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Asia Cup 2012

All-new Hyundai Eon hatchback set for October launch in India

The Hyundai Eon will be Hyundai’s new small car for India. Based on a reworked version of the Santro platform, the Hyundai Eon will also use a Santro-derived three-cylinder petrol engine, mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. The word Eon means “long period of time”, and this gives some indication of Hyundai’s dreams for its new baby.

As you can see, the Eon borrows heavily from Hyundai’s new Fluidic design language, and features a bold hexagonal grille, multi-dimensional headlamps and sharp detailing to the front bumper. Similarly, the rear-end of the new Hyundai Eon will also be designed in keeping with the Fluidic design.

On the inside, the new Hyundai Eon will use a space-efficient and modern interior layout, with details like the centre console and steering wheel borrowing inspiration from the bigger i20 and Verna. The front seats are likely to be one-piece units with integrated head rests, intended to keep costs low and reduce weight as well. Hyundai is also paying particular attention to the quality of plastics used for the dashboard, door mouldings and luggage compartment, and say that the new Eon will have the best quality interior in this class. Luggage space is expected to be class-leading as well. A common criticism of many modern city cars is their utter lack of luggage capacity, and Hyundai is keen to address this, seeking to turn it into one of the Eon’s USPs.

The Santro-derived three-cylinder petrol engine has been thoroughly reworked, with improved mapping and sequential fuel injection to ensure the car is both fuel efficient and environmentally friendly. This is important, because Hyundai is evaluating the Eon for export as well. However, the high degree of localised componentry will ensure that costs of the new powerplant are kept low. There are no immediate plans for a diesel Eon for now, but it is understood that the Eon engine is being developed to be able to cope with alternative fuel, such as LPG or CNG, while also being capable of running on alcohol-blended fuel. This engine is expected to produce around 45 PS of power, adequate for the new Hyundai Eon’s relatively low kerb weight. Hyundai is targeting a real world fuel efficiency figure of 20 kpl for the Eon, which will really be a feather in its cap.

The car is production-ready and Hyundai is gearing up for the launch, expected to take place in the second week of October. Prices for the Eon will be announced then, but we expect that prices for the new Hyundai Eon could start from as low as Rs 2.75 akh, which will make it exceedingly good value for money.

New Toyota Camry

 

Toyota has played it safe with the Camry’s styling for far too long. However, the 2012 Camry to be launched at the Auto Expo is bolder than ever before. The lines have a hint of Lexus to them and the interiors look more luxurious too. Toyota also claims there’s more space inside. We expect Toyota to replace the current 2.4-litre VVT-i engine with the newer 2.5-litre VVT-i motor. Power output increases by a mere 2bhp to 167bhp though refinement levels should improve further. In addition, the new engine could come mated to new six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. The big news is that Toyota plans to assemble the Camry from CKD kits at its Bidadi plant which translates to more competitive pricing. The Camry clearly has the Honda Accord in its crosshairs. The lack of a diesel engine will remain the Camry’s Achilles’ heel, though.

 

Factfile:

Engine: 2.5-litre-petrol

Power/Torque: 167bhp/23kgm

Kerb weight: NA

L/W/H:  NA

Expected: January 2012

Price: Rs 20 lakh

Hyundai New Sonata

Hyundai New Sonata Review

After the launch of the new Verna, Hyundai is aiming at launching most of its new cars in India. Hence the decision to launch the Sonata is not a surprise. The Sonata features Hyundai’s  modern fluidic design philosophy and hence features a large chrome grille and massive projector headlamps. The coupe like theme continues and so does the large wraparound tail lamps. Inside, the theme is luxury with leather wrapping everything and cool blue mood lighting. Electric and optional heated seats are also available and so will features like cruise control. Powering the Sonata will be a 2.4-litre petrol offering 198bhp on tap with a diesel option following suit.

Tata Safari Storme

Tata Safari Storme Review

The first Tata Safari was launched in the late 90s and since then it has been the flagship model on Tata Motors, until lately the Aria was launched in October 2010. The Safari has got two facelifts and engine changes. Tata Motors had even revealed its plans to make a new Safari on the newly developed X2 platform, on which the Aria has been built. However, for the time being the Pimpri-based manufacturer has given the Safari another facelift.
This time, the car gets the 2.2-litre engine from the Aria. The Aria sports the same Safari engine, but a large number of changes have been made to it in the refinement and vibrations department before it got plonked into the crossover. This same refined engine will now come fitted in the facelift Safari. The Safari will get new headlamps, new front grille and new hood. The conventional spare wheel has been moved below and it gets dual exhausts. The interiors have been revamped and it now gets grab door handles.

Specs (Speculated)

Engine: 2.2-litre DiCOR engine
Power:140bhp

CarWale's Words: Safari as a product is a good affordable SUV. We are expecting Tata to further improve the fit and finish of the car.

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