Hyundai’s entrance in to small car segment has created quite a stir among the small car segment in India. Hyundai’s new entry hatchback that will compete with low-cost care like the Nano, new 800 and the Alto has been named the Eon. Codenamed HA, and known by that name for a span of time, Hyundai has had to deviate from its standard operating procedure and give the car a name-it did not give it its global i00 series nomenclature, like the Hyundai i20 magna and i10. Eon is a pretty apt name as this car has the potential to take Hyundai in India to a new level of success.
Until now Maruti has sort of strong hold in the hatchback car segment that other car manufactures can only have hope of achieving. Maruti 800 and Maruti Alto has been the worlds best selling cars, people who look for buying their first car always turn to these cars. Not to forget with the middle class section growing in India and Maruti being their first choice of the car , all the car manufactures have to break their barriers to dislodge or even compete with what Maruti has achieved. Hyundai has shown lot of guts with EON. It certainly has the looks and showcases a fresh character. It certainly has the Hyundai style quotient written all over it. The headlights, the grille and the roofline are pure Hyundai and the stance of the car is very similar to i10. The rising beltline makes this car stand out, you cant help but notice the attractive detailing as on the new Verna and fit and finish and reliability should be as good as their other cars.
Hyundai Eon will be powered by 3 cylinder 800cc engine derived from the existing 1.1 Epsilon motor in the Santro and i10 minus 1 cylinder. Power is in region of 50bhp from this 9 valve SOHC unit engine. You can think of it as a scaled down i10 with less power, slightly less passenger space however and a friendlier price tag and you wouldn’t be too far off the mark.
Hyundai certainly plans to dislodge the top contender off the top position with their new car EON. Eon certainly has the potential to do so with its looks and built, interior space and many features. Hyundai has kept its price very competitive but only time will tell if Hyundais plan really comes to place or not. Till then Hyundai too have to play the wait and watch game.
