irishcar.com - Hyundai Amica

THAT’S better! Hyundai have now transformed their stylistically challenged Atoz into a chic, sportier alternative, called it Amica and, boy, what a difference!

Built on the same platform as the five-door Atoz, the Atoz Amica shares major mechanicals with the Atoz, such as suspension and transmission.

In comparison to the Atoz the Amica is better proportioned and offers a sporty, more rounded style especially at the rear.

First thing you spot is the lower roof - 35mm have been lopped off by Hyundai’s designers. Then there is the increased rake of the windscreen, the lowered rear light clusters, body coloured bumpers and handles and the cute little rear roof spoiler. But what were they thinking of with that aggressive-looking chrome grille?Tone it down a bit, folks.

As with the Atoz, the four wheels are positioned at the outer-most corners of the body shell, maximising interior space and stability.

Despite being a small car, the Atoz Amica is a proper five-door hatch with plenty of headroom front and rear and has many of the features and versatility of a bigger car.

To create more room the Amica has double-folding rear seats, allowing for any mix of passengers and luggage to be accommodated. There is also a decent boot together with various storage areas and a seat storage tray as standard. Additionally, driver and passenger seats feature mesh-style pockets on the rear and there are front and single rear cup holders.

Standard equipment includes power steering, central locking, electric front windows, four-speaker radio/cassette and immobiliser.

POWER: This comes from the mildly modified nippy one litre, four-cylinder 12-valver which produces 55bhp at 5500rpm and 61lb ft of torque at 3100rpm. Not too hot on top end power but scoots around town with aplomb. Weaves in and out of traffic with ease and parks in those awkward spaces.

It takes 15.1 seconds from 0 to 62mph and has a top speed of 88mph. I averaged 41mpg.

There’s fair a bit of body roll, but that comes with a comfortable ride.

Chic sporty Hyundai Amica	2000
THAT’S better! Hyundai have now transformed their stylistically challenged Atoz into a chic, sportier alternative, called it Amica and, boy, what a difference! Built on the same platform as the five-door Atoz, the Atoz Amica shares major mechanicals with the Atoz, such as suspension and transmission. In comparison to the Atoz the Amica is better proportioned and offers a sporty, more rounded style especially at the rear. First thing you spot is the lower roof - 35mm have been lopped off by Hyundai’s designers. Then there is the increased rake of the windscreen, the lowered rear light clusters, body coloured bumpers and handles and the cute little rear roof spoiler. But what were they thinking of with that aggressive-looking chrome grille?Tone it down a bit, folks. As with the Atoz, the four wheels are positioned at the outer-most corners of the body shell, maximising interior space and stability. Despite being a small car, the Atoz Amica is a proper five-door hatch with plenty of headroom front and rear and has many of the features and versatility of a bigger car. To create more room the Amica has double-folding rear seats, allowing for any mix of passengers and luggage to be accommodated. There is also a decent boot together with various storage areas and a seat storage tray as standard. Additionally, driver and passenger seats feature mesh-style pockets on the rear and there are front and single rear cup holders. Standard equipment includes power steering, central locking, electric front windows, four-speaker radio/cassette and immobiliser. POWER: This comes from the mildly modified nippy one litre, four-cylinder 12-valver which produces 55bhp at 5500rpm and 61lb ft of torque at 3100rpm. Not too hot on top end power but scoots around town with aplomb. Weaves in and out of traffic with ease and parks in those awkward spaces. It takes 15.1 seconds from 0 to 62mph and has a top speed of 88mph. I averaged 41mpg. There’s fair a bit of body roll, but that comes with a comfortable ride.
by Gerry Boud

Chic sporty Hyundai Amica