The Hyundai Atos is back in South Africa – with a new, modern look and styling, impressive standard features and a solid road performance that promises to make this entry-level model in the Korean manufacturer’s local range a top-seller.
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 4-cylinder engine that delivers excellent fuel consumption, which is an important item 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.
“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 2 800 r/min., 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 that will pique the interest of new car buyers.
Some of the standard features include an infotainment system with a 17 cm touch screen and Apple Carplay and Bluetooth connectivity, multi-function steering, USB points, front electric windows and ISOFIX child seat attachment points.
Hyundai introduced its all-new Venue, which joins its larger siblings Kona, Creta, Tucson and Santa Fe in the Korean manufacturer’s SUV model line-up.
The Venue – packed with a host of premium driver safety and convenience technologies – will be the smallest and most affordable Hyundai SUV.
“The initial impression of the Venue is that of a seamless combination of style and versatility. It is small in size, but big on practicality and personality, and it has lovely bold character,” said Stanley Anderson, sales and operations director at Hyundai Automotive South Africa.
The design exhibits small but confident body forms, delivering a new interpretation of Hyundai’s signature design language. The vehicle side profile shows a solid and full volume wheel arch and strong character line, while the front cascading grille includes the new Hyundai signature face that’s found on both the Kona and Santa Fe, including composite LED lights and cube shape headlamps. This unique character line continues through the tail lamps.
Base Motion models will ship standard with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, Isofix child-seat anchors, manual air-conditioning, a basic radio system (with Bluetooth), a multifunction steering wheel, black cloth seats and keyless entry.
Fluid variants will furthermore gain curtain airbags, a touchscreen infotainment system (with Apple CarPlay), automatic headlamps, electric folding side mirrors, 16-inch alloys, a dark chrome grille, rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, partial leather upholstery and cruise control.
The flagship Glide model, meanwhile, will boast static-bending headlamps, LED daytime running lights, LED taillamps, front foglamps, automatic air-conditioning and push-button start.
All models feature a three-year/45 000 km service plan along with Hyundai’s seven-year/200 000 km warranty (comprising a five-year/150 000 km warranty and an additional two-year/50 000 km powertrain warranty).
Pricing:
Hyundai Venue 1,0 TGDi Motion: R274 900
Hyundai Venue 1,0 TGDi Motion AT: R304 900
Hyundai Venue 1,0 TGDi Fluid: R309 900
Hyundai Venue 1,0 TGDi Fluid AT: R339 900
Hyundai Venue 1,0 TGDi Glide AT: R369 900
