Packaged under different names in different countries (Santro, Atoz, Amica), the 2008 Hyundai Atos remains a popular city car due to its small footprint and even smaller turning radius. This five-door boxy hatch was designed to maneuver into the tiniest of parking spaces. At only 140 inches in length (349.5 cm), the 2008 Atos nevertheless fits four people in two rows. The straight-up shape means plenty of headroom, even with a sportier redesign that added a bit of slope and a rear spoiler to the roofline. Elbow room is another matter, however, since the 2008 Atos remains taller than it is wide.
As the smallest car in the Hyundai lineup, the 2008 Atos performs admirably around town. Its 1.1-liter I4 engine delivers around 62-hp and can hit top speeds of 90 mph (145 km/h). City and highway fuel economy averages around 35/50 mpg. The front-wheel drive subcompact comes in various trims in its various incarnations around the world, but base models start simply -- air conditioning, power steering, and power front windows, but no radio, no ABS brakes, and no airbags. These get added up the line, though the airbags are limited to driver only. The tiny 13-inch wheels not only look like they belong on a clown car, but some say they are inadequate on slick roads.
In its lifespan, the Atos has earned top marks in terms of the job for which it was built. Drivers say it is pretty zippy around the city, thanks to a lightweight body and light steering. Gas mileage, ease of parking, and the low price are other big draws. Low marks go to poor brakes, bad road grip in wet conditions, a slushy gearbox, and a noisy ride.
