2004 Inokom Atoz review from Malaysia

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.