Exclusive - Hyundai Eon LPG caught on test

As you can see from the images below sent in by our reader Kaushik, Hyundai is testing the LPG edition of Eon. Our longtime followers will recollect our posts right from mid-2010 speculating on the dual fuel variant standing alongside the petrol model on launch day.

This is unlikely to happen but nevertheless the LPG variant does seem to be in the vicinity. Notice the "Blue Drive" badge under the front indicator light of this test mule. Blue Drive is Hyundai's way of saying BlueMotion or PureDrive. It connotes Hyundai's eco-friendly technologies and being environmentally responsible by building cars that pollute and consume less.

Rumor has it that Hyundai has been working on a LPG kit for i10 for the good part of 2011 which could be introduced in 2012. While setting up a car to run on LPG, there are several engineering challenges to overcome and the testing schedule will have to be thorough to ensure there are no safety niggles. The i10 LPG like the Accent and Santro variants, will be a factory-fitted type.

Hyundai will launch the Eon day after tomorrow with a 3cyl 814cc petrol engine producing 56 PS @ 5,500 RPM and 75 Nm @ 4,000 RPM. The Eon is likely to be priced between 2.5-3.5 lakh rupees ready to set off fire crackers much before Diwali.