Colin-on-Cars

 Little big loads

Following on the uptake for the Hyundai Grand i10 Cargo, the company has now homologated a version for the Atos. 

“We have identified the need for a small cargo transporter, particularly for delivery of smaller parcels and goods in a vehicle that keeps it secure in a robust cargo hold. The initial conversion of the Grand i10 into the Cargo derivative, with the secure hold area in place of the two rear seats, proved to be a winner,” says Stanley Anderson, sales and operations director of Hyundai Automotive South Africa. 

“We homologated the Grand i10 Cargo as a light commercial vehicle, which created another benefit for businesses, because they can claim back VAT on their purchase. Following the success of the Grand i10, we also homologated the slightly smaller Atos 1.1 Cargo as the youngest entry to our light commercial vehicle range.”

At a time when the economy is shaky to say the least and fuel prices are skyrocketing, the availability of smaller, fuel efficient transporters will be good news for embattled fleet managers. 

The converted Grand i10 and Atos Cargo hatchback models offer a secure, robust compartment of up to 1,2 cubic metres in the Grand i10, hooks to hold a cargo net down and a strong wire mesh cargo barrier between the cargo area and the two front seats. The rear side windows are also securely covered with the strong wire mesh on the inside. 

Two derivatives are available in the shape of the smaller hatchback: the Atos 1.1 Motion Cargo (manual) and Atos 1.1 Fluid Cargo (manual). The Grand i10 1.0 Motion Cargo (manual) completes the range.

The popularity of these light commercial vehicles is evident from the 350 sales of the first Grand i10 Cargo model, supplemented by 50 new Grand i10 Cargo sales and 13 of the new Atos Cargo. Furthermore, the Fidelity Services Group has acquired 131 Grand i10 Cargo vehicles, making this well-known provider of security services one of the biggest buyers of the hatchback cargo-carrier. 

The Hyundai Cargo models are a good substitute for the half-ton bakkies and offer a competitive cost of ownership. 

A 998 cc normally aspirated petrol engine is used to propel the Grand i10 1.0 Motion Cargo with its power going to the front wheels through a 5-speed manual gearbox. The 3-cylinder engine delivers peak power of 49 kW at 5 500 r/min., and maximum torque of 94 Nm is reached at 3 500 r/min. 

In the Atos Cargo derivatives, a 1 086 cc 4-cylinder normally aspirated petrol engine – also linked to a 5-speed manual gearbox – drives the hatchback through the front wheels. It delivers 50 kW at its maximum power output, which is reached at 5 500 r/min., while the torque peak of 99 Nm comes at 2 800 r/min. 

Both models boast low fuel consumption which helps a business to keep running costs low. In the case of the Atos Cargo a best consumption figure of 5,7 litres per 100 km was measured in a combined test cycle, while the Grand i10 Cargo recorded 5,4 litres per 100 km.

The Grand i10, which was launched in South Africa at the end of 2020, as well as the Atos, feature body-coloured bumpers and door handles that adds to the attractive design lines of the two hatchbacks. 

The Grand i10 1.0 Motion Cargo and the Atos 1.1 Fluid Cargo run on 14-inch steel wheels with an attractive styled cover, while the Atos 1.1 Motion Cargo uses 13-inch steel wheels, also with styled covers. 

A spacious cabin with conveniences such as an infotainment centre with a 7-inch screen, air-conditioner, electrically operated windows, central locking, and audio and Bluetooth controls on the steering wheel are on the list of comprehensive luxury features in the Atos Cargo. The infotainment centre is compatible with a smartphone with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. 

The cloth-covered seats of the Atos Cargo will make the long time spent on the road in a commercial vehicle easier. In the Grand i10 Cargo, the driver can adjust the seat height, and central locking, remote keyless entry, a manual air conditioner, an infotainment centre with a 6,2-inch touch-screen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, electrical adjustment for the side mirrors and opening of the side windows all form part of its convenience features. 

Cras bags for both driver and passenger take care of passive safety in the Grand i10 Cargo and in the Atos Fluid Cargo derivative. The Atos Motion Cargo comes with a crash bag for the driver. 

Both Cargo models have 3-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners for driver and passenger. An anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), and crumple zones and side impact protection beams completes the safety package. 

Pricing 

Atos 1.1 Motion Cargo (manual)	R179 900
Atos 1.1 Fluid Cargo (manual)	R189 900
Grand i10 1.0 Motion Cargo (manual)	R211 900

Roadside assistance for 7 years or 150 000 km and a 1-year/15 000 km service plan form part of the package. The service interval for both models is 15 000 km.