Putting some 45 000 posteriors on the padding, the previous Hyundai Atos helped give the brand household name status in South African and is now back at below the R160 000 mark.

The new, modern look and styling fits 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 hatchback will slot into the local Hyundai range below the Grand i10.

“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.

“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 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 r/min as well as the maximum torque of 99 Nm which comes at 2 800 r/min, compares favourably with a range of competitors in its market segment. Official fuel consumption, tested in a real-world combined cycle, is 5,7 l/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 new Atos, with its ‘tall boy design’, has with outer dimensions of 3,61 m and 1,64 m, boasts a cabin that allows good head space and leg room, with good visibility and ergonomics.

Standard features include an infotainment system with a 7-inch touch screen and Apple Carplay and Bluetooth connectivity, an onboard computer, a multifunction steering with remote buttons for the radio, sound system and Bluetooth-connected cell phone, a dedicated USB charging socket that also serves as a connection point for Apple’s Carplay, as well as an extra 12V power socket, air-conditioner, electrically controlled front side windows and ISOFIX child seat attachment points.

Safety specification offers crash bags for the driver and front passenger and anti-lock braking.

It comes with a 7-year/200 000 km warranty with a 1-year service plan and roadside assistance for 7 years or 150 000 km. Services are done at a 15 000 km interval (or annually).