New vs old Hyundai Atos: what are the top 7 differences?
The Hyundai Atos has undergone big changes after its seven-year hiatus. We look at the seven biggest differences between the old and new Hyundai Atos, to help you decide if it’s a car you should have in your shopping basket.
After a hiatus that followed eight years of sale success, South Africans can welcome back the much-loved Hyundai Atos. While retaining its virtues, it’s a completely different car now, and presents a compelling package to buyers at the entry level.
Small, affordable cars often aren’t endowed with as many features or the solid build quality that their more expensive siblings posses. Hyundai has decided the new Atos deserves to be different. Here we consider the seven biggest differences between the new Atos Motion (the sole derivative) and the previous-generation Atos Prime.
Related: First Drive: Hyundai Atos – It’s back
1. Bold new looks
Gone are the days of comparing the shape of the Atos to a can of sardines, a squashed loaf of bread or a shoe that no one wants to wear. The new Atos steps up to the plate with a new, contemporary look reminiscent of the Grand i10’s design. Compared to the previous model’s tall and boxy shape, the wider body and increased length of the Atos Motion makes it something that deserves to be flaunted a little bit. The duckling became a swan.
2. New interior
The change in exterior aesthetic and dimensions makes for a more comfortable interior with more legroom and an additional 14 litres of boot space.
Remember the poor excuse for a steering wheel in the Atos Prime? Hyundai replaced it with a chunkier steering wheel, with buttons to control the standard-issue touch-screen infotainment system.
The seats were modernised and shaped to be more comfortable and appealing, making longer trips in the Atos Motion much more bearable than in the Prime.
3. Centre console
Atos Prime owners were restricted to whatever CDs were lying around in the car, or sentenced to the Herculean task of finding a quality radio station. Atos Motion owners, however, are introduced to the 21st century of Apple CarPlay, in the touch-screen infotainment system.
Other luxuries includes a USB port, Bluetooth and a more refined and user-friendly centre console, plus other controls.
Related: Hyundai Atos vs Renault Kwid vs Datsun Go: which one has the best infotainment system?
4. Ride quality and handling
The wider chassis (1 520 mm to 1 560 mm) and wheels (155 mm to 165 mm) make for a much more stable and controlled drive. The light power steering of the Motion allows for easy manoeuvrability and tight steering angles.
The improved build quality is particularly welcome at highway speeds or in windy conditions. The new model certainly feels more stable and grounded, compared to the old Atos. Driving that above 80 km/h, usually felt like a dare.
5. Performance
The Atos Prime came with a 1.1-litre engine, good for 46 kW and 97 Nm. It could sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 15.2 seconds and consumed petrol at a rate of 5.5 l/100km. It had a five-speed manual ’box.
While retaining a similar drivetrain, new Atos ups the ante ever so slightly with 50 kW and 99 Nm from its 1.1-litre with manual transmission. This allows for a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 14.5 seconds and a similar fuel consumption of 5.5 l/100km. While this is not an earth-shattering difference, it is it remains a very frugal and agile drive.
The ABS brakes perform well and two airbags protect the driver and passenger.
6. Warranty and service plan
Complementing the new Hyundai status quo, the Atos Motion comes standard with Hyundai’s amazing 7-year / 200 000 km warranty and a 1-year / 15 000 km service plan. These are perks the Prime never benefited from. This certainly helps Hyundai owners sleep soundly at night.
7. Timing
Small, budget-friendly vehicles, from the Citi Golf to the old Atos, have served cash-strapped South Africans for decades. The new Atos continues this tradition, but with fewer compromises. It should find many a happy owner that’s looking for affordable mobility.
All in all, the new Hyundai Atos Motion presents a comprehensive package at a price of just R162 900. It’s a respectable successor to its successful predecessor.