Since
its 1995 introduction, the Hyundai
Accent has served as the company's entry-level small car. Although grouped
with similarly priced subcompact cars, the Accent sedan and hatchback have
always fallen under the EPA's classification for a compact car, which
translates to a surprisingly roomy interior. Other typical Accent advantages
include generous standard equipment, a choice of hatchback and sedan body
styles and long warranty coverage.
The
latest Hyundai Accent has made
great strides toward front-runner status in this competitive segment, which is
a welcome change from past models. It is now larger inside and out, and the
overall look of the car is certainly more dynamic. Performance and overall
quality have been notably improved as well. Prior to the current-generation
car, older Accents suffered from low safety ratings and an overall level of
quality that didn't match up to some competitors.
Current
Hyundai Accent
Available
as a sedan or a four-door hatchback, the Accent comes with a 1.6-liter
four-cylinder producing 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. A
six-speed manual transmission is standard, while a six-speed automatic is also
available. Power output is impressive for the class, and the Accent gets
excellent fuel economy as well.
The
sedan comes only in base GLS trim, while the hatchback comes in GS and the
top-line SE trims. The GLS is nicely equipped with air-conditioning, full power
accessories and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio
and iPod/USB/auxiliary input jacks. Option highlights including foglights,
alloy wheels, keyless entry, upgraded interior trim, a tilt-and-telescoping
steering wheel, cruise control and Bluetooth are available. The GS hatchback
adds a few extra features. Stepping up to the SE hatchback gets you pretty much
all of the optional features as standard.
Inside,
the Hyundai Accent has a
look and feel that's a cut above most rivals, with patterned upholstery, a
sculpted dash and a modern overall design. Although some drivers may be
bothered by the lack of a telescoping steering wheel as standard equipment on
most trims, taller passengers will find all but the rear center seat roomy and
comfortable. Cargo space is also quite accommodating, especially in the
hatchback models.
On
the road, the Accent's four-cylinder engine pulls significantly stronger than
the power plants of its major competitors. Both the six-speed manual and the
six-speed automatic transmissions make good use of that output, too. What it
lacks in sporty handling dynamics, it compensates for with a quiet, comfortable
ride and good overall composure -- criteria likely more important to buyers
shopping this segment. That the Accent performs this well overall while still
rating an EPA-estimated 31 mpg combined is impressive. Overall, the Hyundai Accent stands as a
front-runner in the subcompact segment.
Used
Hyundai Accent Models
The
Hyundai Accent was fully redesigned for 2012, marking its fourth generation.
Compared to the previous generation, this Accent is roomier inside, with a more
stylish design and a more powerful and fuel-efficient engine. There haven't
been any major changes since, although the optional telescoping steering wheel
didn't become available until 2014.
The
third-generation Hyundai
Accent was built from 2006-'11. It's a cost-effective choice for a used car,
though not a particularly exciting one. All third-generation Accents were
powered by 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 110 hp and 106 lb-ft of
torque. Transmission choices included either a five-speed manual or a
four-speed automatic.
During
its run, a steady progression of changes and improvements were implemented.
Initially, a sedan body style and single trim level were available. In 2007, a
two-door hatchback was added to the lineup along with additional trim levels:
the GS and SE were offered on the hatchback and GLS was the only sedan choice.
GS
models were modestly appointed with the bare necessities. The SE added 16-inch
alloy wheels, air-conditioning, power accessories, a CD player, a sport-tuned
suspension and quicker steering. The GLS sedan included air-conditioning and
the audio system as standard, with power accessories and alloy wheels optional.
A sunroof and an upgraded audio system were optional on the SE.
There
was a slight bump in fuel economy for 2009, as well as available cruise
control. For 2010, the entry-level Blue trim joined the lineup as the new value
leader, but was renamed the GL one year later. In the meantime, the GS received
standard air-conditioning. USB connectivity was added to the available
auxiliary input in 2010. Used car shoppers should pay special attention to
whether or not an Accent
has antilock brakes, as the car's braking distance grows excessively long
without them. Antilock brakes weren't even an option for the GS until 2010.
Finally in 2011, all Accents featured it as standard.
The
second-generation Accent was sold in sedan and hatchback form from 2000-'05.
Initially, this Accent was offered only with an 89-hp, 1.5-liter four-cylinder
engine (horsepower varied slightly over the years). A 104-hp, 1.6-liter engine
joined the lineup in 2001 and replaced the 1.5-liter altogether in 2003.
Acceleration was adequate even with the 1.5-liter engine, however, and both the
automatic and manual transmissions perform acceptably.
Handling
and braking capabilities were modest on second-gen Accents, mainly because of
the car's undersized 13-inch wheels and tires. Hyundai did offer the 2004 and
'05 GT hatchback with 14-inch wheels and a firmer suspension, but if you're
buying any used Accent, it's a good idea to set aside some money for better
tires. Unfortunately, antilock brakes were optional only on 2005 Accents. Front
seat-mounted side airbags were standard on 2003 GL sedans and hatchbacks, and
on all 2004 and '05 models.
Sold
from 1995-'99, the first-generation Hyundai Accent was also
available as both a compact sedan and a three-door hatchback; it replaced
Hyundai's shoddily built Excel subcompact (1986-'94). All Accents of this era
came with a 92-hp, 1.5-liter engine, except for the 1996 and '97 GT hatch,
which had a DOHC, 16-valve version of this engine good for 105 hp. ABS was optional
on automatic transmission-equipped Accents sold from 1995-'98, but this safety
feature was discontinued entirely for 1999 and didn't turn up again until 2005.
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