Hyundai Accent
The Hyundai Accent is currently viewed as one of the best valued cars in the subcompact category, coming in both 5-door hatchback and 4-door styles.
The Accent has long been a major player for Hyundai, scoring big in the import market worldwide.
The car has changed somewhat since it’s early years, which isn’t all that surprising when you consider that Hyundai Motor Company have taken the same type of path.
Hyundai Accent was first introduced in the USA as a 2001 model back in 2000 and has been sold globally under a few different names.
The history of the Accent very closely mirrors that of its maker, with both going from relative obscurity to becoming world renowned for value pricing and fuel-efficiency.
The one thing that hasn’t really changed is that the Accent still represents an excellent buy for customers looking for a quality vehicle that is easy on the purse strings, yet still offers some great features.
The newer models especially are rewarding for the frugal buyer, with advanced audio packages and sporty styling available at the same great price.
The original versions of the Hyundai Accent came in GL, GSL, and GT trims, with the choice of either a 1,5L or 1,6L engine under the hood.
Those original models were pretty much shunned by the automotive world, but customers still chose the vehicle because of its impressive base features and fuel efficiency, both of which helped put Hyundai on the map somewhat.
Hyundai introduced the second-generation Accent in 2005, again in three different trims, but this time they had the SE in place of the GT.
The Accent GLS model gave customers the option to choose between a manual or continuously variable transmission. The GLS had a sedan style body, whereas the GS and SE were released as hatchbacks. The 1.5L engine was ditched in favor of a 1.6L that appeared in all three trims.
The second-generation Accent was considered to be a real upgrade from the first release, coming with a roomy interior which included plenty of cargo space, as well as AC standard.Where it fell short though was in safety, particularly when it came to side impact testing.
New Hyundai Accent appears in 2012
Fast forward to 2012 and the release of the latest, brand-new Hyundai Accent; this version has grown up in a number of different ways.
It now comes in a 5-door hatchback or 4-door sedan body style and is now borders on being a compact.
The technology is now far more advanced too, with an all-new 1,6L GDI four-cylinder engine that delivers 138 horsepower and comes in both manual and six-speed automatic transmissions.
Hyundai Accent 5-door SE video:
What hasn’t changed is the incredible fuel economy that the Accent provides, with this model giving 30mpg city and 40 mpg highway, making it the least expensive and most fuel efficient in the Hyundai line-up.
That puts it well ahead of subcompact competitors like the Ford Fiesta, Chevy Sonic, Honda Fit, and the Hyundai Accent also wins the features war with additions like Bluetooth, standard 6 airbags -including curtain airbags, and stability control.
FYI, the all-new 2013 Hyundai Accent is already on sale in the USA! Check it out here.
