1998 Hyundai Atoz + review from UK and Ireland

Delayed acceleration (fixed by cleaning the spark plugs). Not a nice experience when accelerating off from a junction.

Engine randomly cuts out at lower revs (fixed twice; now doing it for a third time, but not so often as before).

Shuddering at low revs.

Work done on the exhaust system.

Leak from the transmission oil seal (caused by oil grade change for 20,000 mile service). Required the use of a loan car.

Worn driver's door lock.

Salt corrosion on the alloy wheels.

Creaking front passenger door.

Brake pads needed replacing at 33,000 miles (£55 + VAT). Not a big deal perhaps, but previous cars (Hyundai X2, Proton, Nissan Sunny and Toyota Starlet) did at least twice the miles on original pads.

I dislike the lack of steering feel and spongy brake/clutch pedals.

I don't like the engine noise at speed.

Handling is not very good; feels unstable at speed and affected by cross winds.

Body panels very easily dented; some panel fits could be better.

Limited performance when using the air-con.

Not that pretty (inside or out), but at least it's different.

Good standard specification (power steering, air-con, and electric windows) and very spacious cabin.

Excellent fuel economy, low insurance and three-year warranty, but dealer service charges are high for such a small engine (999cc).

The level of service from dealer is excellent, despite the oil leak incident.

The Atoz is a disappointing car and it hasn't been very reliable. However, our family's previous Hyundai (a '94 X2) was excellent, and so has my dad's new car, a brand new Accent.

Most problems could be because it was one of the earliest UK spec imports.