Hyundai Problems

Small SUVs are the auto equivalent of smartphones: you have to be seen with one. Those who haven’t already caught on are rushing to buy (or build) light and compact crossovers. In Australia, couples and families hold the view that SUVs represent the “best of both worlds”.With fuel economy and comfort to rival a small car; the space to carry furniture or friends and a high ride height for the “command” seating; SUVs are a multi-purpose lifestyle accessory. It’s just a case of which design suits that lifestyle.THE CARSExcluding the all-paw Forester, the rest of the fleet are front-wheel drive models. All are entry level automatic or continuously variable transmission versions. And all sold more than 1000 cars last month, making them as mainstream as a Toyota Camry.THIRSTSkyActiv technology gives the Mazda CX-5 the lead in the weekly fuel costs at around $26.33. That’s more than $8.50 cheaper than the dearest vehicle here, Hyundai’s iX35. It is small change over a week but adds up to more than $425 a year being siphoned out of the wallet/purse, so it’s worth considering.SERVICINGCaps off to the capped-price carmakers. Online disclosure means it is easy to see how much servicing of a Toyota or Hyundai will be. As yet, Honda doesn’t have the option of capped price servicing, while Subaru and Mazda want vehicle identification before they’ll quote the costs. Hyundai heads this pack with one yearly visit to the dealer that will cost $259.DEPRECIATIONBuying a new car is an investment in emotion, not practicality. The best-performing of this group - the Mazda, Subaru and Honda - will be worth just 54 per cent of its new price value in three years, according to Glass’s Guide. The Hyundai and Toyota will have halved in value over that period.MISCGovernment charges vary by state; check with your local authority for registration on a specific vehicle. The capped price servicing won’t cover items subject to wear in the normal course of their life, such as tyres, windscreen wipers and brake pads.*Fuel costs based on April national average of 142.6c for 91 ULP and 15,000km travelled annually.Mazda CX-5 FWD Fuel use @ 6.4L/100km = $1368.96 p/a = $4106.88 over 3 yrsCost $29,880. Residual value after 3 yrs 54 per centServicing: $394 first yr; $1745 over 3 yrs/60,000kmToyota RAV4 CVTFuel use @ 7.4L/100km = $1582.86 p/a = $4748.50 over 3 yrsCost $30,990. Residual value after 3 yrs 50 per centServicing: $340/yr; $1020 over 3 yrs/60,000kmHyundai ix35 ActiveFuel use @ 8.5L/100km = $1818.15 p/a = $5454.45 over 3 yrsCost $28,990. Residual value after 3 yrs 50 per centServicing: $259/yr; $777 over 3 yrs/45,000kmSubaru Forester 2.5iFuel use @ 8.1L/100km = $1732.59 p/a = $5197.77 over 3 yrsCost $32,990. Residual value after 3 yrs 54 per centServicing: $542.72 first yr; $1983.70 over 3 yrs/75,000kmHonda CR-V VTiFuel use @ 7.7L/100km = $1647.03 p/a = $4941.09 over 3 yrsCost $31,790. Residual value after 3 yrs 54 per centServicing: $483.64 first yr; $1450.92 over 3 yrs/60,000km 

It's a measure of the transformation of small cars in the last couple of decades that the new Hyundai i20 boasted features reserved for high-end luxury cars a tick over 20 years earlier. With a large number of buyers downsizing from the traditional larger models small cars have had to offer the sorts of things only their bigger cousins once did.NEWIn the case of the i20 it was things like auto on-off headlamps and auto door locking, unthinkable in a 1990s model.The i20 was an attractive little hatch with pleasant styling and neat proportions with good all-round visibility. It was available as a three-door model that opened the range as well as a number of five-door models.Inside it boasted comfortable accommodation for four with a boot of decent proportions to carry their gear. The range was made up of three models beginning with the Active, which was available as a three-door and a five-door hatch that had standard air-conditioning, remote central locking and fold-flat mirrors.In the middle of the range was the Elite, which was only available as a five-door hatch, but added a trip computer, leather-wrapped steering wheel and alloy wheels to the list of features.If you took another step up the range you arrived at the Premium five-door, which got you such previously undreamt of luxuries as automatic air, bigger alloy wheels and a smattering of leather trim.Two engines were offered. The entry level Active was powered by a 1.4-litre engine that produced 73 kW and 136 Nm and delivered performance that was modest, but adequate for the class. Had you chosen the Elite mid-ranger you were given the choice of the 1.4-litre or a larger 1.6-litre engine that gave you the extra punch of 91 kW and 156 Nm.All models offered the choice of five-speed manual and four-speed auto transmissions, and drive went through the front wheels.NOWAfter a rocky start in Australia when a serious chassis flaw in early Excels threatened to ground the brand for good Hyundai has had a largely trouble free run and has built an enviable reputation. Quality has improved markedly, reliability is on the up and the model offerings are more attractive.It's mostly good news for the brand in general, which should give buyers confidence when out shopping for a used car. The i20 is one of the latest generation of models and is showing no signs of having any major flaws that should be of concern to potential used buyers.There was one recall to replace a label on the jack, but that's a relatively minor issue that has no bearing on the car's reliability.Something buyers need to be aware of is that the first Active cars to arrive here were only equipped with front airbags, which meant it was rated at four stars by ANCAP, but later models had a full complement of front and side airbags and was rated at five stars.Importantly all had electronic stability control, as well as ABS brakes, traction control and electronic brakeforce distribution, all of which contributed to an impressive safety level. As with any used car purchase make sure your potential choice has been serviced as per Hyundai's recommendation.SMITHY SAYSGood value-for-money, solid performance, top safety and it's reliable, check it out.Hyundai i20 - 2010-2012Price new: $14,990 to $23,490Engine: 1.4-litre 4-cylinder, 73 kW/136 Nm; 1.6-litre 4-cylinder, 91 kW/156 NmTransmission: 4-speed auto, 5-speed man, FWDEconomy: 6.0 L/100 km (1.4), 6.1 L/100 km (1.6)Body: 3-door hatch, 5-door hatchVariants: Active, Elite, PremiumSafety: 4/5-star ANCAP