New Maruti 800 vs Hyundai Eon vs Renault Kwid vs Datsun redi-GO

The entry-level car segment is very competitive in India and the market is currently dominated by the Maruti Suzuki Alto. One potential threat to the Alto is the Renault Kwid that was introduced in the market recently.

The Kwid has posted a steady growth over the months and is inching closer to the top. Now, Datsun is preparing to launch a small car in the same segment called the redi-GO. Established carmakers in India are already feeling the heat and one such capable car that is in the midst of all this is the Hyundai Eon.

Also Read: Datsun redi-GO First Drive Review

To be on top of the game, Maruti Suzuki has given the Alto a facelift to better appeal to the customers. So how do these four A-Segment cars fare against each other? Let's take a detailed look.

Price

Note: All prices are on-road (Delhi)

Design

The Alto 800 facelift features similar design to the older generation car, but with a few design tweaks to the front grille and headlight. The Alto 800 follows the old Aero Edge Design, which offers ample head and legroom.

The Hyundai Eon is a well sculpted car in this segment. The Eon's flowing lines and fluidic design make the car look very stylish, but towards the rear, it looks very clustered, leaving the bottom half looking plain. The headlights and front grille blend quite good, giving the overall design a lift.

The Renault Kwid borrows its design language from the Renault Duster. The first thing one would notice about the Kwid is its SUV-ish stance and the overall presence of the vehicle. The Kwid is based on an all new platform which is built to be sold in many countries around the world.

The Datsun redi-GO is based on the same platform as the Kwid. The Datsun redi-GO also features an SUV-ish design, but different compared to the Kwid. The carmaker terms the redi-GO as an urban cross vehicle instead of calling it a plain hatchback.

Engine Specification & Gear Box

Features

The facelifted Alto 800 features an integrated music system with AUX and USB connectivity, keyless entry, child lock for the rear door, power windows, bottle holder for the front and rear, and an optional driver's side airbag.

In the Hyundai Eon, features are more or less the same, but the top end variant features climate control. The Renault Kwid on the other hand, features touch screen infotainment system with navigation, digital meter console, and loads of customisation possibilities.

Speaking of the features, the redi-GO features a shift indicator, which is the first in this segment, integrated audio system with AUX and USB connectivity, power windows, daytime running lights, and a high driving position, which compliments the urban cross design. The redi-GO too is offered with an optional driver's side airbag.

Verdict

So which one of these four cars is the best choice? The Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 is a good choice and one cannot go wrong with it. The Eon is a little overpriced in the segment and the Datsun redi-Go has not been launched yet.

The Renault Kwid is undoubtedly the best overall package as it is the best looking hatchback and the most equipped one. It will be no surprise if the Kwid emerges as the best selling car in the Indian market soon. But what manufacturers need to focus on is the safety aspect as all four cars in the list have minimal safety equipment.

New Maruti Alto 800 Image Gallery

Hyundai Eon Image Gallery

Renault Kwid Image Gallery

Datsun redi-GO Image Gallery