My co-driver and I took at Atos on some gravelly North Coast (KZN) roads as well as on smooth tar, and quite frankly, we had no complaints. None whatsoever.
Built on an all-new platform with bigger dimensions than its predecessor, a spacious cabin and sporting superior ride and handling with low NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) levels, the new Atos has the credentials to be at the top of the shopping list of buyers in the entry-level car segment.
The new Atos hatchback, which will slot into the local Hyundai range below the Grand i10, is also equipped with a frugal free-revving four-cylinder engine that delivers excellent fuel consumption, which is an important criterium on the list of consumers who shop around in this segment of the car market.
Our previous model carrying the Atos name has sold 45 092 units in South Africa and – together with the Tucson and Getz – helped to cement the Hyundai brand as a trustworthy one that delivers quality cars with a long road life,” says Stanley Anderson, sales and operations director at Hyundai Automotive South Africa.Entry Level
“After extensive deliberation and thorough local testing, we decided that the new Atos has more than what it takes to compete successfully yet again in the tough entry-level car market in South Africa.
“We expect this section of the local car market to grow substantially as a consequence of the tough financial situations that so many South African consumers and families have to contend with.
“When we could finally pin a price of R159 900 to the new Atos, we were convinced that we have a winner in this stylish little car with its spacious, comfortable cabin and economical 1,1-litre engine,” says Anderson.
The re-entry of Atos in South Africa followed road tests over a 1,100 km route that ranged from sea-level to the high altitude of the Highveld – all done in on-the-road comparison with some of the new model’s main rivals in its segment.
The 50 kW maximum power that the Atos’ 1 086 cc engine delivers at 5,500 revolutions per minute, as well as the maximum torque of 99 Nm which comes at 2,800rpm, compares very favourably with a range of competitors in its market segment. Official fuel consumption, tested in a real-world combined cycle, is 5,7 litres per 100 km.
Its dimensions and ground clearance are also on par with its rivals, but it is the whole package with a complete list of features that the Atos offers at a most competitive price which will perk the interest of new car buyers.
The good looks of the new Atos, with its modern stylish “tall boy design”, is another aspect of the car that attracts attention. Inside the body, with outer dimensions of 3,61 and 1,64 cm, is a cabin that allows a lot of headspace and legroom, with good visibility and ergonomics that ensures a comfortable ride.
The list of standard features includes:
R159,900, including VAT.
One of the most important features is the 7-year/200,000 km warranty that backs up the trust that Hyundai Automotive SA has in the quality and build integrity of the new Atos. A 1-year service plan and roadside assistance for 7 years or 150,000 km are also part of the package. Services are done at a 15,000 km interval (or annually).
An entry-level car with all the bells and whistles. Value for money indeed!! It’s solid, styling and smooth. This combination is hard to beat and it also comes in many fun colours.
