Hyundai Amica Review

Hyundai Amica

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Rating

Summary

Not recommended. Bargain transport for undemanding value seekers - but too basic and crude for most.

Review

If you're looking for ultra-sensible urban transport on a very tight budget then the Amica might be for you. It's cheap, spacious, reasonably well equipped and backed up by Hyundai's usual bombproof warranty. But if you're looking for anything more than the most basic A-to-B transport then look elsewhere.

Despite several nips and tucks, the Amica is an old car and it feels like one. Roadholding is indifferent, the ride quality quickly becomes crashy on rougher roads, out-of-town cruising is limited by the weedy engine and refinement is very poor by modern standards. With an increasing number of bargain-priced rivals to choose between, the Amica's appeal is fading fast.

It's certainly very practical. Behind the rounded exterior styling lies a well-sized cabin with lots of space, constructed from tough, durable plastics that are well up to dealing with the sort of abuse dished out by young families.

Only one engine is available - a 1.1 litre petrol unit that really struggles to move the car at more than urban trundling speeds, especially when loaded with passengers or luggage. And the attractive prices should be considered against steep depreciation.

Breakdown

Styling

An utterly bland little utilo-box. You'll struggle to remember where you parked it.

Handling

With lots of roll, squealing tyres and an almost comical lack of grip the Amica can offer nothing to the enthusiastic driver.

Comfort

The ride quality gets bouncy over rougher surfaces and refinement is poor with lots of road and wind noise finding its way into the cabin at speed.

Quality & reliability

Tough - but that's about all you can say in its favour. Interior plastics feel as if they've come from the same factories that do Christmas cracker novelties.

Performance

The sole engine choice is a 1.1 litre petrol unit, which really struggles to deliver even slow progress. Loads or passengers knock the available urge even further.

Roominess

Not as spacious as some more modern rivals - adults will struggle to fit into the back and the boot capacity is tiny.

Running costs

One of the cheapest cars on sale in the UK to run, despite the steep depreciation. We still wouldn't recommend it, though.

Value for money

It's hard to argue with the Amica's price, although the basic version's lack of equipment means only confirmed minimalists should apply. More modern rivals do a similar job for pretty much the same money.