In the super subcompact arena where smaller — in engine displacement terms — and spartan cabin tidings are the norm, it is refreshing to see competitors all bells, steam and whistle to make enticing their entry level cars.
This is what Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI), exclusive distributor of Hyundai products in the Philippines, is doing with the Hyundai Eon — South Korea's answer to the Japanese kei or keijidosha (small cars, usually of the super subcompact class).
But is it your run-of-the-mill small automobile?
Super subcompact units draw attention due to its miniscule dimensions and hatchback approach. As the Suzuki Celerio proved in 2009 and the Mitsubishi Mirage last year, a striking look chock-full of curves, plus a price tag capped at P530,000.00, is a sure way to attract customers.
Attention-grabbingThe Eon — at least the top end GLS M/T in this test drive — is no different, with non-linear side strakes, accented fenders, and a seemingly large derriere make the unit sufficiently attention-grabbing. The mushroom exterior paint on the unit also drew people’s eyes to the car. One motoring journalist during the Eon’s stint at the Car of the Year 2012 testfest at the Eton Centris parking lot, beside the MRT Quezon Avenue northbound area, quipped that the mushroom colorway reminded him of Campbell’s soup.
The cabin is anything but drab, light years ahead in terms of appearance and features than its Suzuki Alto direct competitor. The silver or faux aluminum trim combines with dark gray/light gray, black and khaki to provide an interior ambiance easy on the eyes, although the khaki plastic lining on the doors and lower glovebox area can get really dirty in the long run.
The head unit takes in external MP3 players, either from a USB port or an auxiliary input port at the seven o’ clock side. Sadly, the sound coming from the speakers is tinny. Another knock on the cabin is the location of the blower control knob, parallel to the driver’s knees. It would be better if the knob is placed in the middle dashboard area, right below the volume control knob, and of the same size as the thermostat and blower direction knobs.
Storage bins are plentiful, especially the two cupholders in front of the m/t stick and behind the parking brake handle. As for large item storage, the cargo area can handle a large travel bag plus a small one, but with the standard tonneau cover installed a third travel bag can be loaded at the rearmost area. Just don’t expect the rear backrest to fold flush with the cargo bay floor as the seatbelt buckles become wedged in between the backrests and the thigh cushions when the backrests are folded, keeping the entire rear area from taking in lengthier items. Probably, the best solution is to place any odd-shaped cargo on the rear row’s floor or the thigh cushions and securing them with the seatbelts.
At 790 kg, however, the acceleration possibilities of the 800 cc straight three is stumped. You have to put three-fourths to flat out effort on the throttle to make the car go, and not helping is a clutch pedal with a stiction that makes gentle inputs tricky. That said, the best way to maximize acceleration anywhere (even on inclines) is to maintain second gear, as the tall ratio keeps the engine in the powerband more than third gear.
More than just spartanIn contrast, the rival Suzuki Alto has the same five-speed stick shift and 800 cc straight three, but weighs just 740 kg, and has an m/t stick that can be accurately described as a short shifter, the type favored by racers for less effort between gear transitions.
Then again, the Alto is relatively spartan when it comes to the cabin. Choices, choices.
Much like any hatchback, the lack of a proper trunk makes the Eon hug turns without too much lateral give. Much like its i10 sibling, the Eon is composed on turns, even those that can quickly unsettle the car such as change-of-camber curves and switchbacks. The steering is light, but could use a little more feedback to the driver, especially when performing parallel parking moves and emergency change lane maneuvers. There are many times when you don’t know when you cocked the wheel too much at certain angles, which can be dangerous at speed.
Safety-wise, the front discs bite when you need it, the exterior lighting is bright (even with just the foglights on) and the manual adjustment side mirrors’ line of sight occupy up to two lanes on either flank.
In a super subcompact segment where most of the competition bank on affordability, the Hyundai Eon — at least the GLS version — offers a lot more than just spartan accommodations, an ability to just tool around town, and all the benefits that go with a hatchback bodyshape. Given its cabin comforts and body colorway, the Eon is no shrinking mushroom. — VS, GMA News
source: gmanetwork.com
