Faults:

No faults apparent.

General Comments:

This car seems so ineffably right. It's economical, fun to drive, reliable, and has all the "big car" features in one small, compact package. Great value for money.

This is the third Hyundai I have owned from the Atoz/Amica stable (the Atoz and Amica, basically, being the same car, with a different body shell). I keep on replacing it with the same model because I like it so much. The Amica was re-introduced into the United Kingdom by popular demand, apparently, because the Getz - the car that was intended to replace the Amica - simply was not liked by everyone who saw it. This car is quite special: special because it has an amazing driving position where the driver has an excellent "big car" view and command of the road, in a small car that is easy to park and drive. I get the feeling of being in absolute control of the Amica, with an excellent all-round view which makes parking so easy.

The exterior for 2006 has been updated to give it a more contemporary appearance, thus losing the "upside-down pram" appearance of earlier models. Inside, the seats and door trims are modern and contemporary, although the dash trim dates from the original 1998/1999 Atoz and looks a little dated. Nevertheless, it is highly practical, with lots of storage space. My model, the CDX version, has automatic transmission, air conditioning, power steering and remote central locking. Amazing for a car that costs only £7440.00 on the road in the UK.

On the road, its performance is actually quite respectable. Even my older 1.0 litre Amica automatic could do over 80 mph (130km/h) on the motorway, and is certainly no slouch! The only slightly negative comment about the car is that it does have the tendency to roll into corners, and it is a shame that the 2006 version did not come with stiffened shocks on the front wheels.

Notwithstanding this, I absolutely love this car, which explains why I am now driving my third. For a comfortable, economical and luxurious runabout that doesn't break the bank, then this is perfect!

Faults:

It is still too early to comment on reliability. So far so good.

General Comments:

The Amica has had quite a substantial face-lift since it was last produced a couple of years ago. It's front and rear ends have been restyled to give it a more up-to-date, sporty look in line with other new Hyundai models. I can see a bit of our matrix's styling in the front. Initially, I didn't recognise it as an Amica when I first saw it front-on in our local dealer's showroom.

Inside, it has plenty of room for two adults up front and our two boys in the back. We've managed to get plenty of shopping in the boot too. Space-wise it's just what we needed in a second car for short runs with the boys and commuting to work.

Although the interior is still a bit plasticky in parts, it's more than good enough for a car at this price. It feels durable enough. Moreover, the cabin feels lighter, airier and larger than one might expect. All the controls are easy to reach and operate.

In town traffic it's kept up very comfortably with the flow, even on a dual carriageway. Setting off quickly at junctions and roundabouts does take a little work on the accelerator and some swift gear changes - but, hey, it's just a 1.1 engine. Despite this, I'd still call it nippy.

Parking is an absolute breeze. I don't know any figures for it's turning circle, but it does go round on the proverbial sixpence. This, combined with light steering, makes it actually quite fun whipping straight into tight parking spots whilst 4x4 drivers crawl past with disbelief on their faces.

I haven't owned the car long enough to give any real evaluation of reliability or fuel consumption, but first impressions are favourable. The fuel gauge hasn't moved very much yet. A colleague of mine owns an 02 version and if mine proves to be as reliable and economical, I'll be very happy.

At less than £6,000 it's great value for money.

Faults:

Very little and nothing major.

General Comments:

Excellent car - cheap to buy and fun to drive. Has been very reliable indeed. Also very versatile for a such a small car - eg good car for taking gardening rubbish to the dump! Accommodates family of four with ease and family of five at a pinch.

This is the basic version, with PAS the only thing we had extra from new. No central locking or air con, but then it cost less than £6000 on the road.