Years Produced: 1997-2003 (99-03 Visto)
Engine:
G4HA
798cc inline 4 cylinder
G4HA turbo (Visto only)
798 inline 4 cylinder (8v)
Transmission:
5 speed manual
3 speed automatic w/o converter lockup
Curb Weight: (non turbo)
799 kg (1,761 lbs)
Horsepower:
Non Turbo:
54 bhp @ 6,000 rpm
Turbo:
70 bhp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque:
Non Turbo:
52 ft-lbs @ 4,800 rpm
Turbo:
75 ft-lbs @ 4,000 rpm
0-62 mph (100 kph) non turbo
17.1 seconds (manual)
19.2 seconds (auto)
Fuel Economy Rating (1000cc):
42.3-56.4 mpg UK / 35-46.6 mpg US
6.7 - 5.0 L / 100 km
15.7 - 19.9 km/l
Observed Cambodian Fuel Economy (2003 auto):
32-45 mpg UK / 26.6-37 mpg US
8.8 - 6.3 L / 100 km
11.3 - 15.9 km/l
Competitors: 1998-2004 Daewoo Matiz)
**Disclaimer**
Unless you are a mechanic, do not buy the Visto Turbo.
It is bad idea for the reason that turbocharged vehicles can fail catastrophically in many more ways than non turbocharged vehicles as the turbocharger itself is connected to the car’s engine coolant and engine oil supply. So if one doesn’t know how to properly check if all the appropriate connections are in good condition or if the turbocharger itself is in fair condition, then it is simply opening up your ownership experience to a world of hurt and misery.
Also, turbocharged vehicles in general need a lot more attention in the maintenance department than most vehicles. Oil changes need to be more frequent and the engine’s cooling system needs to be in tip top shape in order to have a reliable vehicle.
This applies for any turbocharged vehicle.
The Visto turbo is easily distinguished by it's hood scoop
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM AN ATOZ/VISTO?
Size:
The size is unsurprisingly wonderful for crowded city driving. At just 58 inches wide, the Atoz/Visto is nearly an entire foot narrower than a subcompact Toyota Corolla. Maneuvering the car through traffic is easy and visibility all around is good as well in the Visto with it’s slanted hatch, but with the very large c-pillar in the back, the Atoz does have a considerably sized blind spot.
Interior space and headroom is generous for a car this size and offers comfort for a driver and passenger up to around 6’1” (according to a 6’1” “test driver”). However, if you the driver or passenger is tall and requires the seat to be in the “full back” position, rearseat legroom decreases to a practically useless 4 inches.
Cargo capacity is also unsurprisingly small, however is adequate for a day’s worth of shopping, even with a full load of passengers. One thing particularly useful about the Atoz/Visto are the underseat storage bins which compensate the lack of a glovebox well.
Performance:
Well 54 hp from an 800cc motor is very underwhelming to say the least. Barely edging out the slightly less powerful Matiz, the Atoz / Visto will reach 0-100 km/h just over 17 seconds with no passengers or air conditioning, and creeps north of 22 seconds when those factors come into play. Top speed is approximately 139 km/h (86 mph), which interestingly is gearing rather than drag limited. This also means that the Atoz / Visto is also 3 mph slower than the Daewoo Tico.
Off roading?
Ground clearance is fair for a car this size at 8 inches which is more than adequate for everyday potholes, speed bumps and the occasional offroad bout should the need arise. Obviously though, the Atoz/Visto is a front wheel drive supermini and not an off road monster so it’s best to take rough roads gingerly rather than with an iron fist approach.
Fuel Economy:
Of all the superminis you can buy, the Atoz / Visto is the worst. Despite the 1 liter version’s ratings of 42-56 mpg (imp) or 15.7 - 19.9 km/l, you will more than likely find your 800cc car barely topping 12 km/l (34 mpg UK / 28.2 mpg US / 8.3 L / 100 km) in the city and 17 km/l (48 mpg UK / 40 mpg US / 5.9 L / 100 km) on rural journeys. Obviously this is nowhere near the ratings for the bigger 1 liter UK version despite the .8 liter version being lighter and having a smaller displacement, nor is it very close to the typical “15 - 20 km/l” that so many sellers will be eager to tell you, but it is what you will get. This isn’t the end of the world though as you’ll see later on.
Reliability:
Minor reliability:
(Hyundai plastics are total crap and always break)
Lots of little plastic bits and accessories are going to be iffy on these cars. Door handles, power locks, etc are going to be the first things to go, which can be annoying. However, parts and repairs are cheap and easy to do, and most garages should be able to keep your Atoz/Visto happy.
Major Reliability:
(Hyundai drivetrains are solid units and very reliable)
The motors and transmission of these cars are built with the same materials and come from the same factory as the U.S. market cars which mean that they are very durable not only for a cheap car, but for any car. It’s true that the oil seals, minor gaskets and such are of slightly lower grade than comparable Japanese built vehicles, but when it comes to design flaws or crucial internal components, the Atoz / Visto are probably the best for any supermini you’re going to get here.
The only potential weak spot is the transmission as Hyundais do like to burn out their gearboxes if they don’t receive periodic fluid changes (at least every 50-60k km) However, if you plan to purchase an Atoz or Visto, check to see if it shifts smoothly and if it does, then keep clean oil in it and you’ll have a reliable car for a long time to come.
IF YOU OWN A VISTO/ATOZ:
Camshaft/Timing Belt: If you're car has over 100-120k km (60-70k miles) which is probably all of them, get the cam belt, water pump, tensioner, camshaft/crankshaft seals changed, along with the valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, plugs and wires, ALL with Korean replacements if possible. They are available new and usually in stock. The cam belt is the most important along with the seals and tensioner because Korean parts are in the middle of the range of quality and are usually only good for 160,000 km at the most, which when compared to other vehicles on the market is quite good still. If the cam belt goes on this car, bad news.
Automatic transmission oil: Any automatic transmission is going to need a fresh supply of clean oil, but with my experience with Hyundai automatic gearboxes from this ear, I find it particularly important to keep them freshly changed. Dexron II or III is fine and the car takes approximately 6.5 litres per complete exchange (2.5 - 3 litres per drain and fill).
Engine oil seals: When I purchased my first Visto with 110,000 km, it was leaking a litre of oil every 200 km. If your Atoz or Visto has any oil leaks, it’s best to address them early on as the car only holds 3 litres of engine oil.
Summary:
Pros:
-Decent fuel economy for decent power
-Reliable drivetrain if maintained properly
-Plenty of parts available for repairs and maintenance
-Easy to drive in a crowded area
Cons:
-Expect a lot of minor annoyances like oil leaks and plastics like door handles breaking off
-Easy to get pushed off the road by larger vehicles
-Premium fuel required (vs. the Daewoo Matiz or Tico)
Final Verdict
While far from being the perfect supermini in theory, for cheap fuel efficient Cambodian personal commuting it is hard to beat.
Information:
(800cc non turbo only)
Capacities:
Engine Oil:
2.9 liters (3.1 liters with filter change)
10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended
20W-50 works, but significant mileage drop was noted
Transmission Fluid
(Automatic) 6.5 liters, Dexron II
(Manual) unknown, fluid spec unknown
Brake Fluid:
DOT-3 minimum requirement
300 ml capacity approx.
Coolant:
3.7 liters approx.
Ignition Timing:
19 degrees BTDC
Firing Order: 1-3-4-2 (#1 cyl being the timing belt side)
Standard Tire Size: 155/70/13
[url=http://s284.photobucket.com/user/akira_suzuki86/media/Mobile%20Uploads/PastedGraphic-1_zps82486261.png.html][img]http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll30/akira_suzuki86/Mobile%20Uploads/PastedGraphic-1_zps82486261.png[/img][/url]
[b]Years Produced:[/b] 1997-2003 (99-03 Visto)
[b]Engine: [/b]
G4HA
798cc inline 4 cylinder
G4HA turbo (Visto only)
798 inline 4 cylinder (8v)
[b]Transmission:[/b]
5 speed manual
3 speed automatic w/o converter lockup
[b]Curb Weight: [/b](non turbo)
799 kg (1,761 lbs)
[b]Horsepower: [/b]
Non Turbo:
54 bhp @ 6,000 rpm
Turbo:
70 bhp @ 6,000 rpm
[b]Torque:[/b]
Non Turbo:
52 ft-lbs @ 4,800 rpm
Turbo:
75 ft-lbs @ 4,000 rpm
0-62 mph (100 kph) non turbo
17.1 seconds (manual)
19.2 seconds (auto)
[b]Fuel Economy Rating (1000cc): [/b]
42.3-56.4 mpg UK / 35-46.6 mpg US
6.7 - 5.0 L / 100 km
15.7 - 19.9 km/l
[b]Observed Cambodian Fuel Economy (2003 auto):[/b]
32-45 mpg UK / 26.6-37 mpg US
8.8 - 6.3 L / 100 km
11.3 - 15.9 km/l
Competitors: 1998-2004 Daewoo Matiz)
[b]**Disclaimer**[/b]
[b]Unless you are a mechanic, do not buy the Visto Turbo. [/b]
It is bad idea for the reason that turbocharged vehicles can fail catastrophically in many more ways than non turbocharged vehicles as the turbocharger itself is connected to the car’s engine coolant and engine oil supply. So if one doesn’t know how to properly check if all the appropriate connections are in good condition or if the turbocharger itself is in fair condition, then it is simply opening up your ownership experience to a world of hurt and misery.
Also, turbocharged vehicles in general need a lot more attention in the maintenance department than most vehicles. Oil changes need to be more frequent and the engine’s cooling system needs to be in tip top shape in order to have a reliable vehicle.
This applies for any turbocharged vehicle.
The Visto turbo is easily distinguished by it's hood scoop
[url=http://s284.photobucket.com/user/akira_suzuki86/media/Mobile%20Uploads/What_is_this_car___by_toyonda_zps53ae72db.jpg.html][img]http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll30/akira_suzuki86/Mobile%20Uploads/What_is_this_car___by_toyonda_zps53ae72db.jpg[/img][/url]
[b]WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM AN ATOZ/VISTO?[/b]
[b]Size: [/b]
The size is unsurprisingly wonderful for crowded city driving. At just 58 inches wide, the Atoz/Visto is nearly an entire foot narrower than a subcompact Toyota Corolla. Maneuvering the car through traffic is easy and visibility all around is good as well in the Visto with it’s slanted hatch, but with the very large c-pillar in the back, the Atoz does have a considerably sized blind spot.
[url=http://s284.photobucket.com/user/akira_suzuki86/media/Mobile%20Uploads/22063439_2_644x461_hyundai-atoz-silver-manual-th-2003-yogyakarta-upload-foto_zps6375beef.jpg.html][img]http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll30/akira_suzuki86/Mobile%20Uploads/22063439_2_644x461_hyundai-atoz-silver-manual-th-2003-yogyakarta-upload-foto_zps6375beef.jpg[/img][/url]
Interior space and headroom is generous for a car this size and offers comfort for a driver and passenger up to around 6’1” (according to a 6’1” “test driver”). However, if you the driver or passenger is tall and requires the seat to be in the “full back” position, rearseat legroom decreases to a practically useless 4 inches.
Cargo capacity is also unsurprisingly small, however is adequate for a day’s worth of shopping, even with a full load of passengers. One thing particularly useful about the Atoz/Visto are the underseat storage bins which compensate the lack of a glovebox well.
[b]Performance:[/b]
Well 54 hp from an 800cc motor is very underwhelming to say the least. Barely edging out the slightly less powerful Matiz, the Atoz / Visto will reach 0-100 km/h just over 17 seconds with no passengers or air conditioning, and creeps north of 22 seconds when those factors come into play. Top speed is approximately 139 km/h (86 mph), which interestingly is gearing rather than drag limited. This also means that the Atoz / Visto is also 3 mph slower than the Daewoo Tico.
[b]Off roading?[/b]
Ground clearance is fair for a car this size at 8 inches which is more than adequate for everyday potholes, speed bumps and the occasional offroad bout should the need arise. Obviously though, the Atoz/Visto is a front wheel drive supermini and not an off road monster so it’s best to take rough roads gingerly rather than with an iron fist approach.
[b]Fuel Economy: [/b]
Of all the superminis you can buy, the Atoz / Visto is the worst. Despite the 1 liter version’s ratings of 42-56 mpg (imp) or 15.7 - 19.9 km/l, you will more than likely find your 800cc car barely topping 12 km/l (34 mpg UK / 28.2 mpg US / 8.3 L / 100 km) in the city and 17 km/l (48 mpg UK / 40 mpg US / 5.9 L / 100 km) on rural journeys. Obviously this is nowhere near the ratings for the bigger 1 liter UK version despite the .8 liter version being lighter and having a smaller displacement, nor is it very close to the typical “15 - 20 km/l” that so many sellers will be eager to tell you, but it is what you will get. This isn’t the end of the world though as you’ll see later on.
[b]Reliability:[/b]
Minor reliability:
[i](Hyundai plastics are total crap and always break)[/i]
Lots of little plastic bits and accessories are going to be iffy on these cars. Door handles, power locks, etc are going to be the first things to go, which can be annoying. However, parts and repairs are cheap and easy to do, and most garages should be able to keep your Atoz/Visto happy.
Major Reliability:
[i]
(Hyundai drivetrains are solid units and very reliable)[/i]
The motors and transmission of these cars are built with the same materials and come from the same factory as the U.S. market cars which mean that they are very durable not only for a cheap car, but for any car. It’s true that the oil seals, minor gaskets and such are of slightly lower grade than comparable Japanese built vehicles, but when it comes to design flaws or crucial internal components, the Atoz / Visto are probably the best for any supermini you’re going to get here.
The only potential weak spot is the transmission as Hyundais do like to burn out their gearboxes if they don’t receive periodic fluid changes (at least every 50-60k km) However, if you plan to purchase an Atoz or Visto, check to see if it shifts smoothly and if it does, then keep clean oil in it and you’ll have a reliable car for a long time to come.
[b]IF YOU OWN A VISTO/ATOZ:[/b]
[b]Camshaft/Timing Belt:[/b] If you're car has over 100-120k km (60-70k miles) which is probably all of them, get the cam belt, water pump, tensioner, camshaft/crankshaft seals changed, along with the valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, plugs and wires, ALL with Korean replacements if possible. They are available new and usually in stock. The cam belt is the most important along with the seals and tensioner because Korean parts are in the middle of the range of quality and are usually only good for 160,000 km at the most, which when compared to other vehicles on the market is quite good still. If the cam belt goes on this car, bad news.
[b]Automatic transmission oil: [/b] Any automatic transmission is going to need a fresh supply of clean oil, but with my experience with Hyundai automatic gearboxes from this ear, I find it particularly important to keep them freshly changed. Dexron II or III is fine and the car takes approximately 6.5 litres per complete exchange (2.5 - 3 litres per drain and fill).
Engine oil seals: When I purchased my first Visto with 110,000 km, it was leaking a litre of oil every 200 km. If your Atoz or Visto has any oil leaks, it’s best to address them early on as the car only holds 3 litres of engine oil.
[b]Summary: [/b]
Pros:
-Decent fuel economy for decent power
-Reliable drivetrain if maintained properly
-Plenty of parts available for repairs and maintenance
-Easy to drive in a crowded area
Cons:
-Expect a lot of minor annoyances like oil leaks and plastics like door handles breaking off
-Easy to get pushed off the road by larger vehicles
-Premium fuel required (vs. the Daewoo Matiz or Tico)
[b]Final Verdict[/b]
While far from being the perfect supermini in theory, for cheap fuel efficient Cambodian personal commuting it is hard to beat.
[url=http://s284.photobucket.com/user/akira_suzuki86/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC00773_zps5200c3de.jpg.html][img]http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll30/akira_suzuki86/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC00773_zps5200c3de.jpg[/img][/url]
[b]Information:[/b]
(800cc non turbo only)
Capacities:
Engine Oil:
2.9 liters (3.1 liters with filter change)
10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended
20W-50 works, but significant mileage drop was noted
Transmission Fluid
(Automatic) 6.5 liters, Dexron II
(Manual) unknown, fluid spec unknown
Brake Fluid:
DOT-3 minimum requirement
300 ml capacity approx.
Coolant:
3.7 liters approx.
Ignition Timing:
19 degrees BTDC
Firing Order: 1-3-4-2 (#1 cyl being the timing belt side)
Standard Tire Size: 155/70/13