Drivers after an economical, stylish and fun small car that benefits from the Government’s lower road tax rate will have another choice for their shopping list from 1 March 2000 - the new Hyundai Amica.

The new Hyundai Amica will be sold alongside the Korean firm’s existing small car, the Atoz, which was introduced in May 1998. The latest choice for UK car buyers from Hyundai, the Amica, boasts the same proven mechanical and chassis components from the Atoz in a sporty, more rounded bodyshell.

Easily distinguishable from the Atoz with a new front and rear end treatment, several detail changes and a 35mm lower roofline, the five-door Amica will be available in two derivatives, Si and GSi trim, with prices starting from as low as £6799 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.

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 No.2 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. Covering the 0-62mph sprint in 15.1 seconds and capable of more than 44mpg during everyday use, the Amica offers excellent flexibility and practicality to a wide range of buyers.

Young new drivers will be drawn to the Amica for its low cost of ownership, insurance rates (likely to be 2E) and stylish good 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 seat-belt 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 arrival of the Amica, Hyundai is poised to take a larger share of the mini car market - a market which has quadrupled since 1996.

Both Amica and Atoz models are produced at Hyundai’s No.2 plant in Ulsan, Korea which has a capacity of 150,000 units per year.

• Two model range - Si and GSi - both five-door hatchbacks
• Choice of manual and new three-speed automatic gearboxes
• New four-speed automatic gearbox available from early summer
• De-powered driver’s airbag and seat-belt pre-tensioners standard
• Amica Si from £6799 on the road
• Amica GSi from £7799 on the road