Inokom Atoz Reviews

In my second year of driving this car, I found the engine's pick-up greatly decreasing in performance. However, credits to Malaysia's Hyundai as when I brought it to them (car was still under warranty), they humbly admitted there was a manufacturing default in the engine and had it replaced free of charge, warranty extended as well. They also provided me with a replacement car, f.o.c.

I drive a manual 1.0 Inokom Atoz and I have to say that it is not the guzzler the automatic version is. I had the unfortunate experience of driving the A/T version when Hyundai provided me with a replacement car after sending mine in to be repaired for the manufacturing defect mentioned above. For the size and weight of the car, you'd be better off driving such vehicle if it had a DOHC.

However, the manual version has served me well in the past four years. In 2003, I am able to travel from KL to Penang with RM30 worth of petrol. Of course, in 2007, the cost has increased to RM50 due to the rise in petrol prices. Maintenance cost is very low compared to other cars, and the car has got good pick up. With the right momentum, the car is able to tackle hills effortlessly at 4th gear, something only cars with stronger horsepower or lighter weight can achieve. Its default sound system (Pioneer CD players, speakers and tweeters) perform quite well too.

The Inokom Atoz might not come with all the bells and whistles of luxury cars, but it would get you through massive KL jams without burning a hole in your pocket.

The crank shaft was diagnosed to be broken by the service center and is expected to cost RM2009.50 (about 5% of the brand new one).

According to a relative who is a mechanic, the crank shaft would not have broken unless it has met with any accident.

The car's petrol consumption is very high.

The service charges is also very high and service from the service center is bad.

1. Central locking mechanism does not unlock rear doors after 2 years. Brought to service center to have it fixed.

2. Central locking mechanism unlocks the rear left door, but the door cannot be opened, either from the inside or outside after 2.5 years.

3. Battery needed changing after 2 years. Switched to maintenance free batteries.

4. After about one year, the car would crank once and then hesitate for 1 to 2 seconds when I turn the key in the ignition, before the engine comes to life. Service center could not find anything wrong.

5. Paint on the front of the car, especially bumper, seems to peel easily.

6. Alignment seems off from the day we got the car. Pulls very mildly to the left. Have highlighted to the service center everytime we bring the car in for regular service, but it keeps coming back.

We bought this car for my wife for RM 44,000 (about USD 11,000). It's a small 4 seater - about the size of a Merc A-class, although you'll never confuse the two.

The Atoz is the Malaysian OEM for the Hyundai Atos. The car is very well built. In the cabin, absolutely nothing squeaks or rattles - even after close to 3 years owning it. I'm extremely impressed with this - especially for a car of this (low) class. I feel the build quality of the interior is even better than My 2005 Camry 2.0E - the Camry emits a very faint buzzing noise from the center aircon blower on the dashboard. The Atoz dashboard makes absolutely no sound. Even if you press here or there, it just doesn't make a sound. However, road and engine noise is very, very audible.

The ride is just OK for this type of vehicle. Of course, you're not going to go racing in a 1.1 liter car with 13" rims, and it goes from 0 to 100 kmh in 14.6 seconds. It's very slow off the line. Feels like its optimum speed is around 90 to 100 km/h. It can do 140, but it's very strenuous for the car, IMO. Fuel consumption is slightly on the high side for a car this class, turning in about 13.4 km / liter.

The tires are really good. They are only 13 inch, I think (I'm no expert at car specs - I only know how to drive). It's been nearly 3 years, and we're still on our original tires. It looks like the treads are barely worn, and the grip, even in the wet, is just like the day we first got the car.

Maintenance has been very affordable. Usually cost RM120 (USD 30) for a regular service. We're due for our first timing belt change and I'm told that that may cost a bit more - but I'm not expecting a bomb.

Our experience with the service folks at Hyundai has always been pleasant. They're very professional and efficient in their work. Regular service takes around an hour 15 minutes (compared to having to wait a whole day for my Camry).

So far, we're happy with how things have turned out. Of course, the car could be better in some areas, especially safety (no airbags, no ABS, etc). We'll probably keep this car until the loan is fully paid, and then replace it.