The sub six lakh category is one of the biggest and fastest selling segments of the Indian automotive industry. Although this particular segment has been mostly dominated by Maruti Suzuki since the birth of compact budget four wheelers here in India, Hyundai has slowly gained ground in this popular segment. The Eon has been hugely successful for its stunning exterior, quality interiors and good pricing. The Maruti Alto on the other hand has failed to evolve with the changing times and has fallen behind in terms of tech and design. Maruti Suzuki has thus launched the 2015 Alto K10, to launch a counter attack against the Koreans. Who wins? Lets find out.
Design:
2015 Maruti Suzuki Alto K10:
Maruti Suzuki has ditched the safe approach and gone for a radical redesign of the small hatch. The new Alto K10 is now more aggressive and striking to look at than any of its predecessors. A strip of chrome adorns the grille adding a bit of upmarket appeal lacking in models of the past. The uninspiring headlight design has been revamped as well for a bit of flair. The rear too has been remodeled in keeping with the overall design of the front fascia. Despite all this however, the Alto K10 still retains its boxy silhouette and isn’t nearly as jaw dropping as the Hyundai Eon.
Hyundai Eon:
As we have stated time and time again, Hyundai Fluidic Design has worked beautifully over its range and has completely turned the public’s impression of the South Korean automaker’s image around. Creating impressive, quality work at the price that Hyundai offers its models in is something that truly needs to be appreciated. The Eon too is quite a good looking machine. Its sensual curves and aggressive headlights are well ahead of its time and as a result, despite the South Korean car maker leaving the Eon virtually unchanged since its launch, the car still manages to grab eyeballs wherever it goes.
Winner: Hyundai Eon
Interiors:
2015 Maruti Suzuki Alto K10:
The first major revamp in many years, the Indian car maker has finally graced its little hatch with a bit of premium interiors. The piano black center console and steering wheel sport a silver finish. The center console consists of a conventional music system with iPod, USB, AUX IN and CD compatibility. However, the beige and black theme of the cabin leaves much to be desired. The 2015 Alto K10’s interiors is a huge step up from the previous generation and shows Maruti’s progression as a brand that not only focuses on cost effectiveness but presentation as well.
Hyundai Eon:
Despite the huge leap forward in terms of the Alto K10’s interior, the Eon is far ahead of its competition. The entire cabin is made from quality plastics and fabrics. The stunning design and good materials make the Eon feel far more expensive than it really is. However, the South Korean automaker has made drastic compromises to space and ergonomics for such beautiful interiors. For example, if you have a tall friend sitting in the front passenger seat, one must first push the passenger’s leg away before changing gear.
Winner: Hyundai Eon
Engine:
2015 Maruti Suzuki Alto K10:
Perhaps the Alto K10’s only saving grace, the 998cc four cylinder petrol mill produces 67 HP @6000 RPM and a peak torque of 90 Nm comes in at 3500 RPM. Mileage is at 24.07 km/l. One of the Alto’s biggest upsides when compared to its Korean rival is the availability of an AMT gearbox.
Hyundai Eon:
The Eon is offered in two engines, the 814cc and the 1.0 L model. The 814 cc three cylinder engine produces 55 HP and 75 Nm of torque while the 1.0 L unit churns out 68 bhp @ 6200 RPM and a max torque of 94 Nm @ 3500 RPM. Fuel economy is rated at 21.1 km/l and 20.3 km/l respectively. However, despite the better engine options, Hyundai has never been a pioneer in engine performance and the 814cc falls short of its Indian rival. The 1.0 L model has eliminated all of the shortcomings of its 814 cc sibling however, Maruti Suzuki’s Alto K10 can and does do everything the Eon 1.0 L can do a little bit better.
Winner: Maruti Suzuki Alto K10
Verdict
Despite Maruti’s best efforts, the Alto K10 still feels a bit dated in terms of design. However, looks can be deceiving and the Hyundai Eon is quite simply a poorly engineered car draped in a pretty gown. Although the 1.0 L model tries to make right everything that was wrong with its smaller engine’d model, it does not justify the almost Rs. 1 lakh price bump.
So if you are not the one doing the driving then the Eon with its comparatively comfortable seats, stunning interiors and good music system is the car for you. However, the Alto K10 is the better engineered car. The K Series of engines has proven itself in higher models of the Indian manufacturer and does incredibly well for its small displacement.