HYUNDAI has stepped up its presence in the mini-car sector with the launch of the five-door Amica, writes Roy Cooper.

Powered by a 55 horsepower 1.0-litre engine and mated to either a manual or automatic gearbox, the Korean-built Amica is being sold alongside the Atoz.

The Amica shares its suspension and transmission with the Atoz, and is built on the same platform.

The Amica offers a sporty, more rounded exterior styling than the Atoz which Hyundai hopes will appeal to a younger family audience. Like all Hyundai models, the Amica has a three-year unlimited mileage warranty and three years' RAC cover.

Hyundai Car UK hopes to sell about 5,000 Amicas in 2000, while Hyundai plans to sell more than 50,000 in Europe next year.

Distinguishable from the Atoz by a new front and rear end treatment and a 35mm lower roofline, the five-door Amica is available in two derivatives: Si and GSi trim, with prices starting from £6,799 on the road.

Buyers can therefore now choose from two more Hyundai models that benefit from the Government's lower road tax rate for cars with engines under 1100cc. Hyundai says that while the Amica dimensions and engine may be small, its standard equipment list is anything but.

All Amicas have a de-powered driver's airbag, immobiliser, Clarion stereo and electric windows as standard, while the GSi model boasts air conditioning, central locking, alloy wheels and power steering.

Buyers also have the rare choice (for the class) between either a manual or automatic gearbox.

Built at Hyundai's plant in Ulsan, Korea, the Amica is powered by the same 1.0-litre 55bhp engine as the Atoz with a number of new refinements.

It is capable of covering 0-62mph in 15.1 seconds and returning more than 44mpg during everyday use.

Hyundai is hoping that young new drivers will be drawn to the Amica for its low cost of ownership, insurance rates and stylish looks, while for those with a family it represents an ideal choice as a second or third car.

Safety has been a top priority during the Amica's development too. As well as the de-powered driver's airbag, all models get dual side impact bars and the latest generation seatbelt pre-tensioners with load limiters to control tension and reduce the risk of internal injuries. Four-channel, four-sensor anti-lock brakes are also available.

With the Amica's arrival, Hyundai is poised to take a larger share of the mini car market - a sector which has quadrupled since 1996.

A new four-speed automatic gearbox will be available from early summer. The Amica Si is priced from £6,799, while the Amica GSi is available from £7,799.

The Atoz was launched in the UK in May, 1998, and sold 4,100 models in its first 12 months of sales.

* Oxfordshire's Hyundai dealership is Motorworld Hyundai, tel: 01865 722444

Story date: Wednesday 22 March

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.