Until relatively recently the South Korean Hyundai brand was mocked by car companies across the world. Its cars were considered cheap, tacky and unreliable with electrical system problems, poor build (interior and exterior), an ugly appearance and stiff transmissions. However, it has addressed the problems of the past and come back stronger than ever. Now Hyundai is the fifth highest manufacturer of cars in the world and supplies engines to Jeep and Mercedes-Benz.

History
Hyundai was founded in 1967 and initially used Ford and Mitsubishi technology in order to make its cars. It wasn't until 1988 that they started producing cars on their own. From 1967 through to 1998 Hyundai suffered from a poor public image with its only real selling point being exceptional affordability.

So what changed in 1998? Firstly its management passed from father to son, engendering a new perspective within the company. Next, technology was improved and the cars were given a 10 year/100,000 mile warranty. Finally, an extensive marketing campaign re-branded Hyundai as a modern, reliable company. At the same time it gained in size as it took over Kia Motors and by 2000 had also gained in stature by joining DaimlerChrysler. The result of these manoeuvres has been considerable success in the industry and an estimated worth of over �2 billion.

Current UK Models
There are several Hyundai models available in the UK:
  • i10: This relatively cheap hatchback makes a great city car due to its small size and manoeuvrability. It is available in three models with 1.1 litre petrol engines and all are fitted with air conditioning as standard.
  • Amica: Another Hyundai that is great for city driving, but not so hot on the motorway. It comes with a 1 litre petrol engine and power steering, but is also available as a GSi model that includes air conditioning.
  • Getz: Available with three or five doors, and with a vast choice of engine sizes, this Hyundai is versatile. Its petrol engines come in 1.1, 1.3 or 1.6 litre models and it even has a 1.5 litre diesel option. As a result the car is as good on motorways as it is in cities.
  • Accent: A small family car whose design dates back before Hyundai's revolution in 1998. As a result it is not known for its build quality, but is extremely cheap for its size, power and features. It is available in 1.3 and 1.6 litre petrol models and a 1.5 litre diesel model.
  • i30: This is a good looking hatchback with comprehensive interior features such as an auxiliary connection for your MP3 player. Its build quality ensures a comfortable drive while its price makes it perfect for families on a budget. Petrol engines come in 1.4, 1.6 and 2.0 litre sizes with diesel engines in 1.6 and 2.0 litres only.
  • i30 Estate: As the i30's bigger brother, the Estate comes with all the features of the i30 plus many more. It boasts greater leg and headroom in both the front and back seats, standard roofbars, electric folding wing mirrors and an attractive chrome trim.
  • Coupe SIII: This three door coupe is great value and looks very cool due to its Italian styling. The 1.6 and 2.0 litre petrol engines are fairly powerful, but the 2.7 litre V6 model stands out. It comes with all the trimmings of a modern sports car but at a fraction of the price.
  • Sonata: A large, reliable, comfortable saloon that is frequently used by taxi drivers and the older generation due to its smooth running. It comes with either a 2.0 litre petrol engine or 2.7 litre V6 petrol engine.
  • Grandeur: A five door saloon with a sporty look and a superb 3.3 litre V6 engine. It is a fast and fun car with the safety features and reliability of a more conservative model.
  • Matrix: This is a basic people carrier which can be bought in 1.6 or 1.8 litre petrol models, or a weak 1.5 litre diesel model. As with all Hyundai's it is cheap and reliable but lacks the comfort of some of the more expensive MPVs (Multi Purpose Vehicles) on the market.
  • Tuscon: The Tuscon is a good all round 4x4 vehicle with an impressive computer-controlled four wheel drive system that helps it to excel off-road. Although the ride is a little bumpy and noisy, it is extremely cheap for an SUV and is more than a match for its competition. The 2.0 litre diesel engine is preferable to the 2.7 litre V6 petrol engine as it copes well with the demands of both off-road and long-distance driving.
  • Santa Fe: Another 4x4 Hyundai that isn't as good off-road as the Tuscon but is far better for families. In fact, it scored four stars in Euro NCAP crash tests, making it extremely safe. It is a spacious and well equipped car with a relatively good fuel economy rating for an SUV. The best model has a 2.7 litre V6 petrol engine that deals well with a full load of passengers.
Which Hyundai is Right for You?
Take a look at the brief descriptions above along with other online reviews to see which car best suits your needs. Are you shopping for yourself or do you have a family to think about? Do you need power and fuel capacity under the bonnet for long-distance journeys or do you need a manoeuvrable car that can handle busy city centres? It is also important to think about the cost of running and maintaining different Hyundai's, although they are generally very cheap and easy to repair.

How to Buy Second Hand Hyundai's
Try to keep your options open when you are looking for a second hand Hyundai. If you have a firm picture of the car you want in your mind and aren't willing to look at the alternatives, then you might miss out on a real bargain. At the same time, it would be wise to find a car that was built after Hyundai's re-branding in 1998 as their newer cars have a superior build quality. Used cars are very easy to come by through both private sellers and dealerships, and they are usually in good condition. Indeed, there are some excellent examples on Classifieds. However, it is worth doing some research to ensure that the car is not stolen or previously written off using an HPI check. You should also look at service records or have the car inspected by professional mechanics.

Always take the Hyundai for a test drive to check that it actually works, and be prepared to barter for a fair price. If you can't get the price you want, you should be willing to try again elsewhere as the opportunities for buying used cars are almost endless.
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