New Hyundai EON: Photo Feature!

Having honed and perfected its ‘fluidic design’ language through an entire-lineup of face-lifted models that now include the new Verna, the Hyundai i10 and international models like the larger Elantra sedan, the i40 concept and one of the most radical looking sports coupe from Hyundai yet, the Veloster , the Korean car maker has just brought to India the smallest manifestation of its rapidly evolving creative streak, the all-new Hyundai EON. 

Even with its puny proportions, the EON is a visual treat, and captures all of Hyundai’s ‘fluidic design’ theme elements, starting with the classic hexagonal grille treatment, the sweptback headlamps, nicely flowing curves and strong character lines all of which visually work in sync to create an appealing front.

A chrome-tipped front radiator grille, two nicely slotted triangular fog lamps, tinted glass, an integrated rear spoiler and the micro roof antenna are all nice touches to Hyundai’s smallest and cheapest hatchback now available in India.

The rear styling on the Hyundai EON is quite eye catchy and fresh. Swoopy, curvy small and cute are words that may come to mind when one of these pass you by on the open road.

Just like the interior gadgetry, tyre specifications for the Hyundai EON will vary according to the variant you pick. Both the D-Lite variants and the Era will get a 12-inch 145/80 tubeless tyre, while two higher-end Magna variants and the top-end Sportz version will get slightly larger 13-inch 155/70 tubeless radials.

A peppy 814cc L iRDE three cylinder petrol engine mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox was developed specially for this car; with 56 PS of power and a maximum torque of 76.5 Nm @ 4000 rpm, the heart of the EON is a healthy one. As per ARAI certification, the new small car from Hyundai is said to achieve a class-leading mileage of more than 21.1 kms/ltr. But only our rigorous Road Test will we be able to validate these impressive mileage figures. 

A look at the spirited interiors on this car is an instant revelation that the Hyundai EON has been built from ground up and shaped to offer features that are limited to this category of cars, and much more. Although space appears to be limited to four adults, the look and feel of the interiors is more than welcoming for a car representing this category. Some of the features that immediately stand out visually in this car are the metallic finish centre console and the two-tone beige and brown scheme that runs through the interior cabin. Comfort and convenience features are top class for a mass market category car of this pedigree. 

While features like AUX and USB connectivity, internally adjustable rear view mirrors, cup holders and rear parcel trays will all come handy, never seen before driver comforts like tilt steering, gear shift indicators and to top it all an ‘Alternator Management System’ (AMS) developed by Hyundai especially for Indian customers to deliver more efficient driving will make picking the EON over other cars in this category an easy choice.

Safety equipment on the Hyundai EON is limited to a driver airbag, but once again considering its price point, it's commendable Hyundai has at least managed to ensure driver safety through its inclusion.

Even with such limited cabin space, intelligently designed pockets on the insides’ of the front two doors and the additional flat bed in the form of a rear parcel shelf for keeping small utility items makes the EON feel a lot roomier than it is really. 

215 litres of boot space is decent for a car this dwarfed in size, and if the visual on your screen is to be believed as being untampered, then a weekend trip to a nearby hill station or a beach resort in this car will not compel you to leave much luggage behind.