Quick as a Wink

Planting a powerful 1.0-litre engine into a small car can produce very good results as far as acceleration is concerned. In the case of the EON, it is just 14 seconds from 

0-100 kmph.

There is no doubt that the Hyundai EON is the most well-thought-out small car in India. When it was launched three years ago it had so many class-leading features that this little wonder, literally, was eons ahead of the competition. In fact, a powerful engine option was needed for the car and finally it has, with Hyundai planting the 1.0-litre Kappa engine into the EON.

Appearance

The EON is the smallest Hyundai car that is made on the company's now-famous fluidic sculpture design philosophy. In fact, the exterior design is so practical that it is a good thing Hyundai has not changed it until now. The 1.0-litre EON - which us available in the Magna + variant- differentiates itself from the 0.8-litre model only by way of an exterior badging. On the inside, it comes fully loaded with a factory-fitted audio system that goes well with the multi-layered dashboard. A nice feature is the gear-shift indicator, which prompts you to shift to the right gear at the right speed, helping you achieve optimal gear usage for maximum fuel efficiency. Another functional feature is a low-fuel warning indicator. Additionally, there are plenty of usable cubbyholes, decent space, top-notch plastic quality, and comfortable seats. Overall, the EON’s cabin still remains one of the most practical in its class, and looks like it belongs to a more expensive car.

Engine

The new 1.0-litre, three-cylinder Kappa engine produces a peak power of 68 bhp and a peak torque of 9.6 kgm, both numbers significantly higher than the 0.8-litre EON’s 55 bhp and 7.6 kgm. This engine is equipped with Dual VTVT, DOHC and lightweight cylinder block, thus delivering a company-claimed mileage of 20.3 kmpl.

Performance

Planting a 1.0-litre engine into a light-weight car can produce very good results as far as acceleration is concerned. In the case of the EON, it is apparent as soon as you fire the engine. First, you don’t feel many vibrations on the gear lever or the steering wheel, or even on the clutch pedal. Then, when you slot into the first gear and let go off the clutch, the car moves ahead in a very spirited manner. Shift into the second gear, press the accelerator pedal and this little wonder simply shoots ahead. In our test, the 1.0-litre EON went from 0-100 kmph in about 14 seconds – very quick for its class. Further, it felt planted even at 130 kmph, on a straight path. We also found gear-shifts smooth and accurate. The EON gets the motor driven electric power steering, which was also quite responsive. The steering is light and suits city-driving conditions, and this further assists in easy maneuvering and parking in tight spaces.

Verdict

The EON 1.0’s Kappa engine is a gem and a much-required upgrade. If you are looking for a peppy urban runabout, the new EON is hard to beat. On the whole, with the 1.0-litre engine, the most well-thought-out small car in India has reinvented itself and has come full circle.

PS: I was one of the first few Indians to have driven the EON during its development phase-at the Hyundai’s Namyang R&D Centre in South Korea in 2011. I loved it then, I love it more now.