Hyundai i10 within the launch of its first year has got the
brand new and best in class ‘Kappa’ engine. In fact this is the very engine
that powers the i20 or and the Getz as well. The engine complies with all the
newest emission norms in all the auto markets that will ply the i20 and i10.
The car made its debut in the Indian auto market before it was exported for the
global audience.
The concept car of the i10 has a 1248cc engine for the
export markets. Hyundai has reduced the bore of the engine and the stroke to a
lower cubic capacity under 1.2 litres to fit in the small car section. To be
exact it has a displacement of 1197cc. The sleeker engine still develops a
healthy 79bhp and 11.4kgm of torque, which is a huge 20 and 11 percent
respectively greater than the standard 1.1 or ‘Epsilon’ engine.
The kappa shows its mettle right away with a better power
output. The car feels springier with the Kappa motor and is ready to take on
some more throttles as well. The top of the line car delivers a power band
beyond 6200rpm. This is actually the peak of the Epsilon motor and it used to
run out of steam. The Kappa can easily go a notch higher and is good for
another 300rpm. On the magical dash to the 100 km mark, once again the kappa is
faster by at least 2-3 seconds. The car also can breach the top speed and is
much higher as well for the Kappa. The car even comes across a terrific highway
cruiser in spite of being an entry level car in the small segment. The up
gradation seems to have been kept for the engine alone and the tyres surely
needed the up gradation considering the increase in power. The same tyre
specifications have been retained for the new i10 as well.
You might not notice the difference in the speed between the
two engines in the city. The Epsilon does have a trick or two up its sleeve
especially one cannot forget its excellent pulling in the third gear which is
not easy even for the likes of the Kappa to replicate. On the whole is where
the Kappa scores and comes better than then older engine. The Kappa is also
smoother and less vocal during its performance. The kappa is also livelier and
the main bone of contemption is the Kappa also delivers a better mileage that
is the best in it class.
The i10 automatic is the one that comes to the fore. The
auto gear carries off from where the Santro left off. It seems to have gelled
well with the Kappa as well. The car is quite responding and extra kick in the
Kappa covers up any lags in the auto gear. The car starts at price range of Rs
4.44 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The automatic i10 Magna is a bit on the
expensive side but is still worth its monies due to the offerings it has. For
the Kappa edition, Hyundai has gone more confident with the launch of two more
variants namely -the Asta and Sport.
