RaeHutto281756 at 20:09, 13 March 2026

2026-03-13T20:09:11Z

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{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}
{{short description|City car manufactured by Hyundai}}
{{For|the Hyundai Atos sold since 2019|Hyundai Santro#AH2{{!}}Hyundai Santro}}
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Hyundai Atos (FF/MX)
| image = Hyundai Atos 1.0 GL 2000.jpg
| caption = 2000 Hyundai Atos 1.0 GL (pre-facelift, Chile)
| manufacturer = [[Hyundai Motor Company|Hyundai]]
| aka = {{Plainlist|
*Hyundai Amica
*Hyundai Atoz
*[[Hyundai Santro]] (India and Pakistan)
*Dodge Atos (Mexico)<ref>{{Cite web|last=Juárez|first=Mau|date=2018-08-15|title=Atos by Dodge, recordando al pequeño auto que movilizó a millones de personas|url=https://www.motorpasion.com.mx/hyundai/atos-by-dodge-historia-recuerdo-datos-fotografias|access-date=2021-10-07|website=Motorpasión México|language=es}}</ref>
*Inokom Atos (Malaysia)
*Kia Visto (South Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Philippines)
}}
| production = 1997–2014<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.livemint.com/Companies/99elG3NUcclGHIQngQjp1K/Hyundai-phases-out-Santro-after-16-years.html |title=Hyundai phases out Santro after 16 years |first=Amrit |last=Raj |newspaper=[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]] |date=15 January 2015 |access-date=6 November 2018}}</ref> 2018–2022 (for the second generation of [[Hyundai Santro]])
| assembly = {{Plainlist|
*South Korea: [[Ulsan]]
*India: [[Chennai]] ([[Hyundai Motor India Limited|Hyundai India]])
*Malaysia: [[Kulim]] ([[Inokom]])
*Mexico: [[Campeche]] (Bering Company)
*Egypt: [[Cairo]] ([[Ghabbour Group]])
*Pakistan: [[Sujawal]]
}}
| designer =
| class = [[City car]] ([[A-segment|A]])
| body_style = 5-door [[hatchback]]
| layout = [[Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout|Front-engine, front-wheel-drive]]
| platform = [[Hyundai-Kia small automobile platforms#Hyundai-Kia FF platform|Hyundai-Kia FF]]
| related = [[Kia Picanto]]<ref name="related">{{cite web|title=FIRST DRIVE: Hyundai Atos|url=http://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModels/FIRST-DRIVE-Hyundai-Atos-20050208|publisher=Wheels24|access-date=3 August 2013|date=8 February 2005}}</ref><ref name="preview">{{cite web|title=Preview: Kia Picanto|url=http://www.driversa.co.za/kia-picanto/|publisher=Drive RSA|access-date=10 April 2016|date=25 July 2011}}</ref> [[Hyundai Getz]]<ref name="related"/><ref name="preview"/>
| engine = {{Plainlist |
*0.8 L ''[[Hyundai Epsilon engine#G4HA|Epsilon G4HA]]'' [[Straight-four engine|I4]] ([[Petrol engine|petrol]])
*1.0 L ''[[Hyundai Epsilon engine#G4HC|Epsilon G4HC]]'' I4 (petrol)
*1.1 L ''[[Hyundai Epsilon engine#G4HG|Epsilon G4HG]]'' I4 (petrol)
}}
| transmission = {{Plainlist|
*5-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]]<ref name="ParkerM" />
*3-speed [[Automatic transmission|automatic]]<ref name="ParkerA">{{Cite web|url=http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/facts-and-figures/hyundai/amica/hatchback-2000/18640/|title=Hyundai Amica 1.0 Si 5d Auto – Facts and Figures|access-date=28 July 2012|work=parkers.co.uk}}</ref>
*4-speed automatic
}}
| wheelbase = {{convert|2380|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|3495|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} (1998–2004)<ref name="1998_specs">{{cite web|title=1998 Hyundai Atos 1.0i GL (model for Europe ) specifications & performance data review|url=http://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/1998/1166270/hyundai_atos_1_0i_gl.html|publisher=www.automobile-catalog.com|access-date=2 April 2016}}</ref> {{convert|3565|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} (2004–2007)<ref name="2004_specs">{{cite web|title=2004 Hyundai Atos 1.1 (model since mid-year 2004 for Europe ) specifications & performance data review|url=http://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/2004/1175000/hyundai_atos_1_1.html|publisher=www.automobile-catalog.com|access-date=2 April 2016}}</ref>
| width = {{convert|1495|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} (1998–2004)<ref name="1998_specs"/> {{convert|1525|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} (2004–2007)<ref name="2004_specs"/>
| height = {{convert|1615|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} (1998–2004)<ref name="1998_specs"/> {{convert|1570|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} (2004–2007)<ref name="2004_specs"/>
| weight = {{convert|845|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}
| predecessor =
| successor = [[Hyundai Eon]] [[Hyundai i10]] (for Hyundai Atos) [[Kia Picanto]] (for Kia Visto)
}}

The '''Hyundai Atos''' ({{langx|ko|현대 아토스}}) is a [[city car]] that was produced by the South Korean manufacturer [[Hyundai Motor Company|Hyundai]] from 1997 until 2014. It was also marketed under the '''Atoz''', '''Amica''' and '''[[Hyundai Santro|Santro]]''' model names. From 1999, the Atos with a different rear fascia and restyled rear side doors is marketed as the '''Atos Prime''' and in South Korea and Indonesia as the '''Kia Visto'''. It has been available only with a five-door [[hatchback]] body style.

It was replaced in most markets by the [[Hyundai i10|i10]] in 2007, but production continued in India until late 2014. The [[Hyundai Santro|Santro]] nameplate, used in India, was revived in October 2018.<ref>{{cite news|title=The demise of a star brand|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/management/the-demise-of-a-star-brand-115020800561_1.html|work=Business Standard}}</ref> It was once again discontinued in 2022.

==Overview==

===Debut of original Atos===
The development project for a Hyundai minicar started in October 1995 after the main Korean competitor [[Daewoo]] had already put in place the production of a compact car, exposing numerous concepts in various international car showrooms that would have foreshadowed the production model (which would become the [[Daewoo Matiz|Matiz]] designed together with [[Italdesign Giugiaro]]). Hyundai produced a concept of a city car which was extremely compact and economical to sell not only in South Korea but also in Europe (market with high sales in the city segment seen the successes of cars such as [[Fiat Panda]], [[Fiat Cinquecento|Cinquecento]], [[Renault Twingo]] and [[Peugeot 106]]) and in India. In just 23 months, with a total investment of 155 million dollars,<ref>{{cite book |last= Steers |first=Richard M. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=be-AAAAAQBAJ&q=hyundai+atos+development&pg=PA89 |title=Made in Korea: Chung Ju Yung and the Rise of Hyundai |publisher=Routledge |date=21 August 2013 |pages=89–90 |isbn=978-0-415-92050-6}}</ref> the car passed from the blank sheet to production. In September 1997, Hyundai released it as the Atos, less than 3.50 meters long, characterized by a soft design but a very spacious interior thanks to the shape of the mini-van body, five doors and five seats. At the debut the engine was a four-cylinder petrol 800 cc [[Hyundai Epsilon engine|Epsilon]] that was approved according to the new restrictive emission standards entered into force in South Korea. For export markets, the Atos adopted a larger 1.0-litre four-cylinder Epsilon engine.

Production in the [[Ulsan]] plant (South Korea) started in September 1997. The European version was presented at the [[International Motor Show Germany]] in [[Frankfurt]] the same month and sales began in March 1998.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://europe.autonews.com/article/19980302/ANE/803020808?template=mobile02&X-IgnoreUserAgent=1 |title=Hyundai launches Atos |newspaper=[[Automotive News]] |date=2 March 1998|access-date=9 November 2018}}</ref>

Hyundai for the Atos created a specific base platform, very simple in the mechanical and economic setting to produce because the car had to be sold in emerging markets and therefore have a low price list: the front wheel drive scheme was adopted, with MacPherson front suspension, and a torsion-beam suspension at the rear, front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. The design of the Atos is characterized by a front with circular headlights and bumpers in raw plastic, the rear lights are in an upright position near the rear window, and the tailgate is very large to facilitate access to the luggage compartment.

The Atos was one of the first compact city cars ([[A-segment]]) to be sold in Europe with the five-door body. The trunk has a volume of 263 liters that rise to 1064 by breaking down the back sofa. The dashboard had a simple design, with a large shelf in the dashboard in front of the passenger side and two central vents with the levator climate controls. Safety devices (driver and front passenger airbags and ABS) were paid or standard only on top models.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.motorbox.com/auto/auto-viste-e-provate/auto-primo-contatto/hyundai-atos-2 |title=Primo contatto: Hyundai Atos |publisher= Motorbox.it |date=17 February 1998|access-date=6 November 2018}}</ref>

<gallery widths="200" heights="141">
File:Hyundai Atoz - Flickr - mick - Lumix (cropped).jpg|Pre-facelift Hyundai Atos with larger Hyundai emblem
File:2000 Hyundai Atoz+ Automatic 1.0 Rear.jpg|The rear end of the first Atos
File:Hyundai Atos 1.0 facelift.JPG|Hyundai Atos 1.0 (first facelift, Europe)
File:Hyundai Atos interior.jpg|Interior
</gallery>

===Introduction of Atos Prime (1999–2003)===
{{Multiple image | align = left | direction = vertical | width = 220
| image1 = Hyundai Amica Si 2001.jpg
| caption1 = 2001 Hyundai Amica Si (pre-facelift, UK)
| image2 = Hyundai Atos Prime 1.0 GL 2001 (rear).jpg
| caption2 = 2001 Hyundai Atos Prime 1.0 GL (pre-facelift, Chile)
}}
{{Multiple image | align = right | direction = vertical | width = 220
| image1 = 2002 Hyundai Atoz 1.0 Front.jpg
| image2 = 2002 Hyundai Atoz 1.0 Rear.jpg
| caption2 = 2002 Hyundai Atos Prime (first facelift, UK)
| image3 = 2002 Kia Visto ZipDrive (front).jpg
| image4 = 2002 Kia Visto ZipDrive (rear).jpg
| caption4 = 2002 Kia Visto zipDrive (facelift, Indonesia)
}}
In India, the Atos Prime was adapted to local tastes and launched under the name Hyundai Santro, with production starting in October 1998. The bodywork was completely redesigned by lowering the roof by 4.5 centimeters and redesigning the tail with new lights, tailgate and bumpers (which were available in body color). The nose remained similar to that of the previous Atos, but the grille was changed and made available with chrome plating. The interior remained the same. At that time, Hyundai had acquired a majority share in fellow Korean manufacturer [[Kia]] and implemented a revitalization program that included sharing engines and platforms. The car was presented at the [[Busan Motor Show]] on 17 May 1999 as the Kia Visto, to be sold in Europe through the Kia sales network, alongside the old Atos that would remain in production and be sold by Hyundai dealerships. However, European Hyundai dealers opposed the decision to distribute the Visto as the car would have caused competition for the Atos; Hyundai thus renamed the car Atos Prime at the end of 1999,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/2000/01/03/hyundai-prime-polvere-di-lusso.html |title=Hyundai Prime polvere di lusso |newspaper=[[La Repubblica]] |date=3 January 2000|access-date=9 November 2018}}</ref> and positioned it as a more highly equipped model to complement the Atos, which remained in production, updated with new lights, bumpers and interior materials.

In South Korea and Indonesia, the Atos Prime was sold as the Kia Visto as originally planned, while the Atos remained in production, sold by Hyundai dealers.

Compared to the original Atos, the Prime had a less spacious interior but better aerodynamics due to the lower roof. The trunk was smaller, with capacity reduced to 219 litres up to a maximum of 889 liters with the rear seats reclined. The 1.0 litre petrol engine remained.

In December 1999, the Atos Prime was introduced in Europe, while in the same month the Atos underwent a slight facelift.

In September 2001, there was a further facelift to both the Atos and Atos Prime, with new headlights and bumper, and new tail lights for the Atos Prime. New interior upholstery also featured.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.panorama-auto.it/auto-usate/hyundai-atos-prime-2002 |title=Hyundai Atos Prime (2002): pregi e difetti della citycar coreana |publisher=[[Panorama (magazine)|Panorama-Auto]] |date=2 April 2012 |access-date=9 November 2018 |archive-date=7 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107185231/https://www.panorama-auto.it/auto-usate/hyundai-atos-prime-2002 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Second facelift (2003–2014)===
Introduced in September 2003, the new version had an entirely new nose and tail, with new headlights, bonnet and bumper, in a more angular style. A new hatch and tail lights completed the rear. Only the doors, side panels and interior of the old Atos Prime were retained.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.repubblica.it/auto/articolo/settembre2003/atos/atos.html |title=Hyundai Atos, si cambia tutto |newspaper=[[La Repubblica]] |date=22 September 2003|access-date=9 November 2018}}</ref> It is also known as Santro Xing in India.

A new engine replaced the old Epsilon four-cylinder 1.0 (and the 0.8 Epsilon sold only in Asia). The new Epsilon 1.1 four-cylinder 12-valve engine delivered {{Convert|59|hp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}}, 5 more than the previous 1.0. The gearbox remained the five-speed manual, with a four-speed automatic option.

In 2005, there was a slight facelift that introduced a new fascia and wheel designs. In addition, the engine in Europe was updated to the Euro 4 standard and the power rose to 63 horsepower.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.autonews.com/article/20030616/SUB/306160994/india-source-for-the-atos?X-IgnoreUserAgent=1 |title=India source for the Atos |newspaper=[[Automotive News]] |date=16 June 2003|access-date=10 November 2018}}</ref>

<gallery widths="200" heights="150">
File:Hyundai Atos By Dodge -- Front .JPG|Hyundai Atos Prime (Mexico)
File:Hyundai Atos Prime.JPG|Hyundai Atos Prime (Germany)
File:Hyundai Amica GSi (facelift).jpg|2006 Hyundai Amica GSi 1.1 (UK)
File:Hyundai Atos rear 20080328.jpg| Hyundai Atos Prime (rear view)
</gallery>

==Other names==
[[File:Hyundai Atos 002.jpg|thumb|Dodge Atos (Atos by Dodge) in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco]]
The Atos Prime is marketed as the:
*'''Hyundai Amica''' in the [[United Kingdom]]
*'''Hyundai Santro Xing''' in [[India]]
*'''Atos by [[Dodge]]''' in [[Mexico]]
*'''[[Kia Motors|Kia]] Visto''' in [[Indonesia]] and [[South Korea]] (Hyundai also sold the original Atoz in Indonesia).
*'''[[Inokom]] Atos''' in [[Malaysia]]
*'''[[Hyundai Santro]]''' in India and [[Pakistan]]

The original Atos was sold under the Hyundai brand but rebadged as the '''Atoz''' (or "AtoZ") in some markets, including the United Kingdom. The Hyundai Santro is a [[Badge engineering|rebadged]] version of the [[city car]] Hyundai Atos sold in some [[Asia]]n markets, Primarily [[South Asia]].

The Kia Visto is a rebadged Hyundai Atos Prime.

==Markets==

===India===
Hyundai entered the Indian market in 1997 with the Atos, marketed under the name ''Santro''. Hyundai derived the name Santro for the Indian market from [[Saint-Tropez]], a [[France|French]] city famous for [[fashion]], because the company wanted to project it as a ‘fashionable’ car.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/new-hyundai-santro-launch-on-october-23-six-reasons-why-company-feels-it-will-be-winner-again/1354826/|title=New Hyundai Santro launch on October 23; six reasons why company feels it will be winner again|date=20 October 2018|website=The Financial Express|language=en-US|access-date=29 December 2019}}</ref> Produced at Hyundai's factory in [[Chennai]], its primary competitor at that time was the popular [[Maruti Suzuki]] Zen. The distinctive styling of the first generation had mixed reviews, but the car was a success primarily due to its power steering feature and price.

In the years since, the Indian version has undergone a number of upgrades in styling and technology to respond to consumer preferences. In 2003, the first generation (Zip) was replaced with the second generation Atos Prime, marketed in India as the ''Santro Xing'', which enjoyed great sales success. The car was also exported from India in large volumes to the Asia and Oceania region.

In its final few years, Santro had become a popular option as a hatchback taxi, and the car was still selling close to 30,000 units per year when Hyundai made the decision to discontinue production.<ref>{{cite news|title=Santro drives into sunset|url=http://forbesindia.com/article/boardroom/hyundais-sunshine-car-santro-drives-into-sunset/39399/1|work=Forbes India}}</ref>

;Variants in India
The Hyundai Santro was first released in India in 1998. It came with three variants:
* Santro base, with AC and black bumpers, priced at 2,99,000 INR ex-showroom
* Santro DX 1, added with front power windows, central locking, high quality fabric upholstery a fabric inserts on door trims, body colored bumpers, rear wiper/washer/defogger, front fog lamps, waistline moulding and full wheel covers, priced at 3,49,000 INR.
* Santro DX 2, added with power steering and first in class rear seat belts, priced at 3,69,000 INR. These were often criticised for their appearance.
* In 2000, a new version called Santro Zip Drive was introduced. Changes included were things such as every variant got a power steering and a new grille.
* In 2002, a refreshed version called Santro Zip Plus was introduced. Changes included Clear Lens headlamps and taillamps and a better engine and performance.
* In 2003, the car underwent a complete facelift and was introduced as the Santro Xing. Pictures are given below alongside technical data.

===Pakistan===
The Santro was launched in [[Pakistan]] in 2000. It was discontinued in 2013.
===Indonesia===
In [[Indonesia]], the Hyundai Atoz and Kia Visto was launched in 2000 with the 1.0-litre G4HC engine and initially sold as a complete built-up unit from South Korea (Atoz) and India (Visto). In 2001, Hyundai began production of the Atoz as a [[Knock-down kit|complete knock-down]] unit, which were assembled by Hyundai Mobil Indonesia in [[Bekasi]], [[West Java]], while the Visto continued to be imported from India. The Atoz and Visto received an update in 2002 with crystal multireflector headlamps and tail lamps. The Atoz received a redesigned front mesh grille. In 2004, the Visto was replaced by the Picanto. In June 2005, the Atoz received a facelift with the new Atos Prime front while maintaining the original Atos rear, and the engine was replaced with the 1.1-litre G4HG engine with multi-point fuel injection (the same engine as the Picanto). The Atoz was discontinued in 2008 and replaced by the i10 in March 2009.

The Atoz was available in two trim levels: the base GLX and higher-level GLS, while the Visto was available in Que trim, and later replaced with the zipDrive trim in 2002.

===Malaysia===
In [[Malaysia]], the Hyundai Atos is locally assembled by [[Inokom]] carrying the badge '''Inokom Atos'''. The Inokom '''Atos Prima''' was later introduced in 2006 which has the new Atos Prime front while maintaining the original Atos rear.

<gallery widths="200" heights="129">
Inokom Atos Prima (first generation) (front), Serdang.jpg|Inokom Atos Prima (Malaysia)
Inokom Atos Prima (first generation) (rear), Serdang.jpg|Inokom Atos Prima (Malaysia)
</gallery>

==Specifications==
Figures as listed for the 2000-2003, 5 door, 1.0i model with GSi trim as sold in the [[United Kingdom|UK]] (as the Amica), with standard options.

;Technical data
*Fuel Delivery: [[Fuel injection#Multi-point injection|Multi-Point Injection]]
*Transmission: 5-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]]
*Engine size & layout: 996 cc, [[Straight-four engine|I4]], 12 valves
*Peak Power: {{convert|40|kW|PS bhp|1|abbr=on}}
*Peak Torque: {{convert|82|Nm|lb·ft|abbr=on}}
*{{convert|0|-|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on|order=flip}}: 14.6 s
*Top Speed: {{convert|160|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on}}
*Fuel economy: {{convert|6.4|L/100 km|abbr=on}}
*Emissions: {{convert|151|gCO2/km|abbr=on}}, other emissions below [[Euro III]] standard.<ref name="ParkerM">{{Cite web|url=http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/specs/Detail.aspx?deriv=18641 |title=Hyundai Amica - 1.0 GSi 5d - Facts & Figures |access-date=22 June 2011 |work=parkers.co.uk |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716201752/http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/specs/Detail.aspx?deriv=18641 |archive-date=16 July 2011 }}</ref>

==Atos EV==
[[Hyundai Motor Company|Hyundai]] unveiled at the [[Frankfurt Motor Show#1997|1997 Frankfurt Motor Show]] an [[electric vehicle]] based on the Atos, the Atos EV. The Atos EV weights {{convert|2585|lb|kg|0|abbr=on|order=flip}}, including the battery pack, which holds 24 nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries. An on-board 6.6 kW conductive charger can fully recharge the Ni-MH batteries in seven hours. The Atos EV can travel more than {{convert|120|mi|km|0|abbr=on|order=flip}} in stop and go city driving and can reach a top speed of {{convert|80|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on|order=flip}}.<ref name="prnewswire.com">{{Cite web|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/9-9-97/313410&EDATE=|title=Hyundai Introduces All New Atos Electric Vehicle at Frankfurt Motor Show|access-date=14 December 2007|work=prnewswire.com}}</ref>

==Awards==
*Best [[compact car]] in Initial Quality 2004, [[Malaysia]] Initial Quality Study, awarded best car of the year 2006.<ref>{{cite web|title=Milestones: 2001|url=http://www.hyundai.com/in/en/AboutUs/Milestones/index.html|publisher=www.hyundai.com|access-date=2 April 2016|archive-date=1 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170501214204/http://www.hyundai.com/in/en/AboutUs/Milestones/index.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{Commons category-inline|Hyundai Atos}}

{{Hyundai Motor Company}}
{{Hyundai timeline 1995–present}}
{{Hyundai Europe Timeline}}
{{Kia}}
{{Kia Motors}}
{{Dodge}}
{{Dodge timeline 1980 to date}}
{{Dodge Mexico timeline}}

[[Category:Hyundai vehicles|Atos]]
[[Category:City cars]]
[[Category:Front-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:2000s cars]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1997]]
[[Category:Cars discontinued in 2014]]
[[Category:Hyundai vehicles in India|Atos]]
[[Category:Cars of Egypt]]
[[Category:Cars of Mexico]]
[[Category:Cars of Pakistan]]

Hyundai Atos - Revision history

RaeHutto281756 at 20:09, 13 March 2026