Hyundai Accent Car Review

The new Accent is more than a makeover, it’s a brand new car. It sits between the i20 and i30. The hatch looks very similar i30, but a bit smaller. I would have called it an i15, just to make this point clearer, but apparently the Accent name for this particular model is here to stay.

The new Accent is available in both a sedan and hatch, appealing to various demographics. According to Hyundai, the younger demographic, particularly women, go for the sporty hatch and the older demographic, where practicality is paramount, steer towards the sedan.

There are 3 model grades to choose from, the Active, Elite and Premium. All models have a 1.6 litre CVVT engine, and offer both manual and auto transmissions. Our review focuses on the middle model, Elite manual. It’s pretty well equipped. It just misses out on the part leather seats, climate control air conditioning, rear camera integrated in the rear vision mirror, rear park assist and push button start with proximity smart key-which are all standard on the Premium model.

The Drive

To see what it was like behind the wheel, I took the Accent through the city and suburbs of Sydney. I drove the car in a loop from the overseas passenger terminal at Circular Quay, across the Harbour Bridge and through the leafy suburbs of the lower North Shore. The manual was fun to drive and responsive through the gears. One great feature that I am starting to see more frequently on manuals is the “eco indicator”.  Yes you guessed it, something to do with fuel consumption. It works by illuminating a number in your dash indicating the optimum fuel efficient gear to drive in. So if you’re driving in 4^th gear, and the car has enough revs to function more efficiently in 5^th gear, the number 5 will appear in your dash.

Being a small car with big windows, it was easy to see out of when travelling along the road or backing it into a parking spot at a shopping centre.

Safety

The new Accent has achieved the maximum 5 star ANCAP safety rating.

The following features are standard on all models

• Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Four-channel, four-sensor Anti-skid Braking System (ABS)
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Six airbags
• Front seats fitted with pretensioners, height adjustable seat belts
• HTSS used throughout the vehicle structure in critical areas
• Height adjustable front and rear head restraints
• Hyundai Active Locking System (HALO) including speed sensing auto door locking
• Keyless entry with alarm
• Full size spare wheel

To keep you safe when you are out and about, the doors automatically lock themselves when you hit about 40km per hour. They automatically unlock when you take the key out of the ignition.

Rear Passenger Comfort

If you are after rear leg room, go for the sedan, it’s not so squeezy. Two adults can sit very comfortably in the rear of both the sedan and hatch, but a third would struggle, unless they’re pint sized like Kylie Minogue. And who wouldn’t want to be squashed up against her??

Entertainment

All models offer iPod, Aux and USB connectivity and single CD player, with controls mounted on the steering wheel. The Elite and Premium models have a 6 speaker audio system. In addition, all models offer Bluetooth for your phone, with controls also located on the steering wheel.

Storage

There are some good, usable storage options including a good sized glove box, front door pockets, two centre cup holders, a couple of storage nooks and centre storage compartment.

The boot is a good size and offers storage net to stop your items from flying around. If you need to pack more in, you can fold one or both of the rear seats down.

Fuel Economy Figures^

Note: ^Source ADR81/02. Fuel consumption will vary depending on a combination of driving habits and the condition of the vehicle.

Pricing*

Note: *All prices are Manufacturer’s List Price. Price excludes dealer delivery and statutory charges.

Overall View

The Accent offers marginally more space than the i20, but looks bigger, more like the i30. The build quality is good and overall it offers good value.

*Manufacturer's RRP. Excludes dealer delivery and statutory government costs.

# All new vehicles sold in Australia (up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass) are tested to determine the level of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions (Greenhouse rating), which are displayed on the fuel consumption label attached to the windscreen of the car. The Green Vehicle Guide rating combines the Greenhouse Rating and Air Pollution Rating and awards a star. 5 stars is the best rating. 
Information is correct at the time of the review. Please check with your local Hyundai dealer for the most recent information.

Review Date: August 2011

Reviewed By: Melissa Pye