Hyundai Press Release
- Hyundai reintroduces the restyled Amica city car to the UK
- New 1.1-litre petrol engine gives lively performance and good fuel economy
- Combined Cycle fuel consumption of up to 52.3 mpg
- New-look styling and improved equipment specifications
- Available in two trim levels – GSI and CDX
- On sale at Hyundai main dealers from 1 March 2006
- On-the-road prices from only £5,995
- Insurance Groups: GSI 3A and CDX 4A
- CDX just £500 more than base GSI with higher specification
Now looking better and offering more quality and value than ever before, the Hyundai Amica is set for a comeback. It’s a return that promises to delight old fans and find new devotees alike.
From 1 March 2006, the restyled and revised Amica will resume its place as the entry-point to Hyundai’s exceptional model range – the widest currently offered by any manufacturer in the UK.
In terms of price, running costs and specifications, Amica is a formidable contender, while the seal of quality offered by Hyundai’s five year, unlimited mileage, fully transferable warranty is one that none of its competitors can match.
Amica and the UK Market
The Amica makes a timely return to UK showrooms, as it was Hyundai’s fourth best selling car in Europe in 2005 and has been absent from the model line-up since 2002. The new car market’s A segment for minis and city cars is enjoying a surge in consumer interest and sales, with new contenders from a number of manufacturers.
Managing Director, Tony Whitehorn said: “Hyundai is confident the Amica has a competitive role to play – it was our third best selling car in Europe in 2005. As well as having a direct appeal to former Hyundai Amica and Atoz owners, many of whom have requested its return, Amica has the potential to win valuable new customers, too.
“It will have particular appeal to those for whom reliability and ease of use are key considerations. The quality and durability offered by Amica, in common with all Hyundai’s current model range, is exemplified by Hyundai’s unique and industry leading five year, unlimited mileage, fully transferable warranty. It is a package no other manufacturer can match and provides peace of mind for the owner.”
Two Trim Levels
Amica returns to the UK showrooms in two well equipped trim levels. The entry level GSI specification provides power steering, a split-folding (50:50) rear seat, driver’s airbag, tinted glass, boot light, ABS, front electric windows and a stereo RDS sound system with CD player.
For just £500 more, the CDX matches the base GSI trim and adds: keyless entry, remote central locking, front fog lamps, alloy wheels, air-conditioning and leather trim for the steering wheel and gear knob, body-coloured door mirrors and handles and rear spoiler.
Across the range, the on-the-road prices are lower than they were at the time of the original Amica launch in the UK, in 2000, in spite of the introduction of a new and more powerful engine and the improvement in equipment specifications.
Model Range and Prices
- Three models from launch
- Prices from £5,995
The Amica model range comprises three versions: 1.1 GSI, 1.1 CDX and 1.1 CDX auto in a range of fresh, modern colours:
- Amica 1.1 GSI – £5995
- Amica 1.1 CDX – £6495
- Amica 1.1 CDX Automatic – £7345
Mica or metallic paint finishes are extra-cost options, priced £295.
Styling
- Exceptional interior space
- Class-leading boot space
Amica combines a spacious interior with a new look, designed to appeal to a wide range of buyers. The roofline is lower to enhance the car’s aerodynamics and improve balance and proportions. Front and rear overhangs are kept to a minimum to accentuate the Amica’s compact feel and easy manoeuvrability, and maximise interior space.
The simple interior offers plenty of headroom and high levels of functionality and standard equipment. A split folding rear seat is also available for greater convenience.
Significantly, for an about-town car, at 342 cubic feet, the Amica boasts class-leading boot space with plenty of room for the weekly shop.
New 1.1 litre engine
- Fuel efficient and low emissions
- 52.3 mpg Combined Cycle fuel consumption
All models Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) Band C / Road Fund Licence (RFL) £105 per annum.
The re-launch of the Amica is not simply a cosmetic exercise. While its appealing looks have been freshened up, there is also a new engine under the bonnet to deliver more refined performance, while meeting Euro IV emissions standards.
The new 1.1 litre four-cylinder 12 valve unit delivers 62 bhp (compared to 55 bhp of the previous model), enabling nought to 62 mph acceleration in 15.2 seconds and a top speed in excess of 90 mph.
Crucial to the Amica’s role as a nimble and budget-friendly machine is its superb fuel economy. In Combined Cycle driving, the 1.1 CDX model with five speed manual transmission can return 52.3 mpg. Even in its natural habitat, travelling around town, the frugal Amica can achieve a very respectable 42.2 mpg (urban).
As well as being fuel-efficient, the 1.1-litre engine also boasts low emissions. Manual and automatic models come within band C for Vehicle Excise Duty, adding to Amica’s low running cost appeal.
Choice of Transmissions
- Five speed manual gearbox as standard
- Optional four speed automatic for 1.1 CDX model
A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the new Amica, but the CDX is offered with the option of a four-speed automatic gearbox. Ideal for easy city and town driving, the auto option does not deprive the Amica of its value-for-money performance, returning 46.3 mpg (Combined Cycle).