2014 Hyundai Eon 1.0 Kappa: Design, Features, Performance, Price & Review
Are you looking to buy 2014 Hyundai Eon 1.0 Kappa? Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has launched the new Hyundai Eon with the 1.0 litre Kappa petrol engine. Read the article to know its features, price, and detailed review.
Introduction
Hyundai 0.8 Eon has proved to be an excellent city car. It has seen a good market response, especially from first time car buyers. The only drawback was its 800cc 3-cylinder motor which felt too wheezy & strained on pushing hard. Now, Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) which is the country's biggest exporter as well as the second biggest car manufacturer has launched a new Hyundai Eon with the tried and tested 1.0 litre Kappa petrol engine. This advanced engine comes along with the 0.8 Litre Eon.
Price, availability & competitors
There is only one variant of Eon 1.0 and that is Magna +. It is available at all major Hyundai dealerships and costs Rs. 383,130 (ex-showroom, Delhi). At this price, it contends with Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 and Datsun Go.
There is a lot of buzz around this engine. Kappa comes with latest Dual VTVT technology and the company claims that it delivers best in class performance. So, I stepped out to try this car and bring to you a detailed review. Does this much hyped engine actually enhance the Eon's appeal? After reading the first draft of this review, some of my friends who were looking to buy their first car, instantly went for a test drive and ordered the new Eon. Continue reading to know what I discovered.Style & design
Exteriors
The new Hyundai Eon looks a bit similar to the previous version but completely different from other cars in this price range. Typically, cars in this segment look like Maruti Suzuki Alto or Datsun Go but the eggshell like shape of the new Eon makes it look unique. The big rear tail lamps very well compliment the curved tail gate. Except for some new badges, I could not see any other change in the front. The big pulled back headlamps which fuse seamlessly with rest of the body and impart a fluidic design are as appealing as before. It measures 3515 x 1550 x 1510mm which is comparable with the other cars in the segment.
Interiors
I just loved the new Eon cabin. It is well finished, smartly designed and looks like a million bucks- at least much more than the price. The headrests are a bit short but the seat comfort feels excellent, especially due to the good support bolsters on sides. Seats are big, comfortable and compliment the useable proportions of the Eon. Even the controls fall much easy to hand. The back rest is kept more reclined for passengers' comfort. The back space is average, nowhere comparable to that in Datsun Go, but no complaints as two average height individuals can easily fit inside. The boot space is enough to carry large luggage. Except for steering adjust, the car has all the comfort features including front power windows, internally adjustable rear view mirrors and keyless entry which are seen in other cars in this segment. A fully integrated music system with aux input & USB is also there but it is a paid option. The audio system layout suits the multi layered dashboard. The beige and grey interiors make it look even more spacious. Overall, the color combinations look very nice and smoothing. Engine details
The only drawback in the 0.8 Eon was its wheezy engine which has been replaced for good. The new Hyundai Eon comes with Euro 5 ready 1.0 Litre Kappa petrol engine which gives a maximum power of 68bhp at 6200rpm (13PS more than Datsun Go) and a maximum torque of 9.6kgm at 3500rpm. The figures are noticeable as the older 0.8 Eon offered only 55bhp and 7.6kgm. The 998cc engine is equipped with latest Dual VTVT technology to deliver high performance and fuel efficiency (20.3 Kmpl). The improved fuel economy is also because the all-aluminium Kappa engine reduces body weight with adoption of aluminium block & head. This three-cylinder engine is coupled with a 5-speed manual gearbox having low noise gear design for improved NVH and it ensures smooth gear shifting.Ride quality
I love the fact that the bigger 1.0 litre Kappa engine has completely transformed the driving feel of Eon. If you have driven 0.8 Eon before, just start the engine and you would instantly notice the difference. No more there is any clutch judder or gear lever vibrations at idle. The engine is a lot quieter. As I eased off the light clutch and started my journey, I also noticed that there was no low rpm jerkiness of the standard Eon. The power delivery is crisp and nice, if not as good as in Datsun Go. To handle the increased power, there are bigger (13-inch) wheels and tyres (155/70 R13). The suspension is good. The car rolled over bumps so smoothly and quietly that I hardly felt any of them.
Drawbacks noticed Conclusion
Overall, I just loved the ride quality and even if you look at these two drawbacks, one thing is for sure and that is: The new Eon is an ideal urban city car that works great if you stick to congested city streets and city speeds. I loved the overall package. The car looks much more expensive than its actual price which is reasonable in its own. It is not as spacious as Datsun Go or as dynamic as the Alto K10 but is a good entry level hatchback for daily commuters. I would recommend Hyundai Eon 1.0 Kappa especially to those who are looking to buy their first car.
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