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Small, entry-level cars are usually associated with basic transportation. They're for getting from point A to point B, and not much more.
But Hyundai is going against the grain with its third-generation Accent sedan and hatchback by offering surprising amounts of value at affordable prices. This subcompact car has come a long way since Hyundai first launched it 1995.
The Accent is offered in two body styles -- a four-door sedan and a two-door hatchback -- and each offers a variety of trim levels.
From the outside, the current version looks fun and youthful with a round and curvy front end. Chrome accents on the grille add a dash of flash to the basic exterior, while a roof-mounted antenna hints at European-inspired design.
Inside, the Accent differs from most of the competition because the cabin doesn't feel or look low-rent. While other vehicles in the segment have cost-saving instrument clusters mounted awkwardly in the middle of the dashboard, the Accent puts it in the proper place, directly in front of the driver's eyes.
The fit and finish of materials is pleasingly solid for a car with such a low price tag. Everything is within easy reach. Several storage compartments are also provided. In fact, there are so many cubby holes to stow your stuff, you might forget where you stashed it.
A rubberized anti-slip pad is located near the gear shifter, a convenient spot to store your cell phone or PDA. An overhead sunglasses storage compartment is available on models with a sunroof.
Hyundai has expanded the size of the interior for added comfort. By extending the wheelbase, width, track and height of the car, the Accent is now the longest and widest in its segment.
Interior volume has been increased by about 100 litres over the outgoing model. The driver's seat is also raised by two inches for a higher, command-style driving position that offers increased visibility.
With rear 60/40-split seats, only one side needs to be folded for carrying long parcels in the trunk.
Power comes courtesy of a 1.6-litre, DOHC, inline 4-cylinder engine. The unit found in the new Accent has been significantly improved from that found in the old model. The engine now features CVVT (Continuously Variable Valve Timing), a technology designed to improve performance, reduce emissions and increase fuel economy.
CVVT speeds up or slows down intake components to improve power at high rpm. The result? The engine produces 110 hp, a six per cent gain over the outgoing model. Torque is also up at 106 lb-ft.
On sedans equipped with the standard 5-speed manual gearbox, the engine will sip 7.4 L/100 km in city driving and 6.2 L/100 km in highway driving. With the automatic transmission, it consumes 8.3 L/100 km in the city, but only 5.9 L/100 km on the highway.
The Accent's power steering system is linked to engine speed. This system is designed to make it light and nimble for parallel parking on a busy street, or heavier and stable on the highway.
The Accent sedan comes in three trim levels: GL, GL Comfort and GLS. While the GL is well appointed, buyers get more amenities on the GLS, including six airbags, ABS, air conditioning, heated seats, 16-inch wheels and tweeters on the audio system.
Meanwhile, the hatchback is currently available in four flavours (although there will be a fifth -- more on that in a bit). The GS is the base version, while the GS Comfort offers a long list of standard features. It adds a/c, plus power locks, windows and mirrors to the amenity list. The GS Sport comes standard with a six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power sunroof and a sportier suspension.
This spring, Hyundai will release the sporty Accent SR hatchback, injecting a healthy dose of performance into the lineup. The model, based on a concept first unveilled at the 2005 Frankfurt Auto Show, will be unique to the Canadian market.
Superficially, the new SR will look bolder and more aggressive than the average hatchback, with flared wheel arches and low-hanging side skirts. Of course, there'll be enough SR badges to let others know this is, in fact, one hot hatch.
Hyundai says the car will also feature a custom air induction intake, stiffer suspension and tougher brakes. All this performance will ride on custom 16-inch aluminium alloy wheels wrapped in high-performance rubber.
The interior features a shift knob specially designed for performance driving and carbon-fibre dashboard components will be made available as options. Hyundai also says the SR will feature a powerful Clarion seven-speaker audio system, beyond what's offered in the GS Premium.
Best of all, pricing is expected to start under the $20,000-mark when the SR launches in a few months.
The Accent SR "combines the best attributes of a subcompact economy car with impressive performance in a head-turning package," said John Vernile, Hyundai Auto Canada's vice-president of sales and marketing. The SR "realizes a whole new balance between exhilarating performance, spaciousness, quality, image and driving pleasure," Vernile added. |