The Hyundai EON 0.8, produced from 2011 to 2019, was a city car designed and manufactured by Hyundai Motor Company, primarily targeted at the Indian and other emerging markets. Representing Hyundai’s entry-level offering, the EON aimed to provide affordable and efficient transportation. This specific 0.8-liter variant, producing 56 horsepower, served as the base model within the EON lineup, positioned below the 1.0-liter versions in terms of performance and price. The EON was built on a dedicated platform, offering a compact footprint ideal for navigating congested urban environments.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Hyundai |
| Model | EON |
| Generation | EON |
| Type (Engine) | 0.8 (56 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2011 |
| End of production | 2019 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.8 l/100 km (61.9 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.8 l/100 km (49 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 16 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 16 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 15.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 140 km/h (86.99 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 10.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 56 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 75 Nm @ 4000 rpm (55.32 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 814 cm3 (49.67 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 67 mm (2.64 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 77 mm (3.03 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.1:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Engine oil capacity | 2.5 l (2.64 US qt | 2.2 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 3.5 l (3.7 US qt | 3.08 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 790 kg (1741.65 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1190 kg (2623.5 lbs.) |
| Max load | 400 kg (881.85 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 215 l (7.59 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 32 l (8.45 US gal | 7.04 UK gal) |
| Length | 3495 mm (137.6 in.) |
| Width | 1550 mm (61.02 in.) |
| Height | 1500 mm (59.06 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2380 mm (93.7 in.) |
| Front track | 1386 mm (54.57 in.) |
| Rear track | 1368 mm (53.86 in.) |
| Front overhang | 625 mm (24.61 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 490 mm (19.29 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 9.1 m (29.86 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Tires size | 155/70 R13 |
| Wheel rims size | 4.5J x 13 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Hyundai EON 0.8 is powered by a naturally aspirated, three-cylinder petrol engine, internally designated as the E08A. This engine, part of Hyundai’s small displacement engine family, features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. Fuel delivery is managed by a multi-point fuel injection (MPI) system. The engine’s relatively simple design prioritized affordability and ease of maintenance. The 5-speed manual transmission was the sole gearbox option for this variant, chosen for its cost-effectiveness and contribution to fuel efficiency. The engine’s compact size and lightweight construction contributed to the EON’s overall nimble handling.
Driving Characteristics
The 0.8-liter EON offered modest performance, geared towards urban commuting rather than spirited driving. With 56 horsepower and 75 Nm of torque, acceleration was leisurely, taking approximately 16 seconds to reach 100 km/h (62 mph). The five-speed manual transmission was geared for economy, with taller ratios prioritizing fuel efficiency over rapid acceleration. While adequate for city driving, overtaking maneuvers on highways required careful planning. Compared to the 1.0-liter EON variants, the 0.8-liter model felt noticeably less powerful, particularly when fully loaded with passengers and cargo. The light steering and compact dimensions made it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The base-level EON 0.8 was typically equipped with basic amenities, reflecting its position as an entry-level vehicle. Standard features generally included manual windows, manual door locks, and a basic audio system. Air conditioning was often an optional extra. Interior upholstery was typically a durable, cloth material. Safety features were also basic, usually limited to a driver’s airbag and seatbelts. Higher trim levels of the EON, such as the Era+ and Sportz, offered additional features like power steering, central locking, and a more comprehensive audio system. The 0.8-liter model was often chosen by buyers prioritizing affordability over comfort and convenience features.
Chassis & Braking
The EON’s chassis was designed for simplicity and cost-effectiveness. It utilized a McPherson strut front suspension and a coil spring rear suspension. The front suspension incorporated an anti-roll bar to reduce body roll during cornering. Braking duties were handled by ventilated disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. The relatively lightweight construction of the EON helped to compensate for the less powerful braking system. The steering was a manual rack-and-pinion system, providing adequate feedback for urban driving. The suspension tuning prioritized ride comfort over sporty handling.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Hyundai EON 0.8 was generally well-received in its target markets, particularly for its affordability and fuel efficiency. Critics praised its compact size and ease of maneuverability, making it ideal for navigating crowded city streets. However, the engine’s limited power output was a common criticism. Compared to competitors like the Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 and the Tata Nano, the EON offered a more modern design and a slightly more refined interior. Fuel economy was a key selling point, with the EON achieving around 4.8 liters per 100 kilometers (49 US mpg) in combined driving conditions. Reliability was generally good, with the simple engine design contributing to lower maintenance costs.
Legacy
The Hyundai EON played a significant role in establishing Hyundai as a major player in the entry-level car segment in emerging markets. While it has been discontinued, the EON remains a popular choice in the used car market, particularly among first-time car buyers and those seeking an affordable and fuel-efficient city car. The 0.8-liter engine proved to be relatively durable and reliable, with many examples still in service today. The EON paved the way for Hyundai’s subsequent small car offerings, such as the Grand i10, which built upon the EON’s success by offering more features and improved performance.
