1998 Hyundai Atoz + from UK and Ireland - Comments

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 (

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.

I had a Toyota Starlet before (F-reg), and had it serviced every 6,000 miles. It could eat a set of brake pads in under 7,000 miles, although driven sensibly, I was still lucky to get 14-15,000 out of them. Not much ever went wrong with that Toyota, but when it did, it was stupid things like the window winder regulators, and the wiper linkage. Unfortunately, the prices for parts were obscene, and I sold the car to a silly-boy from Greenock who paid over the odds for it. You can have it either way with Jap cars. Either they're heaps with loads of problems, or they're 99% reliable with the other 1% costing you a fortune. Stick to British cars like Ford & Vauxhall. They might have a few more niggles from time to time, but they're far easier to live with.

This is an update to the above review...

When I had the brake pads changed I found out the actual price was £84 inc. VAT, labour, etc (the price originally quoted was for Accent brake pads).

Dealer replaced wheels under warranty (didn't expect them to do that)

Brake discs had a lip on surface - replaced under warranty. New discs at just over 30k miles is an absolute joke!

I forgot to mention that it leaked petrol which turned out be a split fuel filler neck (occurred around 20,000 miles)

This is my first car - it belonged to my dad before but we both used to drive it. Only difference is that its in my name on insurance, etc.

All repairs were done under warranty (except for brake pads & spark plug change. Spark plug cleaning was DIY job).

Rear suspension & front passenger door have started to creak.

Helpful local dealer and three warranty make this a disappointing car rather than a hateful one. My Dad still however has faith in Hyundai cars as replaced this one with a new Accent.

MOT due in few weeks - I'll post another comment if necessary.

Good car, good as a get-away vehicle, anyone made a look-a-like A-team van yet?

I think the Atoz SE+ is wicked, a woman's car, but I don't care. I bought mine a week ago (my 5th car) for 1200, it was in new condition fitted with a CD player and a steering control for it.. I had to replace the disc brakes + pads from ebay. It cost 50 pounds inc delivery + window winder cable.

I went from London to Leicester, many people underestimated it, but it was fast for its little engine, just like a 1.2 car.

The air conditioning is fine, as this happens on any car, but if you compare the Matiz to Atoz, you'll see the difference. Matiz will produce almost half the performance as its a 899c engine 3 cylinders, but Atoz is a 1.0L engine with 4 cylinders so you won't notice much. I'd actually accept that and not burn in the heat.

It's the best cheap modern car I'd say, instead of getting Clio, Corsa, or Punto, people should open their eyes to these little great runners..

I don't recommend the new Amica as it's the same car, just a diffrent look, but that look is smaller inside because it bends at the back.

People must be very gentle with the Atoz, do not smoke inside, do not carry many people, do not push it hard just be gentle and you'll see the great benefits you get. I do actually think the engine sound is bit funny, but you'd get away with that when stereo is on.

It's so easy to drive, so small to park, so comfy inside, you're higher than any car. A tall driver can drive it just as much as a short one!

So far I have owner a Clio 2, Mini Classic, Passat 2001, Matiz, and Pajero 4x4.

Have just purchased the Atoz basic. Very nice to drive, although there is a lack of feeling with the steering. I must say though very very good with fuel economy.. I don't like the factory fitted stereo and it looks like it's going to be a bugger to replace.

Have owned the atoz for a year not and so far very impressed with is. spacious cabin with plenty of head room. nippy engnin when you consider its only a 1L.

It has developed the odd squeak and creak but that is to be expected form a car that is 9 yeay old and had just clocked 90,000 miles.

If you're considering a first car then the atoz is definitely worth a look.

Avery economical and zippy little car. Very good air conditioning unit on our model A T reg. Been described by work colleagues as a TAXI or POPEMOBILE.