2008 Hyundai Accent: More Comfort, Safety And Performance At An Entry-Level Price

2008 Hyundai Accent: More Comfort, Safety And Performance At An Entry-Level Price

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., For more than ten years, Hyundai Accent has built a solid reputation by offering high-quality, great value, unexpected features and performance at entry level prices. For 2008, Accent offers a host of new standard equipment as well as several exterior and interior improvements that raise the bar in the compact car segment.

NEW EQUIPMENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2008

- XM Satellite Radio® with three months of free service (late availability) · Auxiliary input jack (late availability)
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- New instrument cluster design for GLS and SE
- New 15-inch alloy wheel design
- B&M Racing sport shifter (Standard SE only)
- New exterior color option available on GS and SE – Mellow Yellow · Rear center armrest with cupholders added to SE (standard on GLS)

The standard B&M Racing sport shifter adds shorter throw-lengths and more precision to Accent SE's performance-tuned driving dynamics. Accent is now the only car in its class to offer XM Satellite Radio with three months of free service as standard equipment with the vehicle's audio system. The auxiliary input jack allows iPods and other portable MP3 players to be connected directly into Accent's audio system. Additional safety is provided by the TPMS, which alerts drivers if tires are under inflated through an illuminated readout on the dash.

Offered in a four-door sedan (the Accent GLS) and three-door models (the Accent GS and SE) Accent continues to offer a high level of standard safety, power and economy in its class, as well as more than 35 options and accessories allowing owners to express their individual style. And as gas prices surge Accent's fuel economy is another smart reason for buyers to consider Accent.

ADVANCED SAFETY FEATURES

In a bold stroke in this price-sensitive market segment, Hyundai has outfitted the Accent with state-of-the-art standard safety technologies including a total of six airbags, including dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags covering both rows of seating. The combination of side and curtain airbags, which help protect the head and body during side impacts, can reduce fatalities by more than 45 percent according to Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). All Accents come equipped with front seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters, which are designed to tighten the seatbelt in the event of a collision. This safety package helped the Accent GLS four-door receive a five-star frontal crash safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Additional standard safety equipment now includes a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) are optional on the GLS and standard on the SE.



REFINED AND CONFIDENT DESIGN

Hyundai designers gave the Accent GLS a distinctive look within its market segment. Upscale details like a chrome-accented grille, plus bodycolor door handles, mirrors, bodyside moldings, and rear garnish trim combine with bold tail lights and strong character lines to deliver a standout presence. The roof-mounted flexible micro-antenna not only looks good, but also provides improved radio reception. The new 15-inch wheel design further enhances the design of Accent GLS.



Externally, the three-door Accent GS and SE reflect Hyundai's sleek, confident design direction. Up front, the GS and SE feature an aggressive bodycolor grille with fog lights standard on the SE. Accent SE's high-performance P205/45R16 tires and lightweight five-spoke aluminum wheels provide a big dose of street credibility. A long wheelbase and higher seating positions increase the spacious feeling of the interior. A rear spoiler and wiper are standard on the Accent SE.

LARGE INTERIOR

The Accent's large silhouette pays comfort dividends inside, with more total interior volume than either the Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic - both cars that are a segment above Accent. The Accent four-door sedan has a total interior volume of 104.6 cubic feet, offering an unexpectedly spacious feel which bests the larger Civic sedan by 1.7 cubic feet. In addition, Accent has more passenger volume than Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris and Chevrolet Aveo. Accent three-door has a total interior volume of 108.1 cubic feet which makes it roomer than the Civic Coupe by 12.9 cubic feet. Front passengers enjoy class-leading legroom and rear passengers enjoy a class-leading 53.1 inches of shoulder room. Accent three-door also delivers class-leading interior volume in the three-door segment. Accent three-door's cargo space is 15.9 cubic feet, a total of 6.6 cubic feet larger than the Yaris three-door.

Accent's interior finish, attention to detail and color options have reset expectations in Accent's market segment. There's a handsome two-tone interior color scheme with either a gray or beige theme, or a sporty, black monotone interior that is available on Accent three-door. Improved, analog instrumentation on the GLS and SE keeps the driver informed, while power steering, a tilt steering wheel and an eight-way adjustable driver's seat with fold-down armrest ensure long-haul comfort. Convenient storage areas are placed throughout the interior, including bins in the front and rear center console and glove compartment. GLS and SE add front seatback pockets and door storage pockets. Each door pocket can also accommodate a beverage bottle, plus there are two more cupholders in front and another pair in the fold-down rear center armrest. All Accents have a 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback making it easy to load large objects, or to mix cargo and passengers for maximum flexibility. The Accent three-door's rear seats recline for more comfort.

Hyundai has traditionally delivered high feature content for the money, and the Accent is no exception. Standard features are comprehensive, including two-speed variable intermittent wipers, adjustable head restraints for all seating positions, cabin air filtration, rear window defroster, tachometer, new rear coat hook, digital clock, two 12-volt outlets, and remote hood and fuel filler door releases.

For audiophiles, the available 172-watt AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system includes auxiliary input jack, large-format display with easy-to-use controls and a total of six speakers positioned throughout the interior. While XM Satellite Radio is not available on most competitors and optional on others, it comes standard with all Accent audio systems.

CLEAN, FUEL EFFICIENT ENGINE

The Accent is powered by a 1.6-liter DOHC in-line four cylinder engine that features four valves per cylinder with CVVT (Continuously Variable Valve Timing). The DOHC and CVVT combination helps to give the engine a very broad powerband, coupled with high fuel efficiency and low emissions.

With the better breathing from the CVVT, performance peaks at 110 horsepower at 6000 rpm and torque is 106 lb.-ft. at 4500 rpm. At 110 horsepower, Accent makes more horsepower than Yaris, Fit and Aveo. Fuel economy is also competitive. With a manual transmission, the Accent's new EPA mileage is 27 mpg City and 32 mpg Highway. With the optional four-speed automatic transmission, the Accent's new EPA rating is 24 mpg City and 33 mpg Highway.

Besides the added performance it provides, CVVT also helps the engine operate more cleanly, and the Accent is certified as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV). The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) also recognized the Hyundai Accent as one of the top 12 "Greenest Vehicles" in the industry. Part of the Alpha engine family, the Accent's powerplant is a tough and technologically advanced unit that features a rigid cast-iron block and lightweight aluminum cylinder head. Engineered for the long haul, the Alpha is backed by a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.

TWO TRANSMISSION CHOICES

For engaging performance, the Accent comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission that has lower gearing (for quicker acceleration and a more sporty personality). For the ultimate in performance the B&M Racing shifter adds shorter throw-lengths and more precision to Accent SE's fun-to-drive nature. Also available is an optional four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and lock-up torque converter to maximize fuel economy at highway speeds.

REMARKABLE DRIVING DYNAMICS

Accent's stiff body structure allows the affordable Accent to deliver a comfortable ride and responsive handling. Accent features a MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and gas shock absorbers, and a coupled torsion beam rear suspension with coil springs and gas shock absorbers. A 21.0-mm diameter front stabilizer bar helps reduce body roll when cornering. Rack-and-pinion steering with engine-RPM sensing assist makes for low-effort maneuvering around town, combined with a secure feel at high speed. At 33.1 feet Accent's turning diameter is better than Fit's 34.3 feet and Versa's 34.2 feet.

Accent is tuned to satisfy unique consumer needs. The GLS four-door is tuned for comfort, but still feels agile. The GS three-door has a unique steering rack with a sportier feel. The top-of-the-line SE trim aims to set a new standard in the under-$15,000 fun-to-drive category, delivering even more road-holding capability. Accent SE's sport-tuned suspension features a 24 percent stiffer front spring rate, an 11 percent stiffer rear spring rate, a larger stabilizer bar (24 mm) and unique strut valving. This model's 205/45R16 tires are tuned specifically for precision and improved lateral acceleration. Accent SE delivers a 70 percent increase in roll control over the GLS. To complete the performance package, Accent SE has a four-sensor, four-channel Antilock Braking System (ABS). Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) is integrated into the ABS, automatically adjusting braking force front to rear based on vehicle load.

QUALITY AND VALUE

Taken in total, the Accent's many strengths make it not only a smart choice for buyers, but also a clear value leader in its segment. Advanced standard safety technologies give it an important edge. Accent has more passenger interior volume than the Chevrolet Aveo, Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit and Honda Civic, and upscale interior appointments make it remarkably comfortable and accommodating. New features for 2008 - like standard XM satellite radio - demonstrate Hyundai's commitment to continually meeting higher customer expectations. Add in the advantage of America's Best Warranty™, including five years and 60,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and choosing Accent becomes an even simpler decision for the savvy buyer.

PERSONALIZATION

Vehicle personalization is a growing trend, and is increasingly important to new car buyers. Hyundai offers more than 35 options and accessories on the Accent three-door, enabling buyers to make their own vehicle unique. These include a DC Sports front strut tower brace, AEM short ram intake, B&M Racing sport shifter, power sunroof, a 570-watt Kenwood AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with Kenwood speakers and subwoofer, aluminum door sills, carbon fiber B-pillar applique, ground effects kit and an alloy fuel door.

ACCENT GLS

To simplify the buying process, the four-door Accent sedan comes in a single GLS trim level with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. GLS trim includes a wide range of features, including several items that are either optional or unavailable on competitive vehicles such as a powerful 1.6-liter CVVT engine, 172-watt six-speaker AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input jack, power steering, rear coat hook, tilt steering wheel, driver and passenger illuminated vanity mirrors and standard air conditioning. There are a total of six airbags, including dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and roof mounted side-curtain airbags. Carpeted floor mats are optional. The Popular Equipment Package includes ABS with EBD, power windows, mirrors, door locks, remote keyless entry with alarm and panic alert. The GLS Premium Package includes the Popular Equipment Package, plus 15-inch alloy wheels with 195/55R15 tires.

ACCENT GS - THE PERFECT ENTRY-LEVEL CAR

In keeping with Hyundai's high-value approach to standard equipment, the Accent GS not only looks good, but also has a remarkable array of desirable features. A tilt steering wheel and an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat with fold-down armrest, reclining rear seat and power steering ensure long-haul comfort. Convenient storage areas are placed throughout the interior, including the front center console, driver storage tray and a rear storage tray. Two cupholders are ideally situated between the driver and passenger for easy reach. A 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback makes it easy to load large objects, or to mix cargo and passengers for maximum effectiveness. The roof-mounted micro antenna is aerodynamic, flexible and improves signal strength.

Standard features are comprehensive and not typically found in this segment, including two-speed variable intermittent wipers, rear spoiler, adjustable head restraints for all seating positions, cabin air filtration, rear window defroster, tachometer, digital clock, two 12-volt outlets and remote hood and fuel filler door releases.

The GS Popular Equipment Package includes air conditioning and a 172-watt AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with tweeters and auxiliary input jack. The GS Premium Equipment Package includes the GS Popular Equipment Package items plus power windows, mirrors, and door locks and remote keyless entry with alarm and panic alert. The bodycolor mirrors and door handles complete the package.

Accent SE - THE NEW UNDER $15,000 PERFORMANCE LEADER

The sport-oriented Accent SE takes value in an exciting new, fun-to-drive direction with the addition of the B&M Racing sport shifter. To complete the driving experience, the Accent SE features a sport-tuned suspension with unique springs, strut valving, stabilizer bar and steering gear - delivering in total a 70 percent increase in roll stiffness over the GLS. Accent SE also features air conditioning, a 172-watt AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers and auxiliary input jack; power windows with driver's window auto-down feature, illuminated vanity mirrors, rear center armrest, power door locks, remote keyless entry with alarm and panic alert and power-adjustable exterior mirrors. On the outside, the 16-inch alloy wheels and P205/45R16 tires deliver enhanced road-holding capability, and fog lights keep the driver's path illuminated in adverse weather. The SE trim is equipped with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and metallic interior accents. Additional storage is available with the seatback pockets and front door bottle holders. A power sunroof is among the many options and accessories available.

WARRANTY

The 2008 Hyundai Accent is protected by the Hyundai Advantage, America's Best Warranty. Coverage includes five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection, 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, and seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation coverage. In addition, Accent buyers receive 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at no extra charge for five years (no mileage limit) and that service includes emergency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses. There is no deductible on any of these coverages.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 750 dealerships nationwide.