1.6 Style Auto 5dr People Carrier

Still one of the best-kept secrets in motoring...

Update, January 2014.

25,000 miles and nearly two years since we bought it, we're still amazed at just what a good and practical car it is. It has been very reliable, apart from needing its parking sensors replaced twice (under warranty) and we've been very pleased at the low servicing costs from Bristol Street Motors in Exeter.

We've just replaced two of the original Continental tyres with Michelin Energy Saver + and find them much quieter than the originals. Bet they'll last longer, too. One to note, Hyundai, along with the need for a 5th. gear in the autobox.

But, as mentioned in my original review, if you see another one on the road, it's an occasion...

Original review below:

We bought this car new 5,000 miles ago and we're still astonished just how good it is.

It is comfortable, spacious, astonishingly versatile, goes well and is very pleasant to drive except on the bumpiest roads. The sun roof is a delight, as is the MP3 player. The double floor makes it possible to stow all the odds and ends out of sight without cluttering the boot. Drop the back seats in a couple of seconds and you have a large flat space.

Somebody at Hyundai has really thought about this one and it's full of clever bits of design. For example, door mirrors deep enough to see the kerb when reverse parking, and the way that rain doesn't obscure them. And tail lights doubled up on the rear hatch and adjacent car body, so if one goes out, it doesn't look like a motorcycle in the dark.

OK, it isn't perfect. We live in a very hilly area and the 4-speed autobox could do with a 5th. gear, especially as we sometimes tow a trailer. Consequently overall fuel consumption isn't wonderful, but on a long run it is something close to Hyundai's combined figure. But these are relatively minor criticisms in the overall scheme of things.

But probably the biggest surprise of all is how few there seem to be on the roads. Having tried its nearest and better-known competitors, this is a better car.

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