Hyundai is poised to launch a new small car that will slot in below the Grand i10 – said to be the new Atos.
Heading for a launch early next year, the hints are that the range may kick off below R150 000.
With Hyundai’s solid reputation and its history of being a top-seller in the budget car market, the new Atos could give current players such as the Renault Kwid, Datsun Go and Suzuki Celerio a serious run for their money.
The new Atos shares its engineering with the previous i10 – the old i10 was phased out of the Mzansi market last year – and measures 3 610mm in length, 1 645mm in width and 1 560mm in height with a wheelbase of 2 400 mm. All version in the range ride on 14-inch wheels.
Boot space is an acceptable 235 litres. The interior looks spacious and relatively modern. Although there is no information yet available on features available in the local range, it is expected that all models will feature electric windows, air conditioning and power steering.
More expensive versions might even get a touchscreen infotainment display with a rear-view camera that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Safety features on the Indian flagship version include ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, dual-front airbags, rear parking sensors and a speed-sensing automatic door lock.
Pushing it is Hyundai’s 1,1-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. Buyers can choose between a five-speed manual and a high-tech combined automated-manual gearbox.
Hyundai claimed the Atos has a top speed of 150km/h and the manual gearbox version sprints from zero to 100km/h in 14,5 seconds.
