good. It provides a large enough area for a small suitcase to fit in lengthwise. This space can be further increased with a full folding rear seat-back. The instrument panel is modern with a digital odometer.
The car also has an integrated music system with aux-in and UsB for the top-end variants. However, there are no power windows for the rear nor do ORVms are electric adjustible. There is a driver side airbag though, for the first time in a car of its class, but I don’t understand the logic of a single airbag up front.
One gets to a very comfortable position behind the wheel with a little help from the tiltable steering column. The engine is rough at idling. However, on the move, it feels more balanced. It is clear that this is not a sporty car but, for city driving, the lack of power or the availability of just 56 bhp and 75 Nm of peak torque is not much of a problem. Even on the highway, the car gets up to decent cruising speeds and is quite stable. Hyundai claims it is the most fuel efficient car in its segment and cites a figure of 21.1 kmpl. Though actual efficiency figures are likely to be lower, a shift indicator will definitely help maximise efficiency.
Hyundai has attempted to do to the entry level segment what maruti did with the swift in the then premium hatchback segment. And hyundai is not asking for much of a premium for contemporary looks and modern interiors. Finally, first time buyers in India, have a truly modern value-formoney car.
Close up
The 814-cc three-cylinder engine with a single overhead cam and three valves per cylinder is derived from the santro. It has an output of 56 bhp of peak power and 75 nm of maximum torque, which is plenty for in-city use and even for the occasional highway run.
The Eon’s two-toned colour scheme for the dashboard lends it a premium look. Instrumentation is a simple affair but one that is modern nonetheless and easy to read. LEDs for fuel and temperature gauges is a nice touch.
Despite its small size the Eon’s boot space is excellent and one can fit in a small suitcase in it lengthwise. What adds to the car’s versatility is the fact that the rear seatback can folded down to further increase the boot space.
The car has an integrated music systen with aux-in and USB for the top-end variants.
The Eon doesn’t have power windows for the rear. It comes with only one airbag, which is placed on the driver side.