Hyundai Amica (2000 2003 and 2006 - Date)
BY ANDY ENRIGHT
Can you think of a friend you could possibly phone if Tarrant was to ask you to name the differences between a Hyundai Amica and a Hyundai Atoz? Both tiny five door city cars, both powered by a miniature 1.0-litre engine, both given the cold shoulder by UK buyers in favour of something more conventional the similarities between them seem more obvious than the distinctions. Hyundai claimed the Amica was wrapped in a more sporty, rounded bodyshell. Park the two cars side by side and they both seem vaguely slab sided, whilst the only sporting image the Amica conjures up is seniors tour golf.
Nonetheless, if we put aside Hyundais vacuous marketing puff, what are we left with? The Amica is an unconventional, if highly effective, city car that will appeal to those who want the peace of mind of buying nearly new without paying the earth.
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Hyundai took some care to distance the Amica from some of its wackier-looking Japanese rivals. In many ways, it is a far more sophisticated machine, with a tiny multi-valve one-litre Epsilon engine modified for what the engineers claimed to be exceptional refinement and efficiency. It comes attached to either a five-speed manual, a five-speed semi-automatic or a three or four-speed automatic transmission. Like the Suzuki Wagon R+ (but unlike the European Ford Ka, VW Lupo and SEAT Arosa buyers may also consider), there are five-doors on offer and an uncommonly large amount of interior space for a car just 3,495mm (138 inches) long and 1,495mm (59 inches) wide.
That makes it shorter than the Ka, Lupo and Arosa (which is welcome) but also narrower (which isn't). Nevertheless, the Amica boasts a standard of interior packaging that leaves its European rivals standing. The cabin is little different from the old Atoz but then it doesnt need to be. Theres a neat hooded instrument binnacle, unusual circular vents, a big open cubby in front of the passenger and cup holders moulded into the centre console.
The door panels are more neatly integrated with the rest of the interior trim and have apparently been re-shaped to allow a little more knee room for tall drivers. Reducing the roof height has had surprisingly little effect on headroom; its still generous. In fact, the Amica was voted one of the UKs most comfortable cars in a report by a leading ergonomist for What Car? magazine. Youll like the little touches too; the way the front seats recline into a semi-flat position for extra comfort over long journeys.
Then there's the useful under-seat sliding tray, the built-in cup holders and the large map pockets in the front doors. Front and rear legroom is surprisingly good, as is hip and elbow room; though youd be pushing it to describe the Amica as a family car. Its worth pointing out at this point one item that you dont get as standard with the Amica and thats ABS. In wet conditions the brakes easily overcome the modest grip afforded by the tiny tyres.
Whilst its not dangerous per se, it is something thats worth bearing in mind if youve only ever driven ABS-equipped cars.
Prices for the Amica start at around £2,400 for a 2000 V registered Si model. The Amica GSi starts at £2,500 for the manual on the same 2000 V plate, or just over £3,400 for a 2002 52-registered four-speed automatic. Insurance is reasonably cheap. The Si model falls into group 3, while the GSi soars into group 4, both a group higher than an equivalent Atoz.
Thats what you get for mentioning the word sporty in the promotional literature.
Despite covering low overall mileages, most Amicas see some pretty tough usage in the heart of the UKs metropolitan areas. It has one of the better 1.0-litre engines and dealers report that reliability to date has been excellent. As with any small city car check for parking bumps and scrapes, especially as the Amica may well have been purchased as a first car after passing the driving test.
Also check the fitments at the rear for signs of damage by little hands. Most manufacturers could save a lot of money by taking a couple of four-year olds for a test drive in the back of their cars to see what gets ripped out. Otherwise ensure that the Amicas tyres and bumpers tyres are in good shape, that the chrome work hasnt gone a bit flaky and that theres a full service history on display. Try to get one with the ABS option fitted.
(approx prices based on Amica 1.0 Si) Nothing too terrifying here. Most Amica parts are relatively cheap. A replacement exhaust is210, but if you need a catalyst youll need to fork out another £400.
Headlamps are around £90 each, whilst a new clutch assembly is £130. Expect to pat around £170 for an alternator and £150 for a starter motor. Front brake pads are £60 a pair with rears retailing at £72. All about par for the course
You cant expect too much of 55bhp, but the Amica is a willing performer, the tiny 1.0-litre engine getting top marks for effort, but a must try harder for refinement. Ride is good, with some roll inevitable through tighter corners. Traction is decidedly modest and be aware that unless the previous owner forked out extra for it, you wont have the benefit of ABS.
In the wet a heavy brake foot will have the car slithering about with all four wheels locked. The little four-cylinder engine is surprisingly lively on the road (faster in fact than the figures - rest to sixty in 15.1s on the way to 88mph - suggest). You won't want to throw this car around on country roads but for nipping around the streets, it's ideal. It will handle most roads with ease, although quicker motorways and trunk roads will require maximum throttle most of the time. This sort of driving is not conducive to good fuel consumption. With a bit more circumspection you can expect over 35mpg around town and as much as 50mpg on the open road.
With an average consumption of around 44mpg, the Amica has a potential range of around 350 miles from the 7.7-gallon tank, which will make cross country journeys that little bit more convenient.
What youre buying into with a used Hyundai Amica is peace of mind. Knowing that its unlikely that the previous owner abused the car, knowing that youve got the backup of some of the best after sales service around and safe in the knowledge that not a lot goes wrong, as long as youre aware of the Amicas limitations its hard to put a foot wrong. Its not the most stylish or most sophisticated city car, but its got simplicity, functionality and value on its side, and wont cost a fortune to run. Its an honest and unpretentious used buy.
