Hyundai Accent Reviews

Ford Fiesta and Hyundai Accent go head-to-head in this comparative review.

Hyundai’s Accent CRDi is quite simply the lowest cost diesel engined car on our market. When the Accent CRDi was introduced in January 2012 it immediately replaced the Ford Fiesta LX TDCi as the least expensive turbo-diesel model in Australia.This new oil burning Accent comes as a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback, both at the same starting price of $19,490.That’s a $2500 premium over the manual petrol Accent but much of that added cost will be recouped from the significantly lower fuel consumption.Low running costs are impressive, but keep in mind you’re spending an extra $2500 to achieve the fuel savings. Some of this added cost will be recouped when the time comes to trade up.The Accent's 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel delivers 94 kW of power, and a very healthy 265 Nm of torque all the way from 1900 to 2750 rpm.Hyundai Accent CRDi has official fuel consumption measurements of 4.4 litres per hundred kilometres in the manual sedan and 4.5 litres for the hatch. In the glove compartment we found a box of 10 latex gloves for clean diesel filling.Our review Hyundai Accent diesel was a neat looking hatch with what Hyundai calls its `fluid design'. There are no hard edges and many who saw the flowing shape during our test period loved its lines.We like the current Hyundai Y-shaped dash design theme. It’s clean, easy on the eye and functional. Bluetooth and MP3 are standard and there are audio controls on the steering wheel.The front seats are comfortable and supportive. The rear seats offer good legroom and reasonable headroom and are reasonably supportive. However, the centre seat is firm to the point of being hard and has less headroom than the others. There's no storage in the rear doors.The rear 60/40 split seats fold flat with a one-touch action. The large boot is easy to load and has a security screen.The Accent turbo-diesel has a five-star ANCAP rating and has six airbags, stability control, traction control and ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution.Turbo-diesel engines produce a lot more torque than non-turbo petrol engines, making the Accent CRDi easier to drive. Fifth and sixth gear are highly geared for economy. In sixth gear the Accent CRDi simply lopes along at 110 km/h barely hitting 2000 rpm.During our open road driving we found the car to be using four to five litres per hundred kilometres when driven with economy in mind. Harder driving and hilly roads could see this rise to the five to six range, but that’s still excellent. Around town we would also expect the Hyundai Accent CRDi to use fuel in the latter range.This Hyundai Accent handles nicely, has minimal body roll and no bad road manners that we could find. It is as well suited to city driving as open roads with the turbo diesel and high gearing making it simply lope along in the bush.Hyundai Accent CRDi is a good looking car that doesn’t give the appearance of being a stripped down economy special. It’s simple to drive and park and its low purchase price seems assured of success in the Australian sales race.

Taking time off has done wonders for Hyundai's Accent.After dropping out of circulation for more than year, this fourth-generation small car is back with a bang, its striking good looks the product of the company's stylish fluid design offensive.Armed with eye-catching lines, a peppy engine, a spacious interior and plenty of equipment for the price, it elevates the Accent to a level where it rubs shoulders with class leaders, such as the Toyota Yaris, Mazda2 and Ford Fiesta.The 1.6-litre engine puts out a class-leading 91kW and 156Nm. When matched to the six-speed manual (on test), it delivers lively and responsive performance. Some of its zip, however, is due to the relatively short gearing, which has the engine spinning at close to 3000rpm at 100kmh.Even so, apart from an eager buzz when working, noise levels are commendably muted. Fuel use is a frugal 6l/100km in the manual (auto 6.4), a fraction thriftier than its main rivals. The ride is comfortable and well-controlled and the handling is nimble and secure.The great economy, together with the light and responsive steering, makes this Accent more engaging to drive than its predecessor. The interior is bright and inviting, the controls and instruments are clear and uncluttered, the seats comfortable and the finish impressive.There is ample head and leg room front and rear for four average-sized adults and a decent boot. Visibility out the rear, however, is impaired by the upsweep of the rear pillar. The model range is the Active at $16,990 and the Elite at $18,490, both in sedan or hatch. The Premium hatch is $20,990. Add $2000 to all models for automatic transmission.If you are in the market for a light car, make sure you sample the Accent.

A decade ago you wouldn't consider a motoring holiday in a light passenger car. Too small, too noisy, too bumpy and stripped of any comfort feature demanded by the long-distance motorist. The only time you'd crack a smile is when refuelling - if the range of the tiny petrol tank allowed you to get there. But I'd take any of these four hatches - Hyundai Accent, Mazda 2, Toyota Yaris or Ford Fiesta - out to Alice Springs, have a coffee at Gonzo's, and drive back. You wouldn't have done that in most of the lightweight hatches sold 10 years ago.What's changed? You. You are now demanding fuel efficient, safe and roomy baby cars that slot under a Corolla but just above the pared-back, minicar budget class.Manufacturers are falling over themselves in the challenge. They know you are downsizing but don't want to lose luxury and convenience features. They know you are focused on fuel economy and safety, like a space in a comfortable cabin and demand premium things like audios that integrate with handheld devices.There are more than four hatchbacks to choose from. In fact there are 26 distinct models in the light-car segment. But the four listed here are very, very good at their job. They will suit the commuter as much as the uni student, have sufficient zip for driver's with passion, the simplicity of driving to lure Mum and the cabin and boot room for junior and the pram.These four tested here are all the top-spec in their model range. They are all automatic, all have the maximum five-star crash ratings and five lap-sash seatbelts, and are similarly priced. They're just small - that's all.1. HYUNDAI ACCENT Premium ($22,990)Slips above the i20 and just below the i30 (which gets bigger next year with a new model) in size and price but loses nothing in terms of comfort, space and features. Possibly the best of the three sisters, it wears the latest Hyundai style yet is suitably restrained to broaden its market.ValueStar: 4: Wins the race here with heaps of features for the price in comparison to the others. Leather upholstery; compatible audio with Bluetooth, iPod and USB; full-size spare alloy wheel; keyless start; electric windows and mirrors; four-wheel disc brakes; and a lidded centre console are included.DesignAt 4.1m long it's not tiny but the snub nose, abrupt tail and height give it distinction. It all translates into excellent cabin room - a close second for rear legroom - and a big boot. How Hyundai fits a 195mm wide full-size spare under the boot floor and still manages to beat most rivals is simply clever.TechnologyIt's a simple car with the accent (that's a pun) on low running costs. So the 91kW/156Nm 1.6-litre engine is made for durability and the four-speed auto - with sequential shift - is built to be inexpensive and reliable. The electric steering can be vague and even uncertain so requires familiarisation.SafetyFive-star crash rating, six airbags, electronic stability and traction control, four-wheel disc brakes, rear park sensors and even a camera with its screen in the rear vision mirror. Complete.DrivingOnly the vague and twitchy electric steering dampens a confident, peppy and comfortable ride. The engine is flexible enough to cope with only four gears - though the sequential mode can add sparkle - and is relatively quiet, economical and even entices a level of fun to driving. Handling is typical of its class and will surprise with its surefootedness. Great visibility (rear camera helps here) and comfortable leather seats help survive the city.2. MAZDA2 Genki ($22,145)This model gets better each year and is now the most popular in its segment with a 13.6 per cent share. The Genki is the top-line of the Mazda2 range and continues to add more comfort and features to make many buyers think twice before going up a size to the Mazda3. This is a small car - at 3.9m long, the second smallest here - so is suggested for single drivers or perhaps couples.ValueOver the mid-level Mazda2 Maxx, Genki costs $2805 more and adds cruise control, body kit, bigger 16-inch alloys, trip computer, auto headlights and climate-control airconditioning. Worth it? Probably not, though if you're a leadfoot, the cruise control may save the difference in speeding fines within the first year.DesignCute. Everyone loves these but they are definitely styled to attract women. Get out of the car, Brian. Mazda cleverly doesn't overdo the family-themed styling so the baby car has subtle looks yet remains distinctly zoom-zoom. It's small size doesn't stop design flexibility - the vertical glovebox has an open top to store A4 documents which is handy if you have A4 documents, a bit daft if you do not. The rear seat is better for children than adults and though the boot is only 250-litres, split fold rear seats give some load-space flexibility.TechnologyAgain, this is a simple sector of the car market and Mazda complies with a 1.5-litre engine and four-speed automatic transmission. No surprises here. It has front disc brakes but the rear units are drum - see also Fiesta and Yaris - which is serviceable but old hat. Suspension is common to the four - MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion bar at the back - based on low price and compactness.SafetyAlso a five-star crash rated car. The Mazda2 equals most rivals with its six airbags, electronic stability and traction control, brake assist and brakeforce distribution. The space-saver spare wheel loses some points - compared with the Hyundai - so can limit its ability to take to the country.DrivingThis is the oldest model here yet still delights with its performance and particularly its agile handling. Like the others it has electric steering but seems more communicative than most. The drum rear brakes don't affect performance and, surprisingly, the engine copes very well with the miserable four cogs offered in its gearbox. It really is a joy to drive but can be noisy and if you have too much fun, fuel thirst will kill the smiles.3. TOYOTA YARIS YRX ($21,390)The second generation Yaris - following on from the Echo - improves by evolution to become bigger and stronger. It is making a step away from the "cutesy" end of the segment and looks bolder. In doing so, it will appeal equally to male and female buyers. But despite its new look, much of the car remains similar to before and may not appear to offer as much value as its most deadly rival, Hyundai.ValueThe price is good. This is the cheapest car here by up to $1600 and probably not what you'd expect from Toyota. It's pretty well specced with 15-inch alloys, auto headlights, touch-screen audio with sat-nav, Bluetooth and USB/iPod compatibility, climate airconditioning and trip computer. The YRX is $2000 more than the mid-spec but aside from the SUNA traffic system - not available in all states - I can't see the value in the extra loot.DesignAs mentioned, this model arrived a couple of months ago with a more masculine style and boasting more cabin room. The deep V-shaped grille and kerb-catcher bottom inlet are striking, as is the bulging rear wheel arches and pronounced tail lights. Inside it's a very good match of ergonomics and aesthetics. The double-layer boot looks cavernous but is only a snip above the Mazda2. But rear legroom is the best in this comparison so this car has more flexibility than most.TechnologyThe YRX gets the bigger 80kW 1.5-litre engine which has been around, in various guises, for a while. Most others get a 63kW 1.3-litre unit. No problem with the 1.5's power delivery and even the four-speed auto doesn't cripple its verve. The electric steering is pretty good but the drum rear brakes appear at odds with the rest of the car.SafetyAgain, a five-star crash rating with seven airbags (the seventh is for the driver's knees), electronic stability and traction control, brake assist and brakeforce distribution. The spare wheel is a space saver.DrivingThis is a tidy car. It sits nice and flat on the road and produces no squirms through the bends. The engine is sufficiently flexible to dust off the four gears and though it's no sports car, you can have a lot of fun here. The ride quality is also tops with comfortable seats and forgiving suspension, but it's not the quietest of the bunch and tyre noise can become annoying. Visibility is reasonable. It is difficult to get the complete rear view because of the rear-seat head restraints and to forward vision is thwarted by the steep rake of the bonnet. There is also no park sensors so parking can be guesswork.4. FORD FIESTA Zetec ($22,990)Ford have a little beauty on its hands with the Fiesta. It's so good that in many ways, trumps the bigger - and newer - Focus. It's made in Thailand (like the Mazda2) but quality rates highly. The Zetec is the most expensive of the range that also includes sedan versions and the frugal small-bore diesels.ValueThe price compares favourably with the others. Ford has a $2000 gap between the five-door hatch models - from the CL at $16,990 to LX at $18,990 and then the manual Zetec at $20,990 - and the latter justifies the extra with sports suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, sports seats and is the only one with USB and iPod integration in the audio. Yes, it's worth the extra.DesignLike the rivals, hard plastic dominates the dashboard and most remaining cabin spaces. But it's all been tastefully executed and though a bit busier than, say, the Hyundai or Mazda, delights in its playground appeal. The Focus-style audio buttons are a bit small for some fingers and there's no lid on the centre console (though the Fiesta isn't alone here) while the exterior is distinctive and fresh.TechnologyNothing to thrill here except the brilliant six-speed dual-clutch automatic. The six gears gives a wide spread in which the engine can work more efficiently while giving rapid upchanges. Very sporty. The 1.6-litre engine is a pleasant unit but nothing really to write home about, while the Fiesta follows suspension convention with MacPhersons at the front and a torsion beam behind.SafetyI repeat - five-star crash rating. There's also all the same electronic aids as the other competitors here and the only glaring difference is that the Fiesta doesn't come with a spare wheel. Nada. Zip. Nothing. Just a bottle of aerosol goo to reinflate the punctured tyre. A spare is optional and is a mandatory purchase.DrivingThe gearbox makes this car. It adds sparkle to the engine, creates smoother driving and ensures the engine is always in an efficient and torquey band of power through the corners. But there's actually a bit more. The seats are supportive and the small steering wheel falls nicely to hand, so there's the feeling that you're in a sports car and even though it's a city hatchback, it has a healthy 89kW/151Nm and records the lowest fuel consumption. Nothing much to dislike here though the boot is almost Mazda2 class in its size.

AFFORDABLE, practical, value for money and even fun aren't terms you'd aim at the baby end of the car market. Yet those definitions - and more - fit the Hyundai Accent better than a shoebox fits new shoes. Who will buy it? Anyone, it's that useable.The size fits any city carbay, the fuel economy is outstanding and the feature list - particularly handy stuff like Bluetooth and iPod connections - make it easier for us to cope with our fast lifestyles. But it's not just about the city. The inclusion of a full-size spare wheel - a commodity not even standard on Australia's "big six" cars - ensures it will cope with out-of-town adventures.Hyundai offer the Accent in three trim levels: Active ($16,990), Elite ($18,490) and Premium ($20,990) with an extra $2000 for the automatic. That puts it hard up against some equally serious players so Hyundai opens Santa's bag and drops in standard Bluetooth, full-size spare wheel, six airbags, iPod/USB connection, a five-star crash rating and a comprehensive vehicle stability management package.Pricing overlaps Hyundai's own i20 and i30 hatchbacks but the former isn't on par with the Accent's dynamics and the latter is ready for a replacement.Gee guys, how hard was this to design? It looks like a Canon photocopier took on an i30 hatch and set it to a 3 per cent reduction. Don't believe me? Get the calculator and make the comparison yourself. Actually, that's not a bad thing because the i30 has been the darling of the middle-class commuter set since it won Carsguide's Car of the Year in 2007.Accent comes as a hatch or sedan and looks good as either, streets ahead of its pregnant predecessor but not quite up to Elantra status. The shape boasts good cabin room, a very neat and workable dashboard and sensible fittings.The engine is the new-ish Gamma long-stroke 1.6-litre unit with a modest 91kW/156Nm output. Modest because the 91kW is available at 6500rpm - and you're never going to get to 6500rpm and survive with your licence intact - which equates to enduring a prolonged taser attack. But it has a linear torque spread - and needs it because the automatic transmission has only four cogs.Yes, there is a sequential shift mode so you can pick your own gear, but this box competes with the Ford Fiesta's slick six-speed unit. Otherwise, the Accent is beautifully simple to suit its role.The drivetrain may be unstartling but there is a lot to get excited about with the safety gear. The Accent gets a top-notch five-star rating, comes with electronic stability control (which is law from January 1), traction control, electronic brakeforce distribution and the latest anti-lock braking system.The umbrella system for all this is Hyundai's Vehicle Stability Management designed to automatically select the best electronic aids to suit any disaster. Or near disaster. Failing everything, there are als o six airbags.On paper it all looks so good. But the fly in the soup is the electric steering. Yes, it's wonderfully light at parking speeds so the muscle-challenged motorist can ease themselves into any carpark. But send this down a straight road at highway speeds and neighbouring motorists will think you've spent a hard afternoon at the bar. It is prone to wandering because, when the wheel is straight ahead, it has no assistance.A minor adjustment of the hand becomes a knee-jerk reaction from the awaken steering box, and then you have to correct by turning the other way and then back again and so on. That aside, it is comfortable - though there is some low-speed thump - and even enjoyable through winding roads. It is also very economical, surprisingly roomy and a doddle to park.This car makes so much sense it would make a perfect partner to that 4WD you have in the garage. And I know what I'd prefer to drive.

The sausage machine at Hyundai keeps on grinding them with the launch this week of a new Accent.It joins the new Elantra that went on sale a few weeks ago and is the second Hyundai model to get a name instead of a number.Confused?I am and I can only wonder what the man in the street must make of it all . . .To put things in perspective, models with a name like the Accent are targeted primarily at the North American market while those starting with the Applesque “i” are designed with Europe in mind.Lucky Oz gets to pick and chose which models it takes.In terms of size, the new Accent slots between the i20 and i30 models, but is available as both a sedan and hatch, powered by the same 1.6-litre four cylinder petrol engine.The hatch looks suspiciously like the i30 and doesn't appear to be that much smaller, but difference is likely to become greater with a new, larger i30 due early next year.Available in three grades; Active, Elite and Premium, the lineup is likely to change with the arrival later in the year of a 1.6-litre diesel and more powerful 1.6-litre GDI direct injection petrol engine.The latter is likely to power a sportier SR version of the car with an a body kit and the works. Disappointingly, at this stage, the choice is either five-speed manual or a pedestrian four speed auto (albeit a sequential).But this too could change with the introduction of a six-speed auto, probably at the same time the GDI gets here.The launch of the new Accent has also precipitated some changes to the i20 range which in future will be available only with a 1.4-litre engine.Prices for the new Accent start at $16,990 for the Active manual rising to $22,990 for the Premium auto (sedan and hatch are the same price).We were able to sample the manual hatch and automatic sedan at the launch in and around Sydney. Accent is a surprisingly impressive offering, maybe better than the best-selling Mazda2 which is starting to show its age.It looks smart, fit and finish is good, it's nice and quiet inside and is a snack to drive around town. For the time being at least the 1.6-litre engine is close to the most powerful in its class with 91kW of power and 156Nm of torque and fuel economy of 6.0 litres/100km.The manual change is slick and easy to use while the four-speed auto makes a fair fist of it, with the option of changing gears manually if you're looking for a little spark.The ride has benefited enormously from local tuning and this was particularly evident in the sedan which soaked up speed humps like they didn't exist.Rear legroom is good, the boot is generous and a full size spare is provided.We look forward to giving the Accent a more searching test drive later.Standard equipment includes Bluetooth and full iPod connectivity with AUX and USB inputs, along with steering wheel mounted controls for phone and audio.

BUYERS who think the i20 is too small and the slightly larger i30 is too big now have a compromise. Hyundai has shoehorned the new Accent in between the i20 and i30 in size, features and price. To see the three hatches on the road, it is difficult to pick them apart in size. But the Accent differentiates itself with a four-door sedan as well as a five-door hatch.Hyundai Australia boss Edward Lee says the Accent is the new premium model in the light-car segment. That comes as a bit of a surprise because the Accent - last available here from 2006-09 - was best know as cheap, reliable transport.Hyundai has taken the 1.6-litre engine out of the European-made i20 line-up and has priced the Korean-made 1.6-litre Accent range above the i20 and below the i30. Prices for the i20 range from $14,990 (drive away) to $16,490, while Accent prices start at $16,990 and end at $20,990, overlapping slightly with the i30 from $19,590. Roland Rivero senior manager product planning says the Accent comes in three trim levels - Active, Elite and Premium - which is consistent with all its new passenger vehicles.The Active comes standard with a trip computer, height-adjustable seat, iPod connectivity and 14-inch steel wheels with a full-size spare. The Elite ($18,490) adds a "premium" steering wheel and gear knob, piano black trim, front fog lamps and 16-inch alloys. Premium trim adds a reversing camera, leather trim, rear parking assist, auto climate control, push button start and keyless entry. The only factory option available is metallic paint.Hyundai says it is packed with technology and features, but a big let-down is there is no cruise control available yet. Rivero says are working on getting the must-have feature, but it will remain a big stumbling block for many buyers. There is also no diesel available yet, but Hyundai promises a 1.6-litre turbo diesel is coming. Rivero says we can expect to pay up to $2500 extra. There will also be a more powerful gasoline direct-injection (GDI) 1.6-litre model but also no word on when it will arrive.The only engine available now is the same 1.6-litre petrol engine from the i20 with 91kW of power and 150Nm of torque. Fuel economy is an acceptable 6L/100km in the five-speed manual which is better than the previous Accent at 7L/100km. There is also a four-speed torque-converter automatic with sequential shift available for an extra $2000.Rivero says the suspension has been tuned in Australia for our rough roads, a point Hyundai is keen to emphasise given criticism of the original suspension tuning on the i45 sedan and their commendable work to refine it.The hatch looks a little saggy in the bottom, but the sedan is quite attractive with a coupe-like swooping roof. This is Hyundai's fourth model in the "fluidic sculptured design" philosophy, featuring a hexagonal grille and curved headlamps that wrap around the front corners. The interior will look familiar to new Hyundai drivers with its curved dashboard, controls and blue illumination.Rivero says there are ample storage compartments for sunnies, CDs and phone, but there are no cupholders or door pockets in the rear. The boot has plenty of space in both the hatch and cavernous sedan, despite the fact that there is a full-size spare tyre under the floor. The 60-40 rear-fold seats add to the cargo versatility. The Accent is just 175mm longer and 10mm narrower than the i20 and 125mm shorter and 75mm narrower than the i30.Like all vehicles these days it has stability control, but this also comes with vehicle stability management which assists steering in low-grip situations. Basically it lightens the steering in the direction the driver should steer and it is the first vehicle in this segment with this feature. It also comes with six airbags as standard across the range including full-length curtain airbags to the rear seats. ANCAP this week announced the Accent had achieved a five-star safety rating.Despite the inspiring views of the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Sydney Harbour, the route for the launch was an uninspiring trip around the northern suburbs that left an uninspiring impression of the car. It may be a city car, but not being able to drive it above 80klm/h also leaves an incomplete impression of the vehicle. Not that the Hyundai put a wheel wrong.The handling and ride are fine for the potholed suburban streets and the engine is quiet with enough power for inner-city driving. The manual gearshift is light with a matching clutch and the four-speed auto is quick to respond with no indecisiveness. It is impossible to know if four gears are enough as we never hit the highway.Criticisms are the lack of steering feedback, no cruise control, no reach adjustability on the steering wheel and the low vision in the rear of the hatchback. Praise goes to the legroom in the rear.Hyundai has positioned it as a more premium package in the light-car segment, but it is still really just an affordable and honest, if uninspiring car. It will appeal for its style, reliability, refined and quiet petrol engine, and solid warranty.

Hyundai Accent replaced the Hyundai Excel in Australia in June 2000, but didn’t achieve the outstanding sales success of that model.

Hyundai paved the way for the other Korean carmakers to enter the Australian market and it remains the leader of the Korean pack. It wasn’t without its problems in the early days, but has evolved into a respected make that has earned its stripes in the Australian motoring landscape.The Accent resides in the period in which Hyundai was moving from a maker of cheap and cheerful cars with questionable quality and reliability to a producer of refined, durable cars as it is today.MODEL WATCHThe Accent was the replacement for the Excel, the small Hyundai that is perhaps best remembered for the chassis problem it suffered when someone forgot to weld the front end, but is generally well regarded by those who bought them and drove them for many, many thousands of kilometres and found them to be most reliable.Compared to the Excel the Accent was longer, wider and heavier, and rode on a longer wheelbase, but the interior and boot space was little different. That said Hyundai claimed that the head, leg and hiproom were improved.The styling was freshened with the Excel’s soft rounded curves replaced by sharper lines that were more attractive for the time.Hyundai offered three body styles in the range, consisting of a three-door hatch, a five-door hatch and a four-door sedan. The model range included the base GL sedan and three and five-door hatches that opened the range, the GS three-door hatch and the GLS five-door hatch.The Accent’s engine was a 1.5-litre double overhead camshaft four-cylinder engine of its own making. Peak power was 76 kW at 5800 revs and torque was133 Nm at 3000 revs.The Accent was no fireball, but it had sufficient get up and go to satisfy most owners.Buyers could choose between a five-speed manual gearbox and a four-speed auto, both of which got the job done without much fuss, and final drive was through the front wheels.There was little to complain about with the Accent, but equally there was little to inspire. It was adequate rather than exciting, doing everything acceptably well if your priority was A to B transport.The model range opened with the GL, which was available in sedan and three and five-door hatch body styles, and came with power steering, immobilizer, digital clock, four-speaker AM/FM radio cassette sound, intermittent wipers and 60/40 split-fold rear seat.If you stepped up to the GS three-door hatch you also got a power antenna and power windows, a rear spoiler with high-mount stoplight, central locking, and leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob.Further up the chain was the GLS, which could be had in sedan or five-door hatch styles, and came with power mirrors, air, and front fog lamps.IN THE SHOPLike the Excel the Accent was fundamentally sound, with durable engines, gearboxes and drivelines, but was often plagued by little things that could sour the experience.The engine has a cam timing belt so make sure it has been replaced as per the service schedule and not ignored by an uncaring or cash-strapped owner as can happen. Other than that make sure it has had regular oil changes.Ensure the auto transmission shifts smoothly and doesn’t stick in gear. If it sticks in third the pulse generator probably needs replacing.If there’s an issue with early Hyundais it’s in the peripheral systems and components, like the electrical system and associated bits and pieces. Wiring harnesses tended to be too tight, the wires often too short, and there were lots of reports of poor connections. Corroded connections were often reported to dealers.IN A CRASHAll models had a driver’s airbag and seat belt pretensioners for basic safety protection.ABS anti-lock brakes were an option and are worth having.AT THE PUMPThe Accent is quite a fuel miser and you could expect to see 7.0-8.0 L/100 km around town and 6.0-6.5 L/100 km on the open road.OWNERS SAYMerle Stomps doesn’t want to update her 2000 Accent simply because she doesn’t think she can buy a car that will give her as good a run as her Hyundai. She says it does 7.0 L/100 km, has good performance, and has been a pleasure to drive in the 240,000 km she has done in the seven years she’s owned it. During the warranty she had the clock and both side mirrors replaced, and there was a wiring problem with the air-conditioning, while she spent $300 on an ignition problem after the warranty expired.LOOK FOR• Robust and reliable engines• Modest performance• Good fuel economy• Reasonably roomy• Troublesome electrical systemTHE BOTTOM LINESolid, generally reliable basic transport as long as you don’t want a thrilling drive.RATING60/100

The hatch is aimed at young buyers who want something remotely sporty and good looking, despite their limited funds.The sedan, says Hyundai director of sales and marketing Theo van Doore, "is more suited to small families and older and more conservative buyers".And it shows.While the sedan boasts a host of new features, being bigger and offering more interior space — including a good-sized boot — than the previous model, it is not going to win prizes for its looks.It is definitely suited to more conservative buyers who are looking for a steady and comfortable car to get them about town with a minimum of fuss, reasonable economy and a maximum of reliability.The new Accent is powered by an upgraded version of the 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine that now has Continuously Variable Valve Timing for improved performance.It does 0-100km/h in 10.2 seconds, which is respectable for such a car but is not intended to break records. All-important fuel economy is good in the Accent, as would be expected for a car of this size.The manual sedan tested has a combined claimed economy rate of 6.8 litres per 100km, the best of all the Accent variants.It has a 45-litre tank that should equate to up to 660km travelling. And with the Sydney price for unleaded hovering around $1.35 a litre it will cost about $60 to fill.Safety is also becoming a major issue for small car buyers. The new Accent gains ABS with electronic brake force distribution and improved brakes. The discs are bigger on the front and the old rear drums have been binned to make way for rear disc brakes.The previous model Accent rated an overall three stars (five is the best) for crash safety in Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) testing but the new car has not yet been tested by them. The most seriousproblem noted with the previous model was a high risk of chest injury for the driver in a side-impact crash.Hyundai says the new car has a stronger and stiffer cabin cell structure along with stronger doors including strengthened side-impact beams to reduce impact injury.Inside, the Accent is well-equipped with a leather steering wheel and gear knob and power windows on all doors, although the plastic finish is plain.The CD-player/radio system is MP3- and WMA-capable and plays through six speakers.A lot of work has gone into improving storage space inside the car, which includes a larger glovebox, a sunglasses storage area overhead, four cupholders, storage space in the door capable of taking bottles and even a recess area under the steering column that is designed to take a folded-up umbrella.However, it could do with more space and is particularly let down by not having a centre console. Leg room is good in the front and the rear will seat two adults or three children fairly comfortably.Accent handles city driving pretty comfortably. The manual gearbox is a smooth shifter with light changes and clutch movement.Wind and road noise levels are reduced from the previous model but are still quite noticeable. The manual sedan is priced at $17,490 with metallic paint an extra $350.It will cost an extra $2000 for the auto, which will account for more sales.In comparison, the three-door hatchback starts at $15,990.A big plus for Hyundai buyers seeking minimum-fuss motoring is the warranty, which stands at five years/130,000km.