From ugly duckling to nippy Atos swan

ROAD TEST/ The Hyundai Atos is one of the top picks in the competitive baby hatch segment, writes Phuti Mpyane

Hyundai has restored the Atos after a seven-year absence on this market. The new version is a lot more cheerful this time around and it looks a whole lot better than the gawky and unattractive tall-box models made before Hyundai design director Peter Schreyer arriving on the scene to tidy up things.

Clever design has lopped 10mm off its height, resulting in a more harmonious looking silhouette. Despite a lower roof line, entry and egress aren’t compromised. The new car is also 49mm longer at 3,610mm.

This gain in length means 235l of boot space as opposed to 221l while 2,400mm of wheelbase effectively means an extra 20mm has been liberated to create better legroom for four, or five at a very tight squeeze.

Specification isn’t spectacular but sufficient. The new Atos doesn’t have crowd-pleasing items like park distance control or daytime driving lights as found in the Renault Kwid and Datsun Go, but inside the Hyundai serves up a far superior quality of finish, along with dual airbags and a multifunction steering as standard fitment.

Like its rivals the Atos is no macho thing but the fun factor is reborn in this Korean tot.

Admittedly, the motor is an old-hat naturally aspirated 1.1l four-cylinder. Power is 50kW/99Nm but unlike its competitors, which offer manual and auto choices, it’s exclusively available with a fivespeed manual transmission.

The turning circle is sufficiently tight and the steering is

Aesthetics are important for first-time buyers and the Atos is one of the pretty ones. Right: There’s 235l of useful luggage area accessed via a button on the inside.

The sufficiently spacious Atos interior is among the most hushed and well-styled cabins in the A-segment arena.