The Atos breaks new ground for Hyundai by combining the space and versatility of a multi-purpose vehicle with the economy and downÄ-o-earth practicality of a mini-car.

As a multi-functional car, the Atos manages to overcome many of the limitations of small cars. Perhaps the most striking physical feature is the car's height: at 1616 mm it has sufficient headroom for a basketball player while other key interior dimensions are equally generous.

The production petrol-powered version unveiled at Frankfurt features restyled headlamps and other minor styling changes which differ from the HMX show car which was shown at this year's Seoul Motor Show.

Atos is a milestone car in one important respect: development time brevity. It took just 23 months from the design freeze (October 1995) to move the five-door Atos into mass production.

This is a new record development time for a passenger car in the Korean auto industry - a testament to Hyundai's efficiency and sophistication. Research and development costs were kept to an absolute minimum. Total project costs were just $US155 million.

The Atos is built at Hyundai's Ulsan plant in Korea and goes on sale in the domestic market this month. Export production for Europe begins early next year.

Hyundai Australia is examining the potential for such a car in the local market with key factors being the likely price, acceptance of a 1.0 litre mini-car, and the possible impact on sales of the Excel.

ENGINE

Power for the Atos comes from Hyundai's new highly economical and environmentally friendly Epsilon engine. This is a 12-valve 1.0 litre four cylinder engine that develops around 42kW at 5500rpm.

This is the third proprietary petrol powerplant to have been developed and introduced by Hyundai in this decade. It follows the Alpha (Excel) and Beta (Lantra) engines.

Its cast iron cylinder block features a rounded, deep skirt design with optimally located reinforcement ribs for low weight and high strength.

TRANSMISSIONS

A five-speed manual transmission is standard and there is also an optional three-speed electronic automatic.

Among the technical innovations of the Epsilon powertrain is the ACS or Automatic Clutch System which provides the convenience of an automatic and the economy of a manual.

The ACS, which is available as an extra-cost option, dispenses with the clutch pedal. Instead, the clutch is governed by an electronic control unit which collects feedback from sensors monitoring throttle position, gear position and engine speed.

Hyundai's ACS automatically engages the clutch when the accelerator pedal is depressed and automatically disengages it when foot pressure is removed from the accelerator pedal.

SAFETY

In July, the Atos officially passed the 48kmh frontal collision test conducted by an independent U.S. testing house.

The monocoque body features a highly rigid passenger safety cell which is reinforced with side-impact protection beams and a sub-frame in the engine bay.

Safety enhancements including airbags and a 4-channel, 4-sensor antilock brake system are available as options. Other standard safety features include bumpers that resist impacts up to 4kmh and child safety locks on the rear doors.

Atos comes with power-assisted rack and pinion steering, and features MacPherson strut-type front suspension while the rear axle rides on a 3-link torsion beam suspension.

All four wheels are independently sprung with coils and hydraulic dampers. Stopping power comes from front disc brakes and self-adjusting rear drum brakes.

ENVIRONMENT

The Atos qualifies as an environmentally friendly car with its exceedingly low fuel consumption, recyclable components and compact dimensions.

Innovative technologies include the use of non-asbestos gaskets, brake pads and linings. A new generation of engineering plastics which are completely recyclable has been used for the engine's air-cleaner housing, cooling-fan shroud and value cover.