Browse over 9,000 car reviews

Hyundai Accent vs Hyundai I30

What's the difference?

VS
Hyundai Accent
Hyundai Accent

$10,990 - $22,490

2018 price

Hyundai I30
Hyundai I30

$24,000 - $54,000

2024 price

Summary

2018 Hyundai Accent
2024 Hyundai I30
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Inline 4, 1.6L

Turbo 4, 1.6L
Fuel Type
Unleaded Petrol

-
Fuel Efficiency
6.3L/100km (combined)

6.6L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • Suspension can be jarring occasionally
  • Lacks refinement outside of the city
  • Standard safety package lacking

  • Divisive styling
  • Rear-seat access
  • Slightly firmer ride than ideal
2018 Hyundai Accent Summary

While there are plenty of things that somehow improve with age (art, wine, the seemingly ageless Will Smith, to name but a few), the Hyundai Accent is sadly not one of them.

But then, neither does almost any new cars. With new technology, entertainment and safety features launching daily, and with engines that are getting cleaner, more efficient and smoother all the time, a once all-new model can be left looking positively antique in just a handful of years.

But it’s definitely even worse than normal over at Hyundai; the Korean manufacturer that continues to make great forward strides with every new model. From the members of its fast and frantic N Division to its polished SUVs, to the all-new i30 small car, Hyundai is going from strength to strength with neck-breaking speed.

All of which creates a little problem for the pint-sized Accent, which - having launched back in 2011 - is now starting to feel its age. And unlike the Fresh Prince, it isn’t holding up quite so well. 

So in lieu of an all new version, Hyundai streamlined the existing Accent family into one value-packed model in 2017, taking the axe to the Active and SR models and replacing both with a single, Sport trim level, which is available in sedan and hatchback guise.

And in creating the Sport, Hyundai aims to blend the best of the Accent range into one handy package. So have they taught this old dog new tricks?

View full pricing & specs
2024 Hyundai I30 Summary

Is it possible for a ‘hot hatch’ to be over-the-top and completely under-the-radar?

When it’s the facelifted version of the radically-styled i30 Sedan N, then definitely. People just don’t associate pocket-rocket fun with the traditionally more-conservative four-door shape.

But the Hyundai, well, just look at it. It begs... nay, demands to differ.

Just facelifted in Australia along with the rest of the i30 Sedan range, the N sells alongside the iconic i30 Hatch N from Europe, and acts as a replacement for the sadly-discontinued i30 Fastback N.

Big shoes to fill then? Let’s stick the boot in and find out!

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2018 Hyundai Accent 2024 Hyundai I30

Change vehicle