A new standard has been set in the premium supermini segment, with the brand new Evgenis Nemean which will offer new levels of customisation within one of the most upmarket packages. All this while following the motto "Premium. Standard."
DESIGN
The Nemean continues the trend recently offered on all recent models from the Evegnis lineup, including the lightning-bolt LED strip defining the lower section of the headlight cluster. This LED strip serves the dual purpose as our newly introduced sweeping indicator, to be featured as standard on all future models, and these indicators feature on the rear of the car as well. The prominent Evgenis badge, located in the centre of the grille remains, albeit a more circular design for this model. In true Evgenis fashion, we’ve kept the design clean and simple, without coming across as basic.
As mentioned previously, our main design focus was to offer a heavily customisable vehicle, key to this segment. Alloy wheels are fitted as standard across the range, with a multitude of design options being available from 15" to 18". Paint choices are all metallic as standard, something only normally offered on the most upmarket of vehicles, but this car can be customised in one of thousands of possibilities, thanks to the different choices of contrasting roof colour, and the introduction of our new Evgenis Custom Collection, where you can specify exactly what shade you would want your car in.
ENGINES
The Nemean is available with our full range of 1.2-litre petrol engines, ranging from 80 bhp to 120 bhp, with only the latter being available in North American markets, as well as the full range of the new 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged diesel engines, also ranging from 80 bhp to 120 bhp. Thanks to the car’s relatively low kerb weight, aided by the usage of aluminium in the construction, performance is brisk, with the 1.2T 120 being capable of covering the 0-100 kph sprint in under 9 seconds.
These engines are paired to a 6-speed manual as standard in all markets, with an optional, fine-tuned, 8-speed ZF autoamatic gearbox being available, unheard of in this category.
Of course, efficiency is key in this category, and we have worked hard to offer a competitive package in this area. The 1.2T 100 is capable of 5.2l/100km in mixed, real-world driving, 4.8l/100km on the highway at 120 kph and getting an incredible 3.7l/100 km on the European cycle. We are also proud to announce that the 1.5-litre diesel in its base form is the first diesel vehicle in its class to obtain a sub-3l/100km rating.
TECHNOLOGY
On-board technology has always been of the upmost important at Evgenis, and even the smallest of packages don’t go without our latest offerings. As standard, a 6.5" TouchPoint 2.0 touch-screen infotainment system is fitted, which can control almost all of the cars main fuctions, including audio, phone, navigation (if added), and climate controls, with an upgraded 9" TouchPoint Pro system being available with the addition of Apple Car Play and Android Auto as standard (optional on the 6.5" system). 4G connectivity is fitted as standard across the range, being free for the first 3 years of usage, and automatic emergency callout being available for free for life.
Safety technology is also important, particularly in small packages like these which will be used in more urban environments, meaning automatic emergency braking is fitted as standard, working at all speeds and against both other vehicles and pedestrians. The car can also detect inevitable collisions and prepare the cars safety features to deploy at optimal times.
INTERIOR
The customisation doesn’t end on the inside of the vehicle either, with there being multiple choices of seat designs, colours and upholstery, steering wheels, inserts and even surrounds for certain elements such as vents. The design is logical yet quirky, reflecting the youthful look of the exterior. This also means that, thanks to the infotainment system, the centre console can be cleaned up, with a minimum number of buttons, with only some audio controls and climate controls keeping a physical form.
Interior quality is something most manufacturers use heavy cost cutting measures on a car of this category, but we’ve made sure that all surfaces are nice to touch and the whole thing is put together in an incredibly solid way to prevent any unwanted creaks from surfacing.
DRIVING
Small cars must have enjoyable handling, and we have made sure that this is the case. The biggest gripe with most modern cars is the lack of steering feel, and with the Nemean we have made sure that we use as little electroncial assistance with the steering in order to maintain the most natural and responsive feel to it. Grip levels are exceptional, and thanks to the low weight we believe we have made a properly fun car to drive. This being said, we also want to make sure that the ride is comfortable, and thanks to the stiff structure we’ve been able to use a softer suspension setup without upsetting the handling. Adapative suspensions are available as an option, meaning even the driving dynamics are customisable.