Hyundai Eon vs Maruti Alto K10: Which the best entry-level car?

Maruti Suzuki recently launched the all new Alto K10 with improved looks, great mileage and better overall package than before.

The Alto has been there for a decade now, and with the new model that has an option of an AMT gearbox, it hopes to continue as the best seller in the entry level hatchback segment.

In terms of competition, Alto's key rivals are Hyundai Eon, Chevrolet Spark and the Dastun Go.

Will the new K10 be a big threat? Out of the three, here the comparison of the new Alto K10 against the Hyundai Eon.

Exterior

The new Alto K10 looks much better than the outgoing model. The car's exterior is a modified version that features broad headlights, front chrome grill and razor-sharp bumper.

The rear profile comes with new clear lens tail lights. The Alto K10 looks much better in profile.

Maruti has elongated the engine bay to fit the new bigger engine. Though the space between the grille and the headlamps looks a bit awkward.

The side profile is a grown up version of Alto 800 which clearly falls short of Hyundai Eon's fluidic styling.

Eon comes with funky and attractive look when viewed from any angle. The rear bumper, just like the front bumper, flows into a strong line complementing the rear wheel arches.

Eon is surely the most compact car with 3515mm height and 1500mm width.

Interior

Stepping in, the new Alto looks dated after a very long time. The interior quality has been improved and the dashboard comes in grey-black colour. The material used feels a bit cheap but good enough for a car in that price bracket.

The fitment is now sturdy when compared to Eon. There is a decent amount of space as compared to its competition. The front seats are comfortable, but the positioning could have been better.

Realistically, it is a four-seater car, but the new Alto is wide enough to fit three average size adults in the rear. The back of the front seat has been carved out in order to increase knee room.

The interior of Eon is styled with a two-tone shade with faux aluminium inserts across the dashboard.

It is class above the Alto K10 interior in terms of design and fit and finish.

Eon's rear offer decent room for two people but the window line sweeps up making things a bit claustrophobic.

Though there is more boot space in Eon as compared to the Alto. When talking about the storage, the Eon has a number of cubby holes, pockets and under seat trays to tuck away knick-knacks, which is missing in the Alto.

Features

Maruti Suzuki Alto is available in two variants LXi and VXi.

The Hyundai Eon 1.0 comes only in the Magna+ and Magna+ (O Alto comes fitted with power steering, air conditioning and powered front windows, albeit on the top model.

On the other hand, the Eon comes with everything the Alto K10 offers along with tilt steering, driver side airbag, stereo system with the front speakers, AUX and USB connectivity and keyless entry.

Engine & Transmission

The Alto K10 is powered by a 1.0 litre engine that produces 68bhp and 90 Nm of torque. It is coupled with a five-speed transmission that propels the front wheels.

The car is more powerful the Eon, which delivers only 56bhp and 74.5 Nm of torque.

Eon still scores in terms of mileage. The Eon offers an ARAI tested mileage of 21.1 kilometres to the litre, while the Alto K10 delivers a slightly lower 20.2 kilometres to the litre.

Ride and handling

Both cars have similar suspension setups, MacPherson at the front and torsion beam at the rear.

The Alto K10 drives better and the optional AMT works well in the city start-stop traffic.

The ride is comfortable as Alto does better over scarred roads and potholes than the Eon. Eon's ride quality and stability is more suitable for city rather than highway.

Price

With a starting price of Rs 306,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi), the K10 manages to triumph the competition by a significant margin as the Eon is expensive at Rs 388,000 lakh.

Even the top-end K10 AMT equipped version manages to be cheaper by Rs 8,000 priced at Rs 380,000 compared to the Eon.

Verdict

Both cars are decent products produced by country's two biggest car manufacturers.

Overall, Hyundai wins in the design and style department. It comes with better quality interiors and the list of features offered than the Alto K10.

On the other hand, the Alto K10 is literally worth buying only if you are adamant on having a car that goes a little faster than an Eon and want to save that extra Rs 80,000.

Also Alto K10 drives better and has a better after sales support and service.

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