Hyundai Accent News

First, though it was the follow-up to the ultra-popular Hyundai Excel, the change of name from Excel to Accent confused a lot of buyers. The car had been called Accent in other countries for several years, however the Koreans feel that a new model needs a different name to keep it fresh, but Australians tend to think the opposite.If a car has earned its stripes, we prefer to hold on to the existing name. Reading between the lines, it seems there was quite a battle over the name, and the Australian importers lost. Accent it was.When Accent was launched in June 2000, Hyundai tried to push the car a little further upmarket, by charging higher prices. Not that it was expensive, but compared to some of the rock-bottom deals being done on the superseded Excel, the Accent came up looking on the pricey side.Finally, a couple of years after the launch of the Accent, Hyundai brought in another smaller car, the Getz. Though it was not quite in the same class, buyers tended to opt for Getz against Accent, which did the Accent no good in the sales race.The result is that it's bargain-priced as a used car and canny buyers are doing deals that get them a lot of car for a minimal outlay. That may change soon, as there are signs that the Accent is finally starting to hit its straps on the new-car scene.Towards the end of 2002, most of the more expensive Accent models were pulled off the market. At the same time the body range was reduced to just one choice. If you didn't want a three-door hatchback, tough luck. Before that, there had also been the options of a five-door hatch and a four-door sedan.Incidentally, the last of the superseded 2002 models weren't retailed until several months into 2003. These are sometimes resold as 2003 models as far as price is concerned, but it's the build date on the compliance plate that's important, and that's the one that's likely to be quoted back at you when you trade in the Accent down the track.In September 2003 the Accent received a facelift to move it away with the somewhat bland look of the original model. This later model is proving more popular in the used scene, and it's worth rustling up the extra cash to buy one. At the same time as the body was revamped in 2003, the Accent's engine capacity was increased from 1.5 to 1.6 litres.Performance from the new 78kW unit made the small-medium Hyundai reasonably zippy, not exactly a ball of fire in the acceleration stakes, after all it's quite a big car for an engine of that size, but it has enough for the average owner.The Accent is a pleasant car to drive. Handling is quite lively and the feel through the steering is good. There's a fair bit of understeer if you push hard, a keen driver will find it quite acceptable, if not exactly exciting.It has good interior room for its class, and we know of more than one family with young children that is happy with it as a family car. The boot is roomy and easy to use and has a good shape.Hyundai's build quality, which was a bit hit and miss in earlier times, was very much improved by the time the Accent arrived. The Accent appears to be holding up well to the rigours of rough Aussie roads.Hyundai is now well and truly established as part of the local automotive scene and its dealer network is large and widespread. However, as is often the way with city cars, there are not so many dealers in rural areas. We have heard of no real complaints about the cost of servicing or spare parts and the Accent has good under-bonnet space so it's easy enough to work on.  Danger SignsRust isn't normally a problem, but look at all the lower body areas and around the front and rear windscreens to be safe.Do an engine check for easy starting and smooth idling. Where possible, that should be done with the engine cold, preferably after the car has been standing overnight.Feel for a manual gearbox that baulks during fast gearchanges, especially the three-two downchange.Turn the steering wheel all the way from one side to the other while travelling at very low speed and listen for clunking noises near the front wheels. They probably indicate the universal joints are worn.Look over the interior, including the boot, for signs of rough usage. It may indicate the complete car has been treated harshly, or it may just be that the kids have run a muck from time to time. 

Industry figures released this week show the real boom in the market has been in four-cylinder cars valued at less than $25,000.Known as the light car segment, sales in the division are up 22.7 per cent for the year to date on last year, while the large car segment is down the same figure. Last month light cars were up by 31.4 per cent on August last year.Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries chief executive Peter Sturrock says this trend has increased over the past couple of years, with a recent acceleration put down to high petrol prices."Well, quite simply because they are more fuel efficient, small and less expensive to purchase in the first place and they're less expensive to run," Sturrock says.A total of 10,806 light cars were sold last month and 77,650 sold this year, which is 14,346 more than last year. Leading the line-up is the Toyota Yaris, with a starting price of $14,990, which recorded 2673 sales in August, taking the total to 18,064 for the year to date.Added to this figure are the remaining 304 Echos that Toyota has sold this year, before the nameplate was changed to be consistent with the Yaris badging used in Europe.Hyundai's small Getz, named Australia's Best Small Car for 2005 by Australia's auto clubs, has also achieved an increase in sales, with 1738 models sold last month, and 13,863 for the year, an 18.4 per cent improvement over the same period last year.Getz prices start at $13,990 and stretch to $18,380. The cheapest car on the market, the Holden Barina, starting at $13,490, has the third highest sales for the segment, with 1091 sales in August and 9567 for the year to date.The Barina is followed by the Suzuki Swift, Honda Jazz and Kia Rio, all recording between 5500 and 6800 sales each for the year-to-date and just under 100 sales in August.Sturrock says while fuel prices are contributing to a shift to these cars, good value at a low price is also converting buyers."The small cars now are very well equipped," he says. "Some years ago they were the basic models, but now they're well equipped with safety and anti-theft, occupant protection, airbags and ABS, and they often have Electronic Stability Control."Features in this segment on cars such as the Yaris and Getz include front airbags, an MP3 compatible CD system, airconditioning, power windows, central locking and ABS. Some even come with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and anti-skid technology.Holden's Barina offers airconditioning as standard, a feature that has to be bought as an option in the $34,990 base model VE Commodore Omega. The Hyundai Getz also offers a five-year/130,000km warranty.Toyota spokesman, Mike Breen, says this segment also offers a good alternative to second-hand cars."With the options that you can get on a brand new car, plus the new car warranty, it's quite appealing, especially to younger people," he says. And it seems a wide variety of buyers are purchasing these light cars, from students through to families and retirees.Hyundai spokesman Richard Power says its small cars, the Getz and Accent, are finding a market among a variety of drivers."We get quite a few young people buying it as their first new car and there's loyalty from senior motorists, who don't need a big car any more and are very attracted by the long warranty," he says. Overall, the car market has dropped by 3.4per cent on last year, with 642,383 vehicles sold, a decrease of 22,513 vehicles. August was also down from 2005 by 4516 vehicles.In the small car segment, sales are up 3 per cent year-to-date, with the Toyota Corolla the segment leader with 4147 sales in August and 31,705 Corollas sold this year. But small car sales also experienced a slight drop last month, down 1.3 per cent or 244 vehicles.Sturrock says that although the large car segment is down by 26,461 vehicles, it is still an important part of the market."It has reduced over time from what it was to where it is today," he says. "But it's still about 25 per cent of the passenger car market. You see very strong interest in the new Holden Commodore and the new Toyota Camry, there's been an excellent reaction."WHAT'S SELLINGToyota Yaris 18,368Hyundai Getz 13,863Holden Barina 9567Suzuki Swift 6703Honda Jazz 5936Kia Rio 5579Ford Fiesta 4407Mazda2 3934Hyundai Accent 3593Mitsubishi Colt 1516VW Polo 1337Peugoet 206 1071Citroen C3 486Proton Savvy 357smart fortwo 326Renault Clio 173Citroen C2 139smart forfour 132Fiat Punto 113Daihatsu Sirion 40Proton Satria 9Suzuki Ignis 1*Source: VFacts (light car sales 2006 to end August)Note: Yaris sales includes 304 Echo salesTHE CHEAPIESHolden Barina from $13,490Hyundai Getz from $13,990Proton Savvy from $13,990Toyota Yaris from $14,990Hyundai Accent from $15,990Mitsubishi Colt from $15,990Suzuki Swift from $15,990Ford Fiesta from $15,990Honda Jazz from $15,990Kia Rio from $15,990Mazda2 from $16,335Peugeot 206 from $16,990VW Polo from $16,990

And while the South Koreans may not have showcased their best football skills at this year's tournament, one thing's for certain – they sure know how to design cars that create a simple driving pleasure and make you feel safe.Enter the Hyundai Accent. The new model is simple. It is certainly not a flashy car or hotted-up V8 number. But it does the job.It has all the conveniences a driver needs. It is comfortable, roomy and reasonably priced.Overall, the four-door sedan offers a smooth and quiet ride."But can she go?" was the question family and friends kept asking.Yes, she can.Put your foot down and she has good speed with good pick up and lots of zip.But its best design features centre around safety. The Accent makes you feel safe, and it's like all the details have been designed with you in mind.I have never really heard of front seat belt pretensioners. They tighten and adjust the shoulder belts to reduce forward movement. What a clever idea.The anti-skid braking system and electronic brake distribution kept me firmly in control, especially in wet and slippery conditions.Then there are the dual front airbags and the warning lights reminding you to buckle up, telling you that a door has been left open and advising you to "check engine".There is even a sunglasses holder so your sunnies are close by and scratch free.But passenger comfort is just as important as driver comfort so I put my family members to the test. They sat in the back and enjoyed the ride, stretched out in comfort. My eyes lit up when I saw the large boot and storage space. So much room for my shopping bags and shoe boxes!!And fuel economy is a bonus. A full tank lasted the whole week.Chuck in front and rear cup holders, airconditioning, heating, power windows and central locking and you have a pretty good package.But not everything can be so perfect. And this car does have some minor flaws. There is no middle console on which to rest your left arm, stash your CDs, bills, letters and loose change. Lets face it, the glove box can only fit so much.And every girl loves the radio and the odd sing-along. While the radio system was good, it wasn't great. I guess I'm used to my Blaupunkt and Bose stereo systems.But overall it's hard to complain.So now to 2010 where the South Koreans will aim for a stronger performance at the next World Cup.But in my book, the car-making country is already a world winner.LOVE IT LEAVE ITHyundai AccentPrice: $19,490LOVE ITDriving and passenger comfortFront seatbelt pretensionsExtra boot and storage spaceLEAVE ITNo middle consoleStandard radio system

The Accent SR Turbo is believed to be a design study of the next Hyundai World Rally car expected to debut in the middle of next year for a 2008 competitive season start. The Accent SR is on display at the Melbourne International Motor Show this week. The SR is based on the three-door version of the new generation Accent hatch and houses a 2.0-litre high output turbocharged engine which is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The SR has big flares framing 18-inch alloys, lowered sports suspension, body kit and big tailpipes. It is 180mm shorter than the outgoing Accent. Electronic Stability Control and a tyre pressure monitoring system are fitted. On the outside the SR features projector headlights, a matt-black stylised mesh grille, power tilt/slide sunroof and rear roof shade-spoiler. On the inside, Accent SRs has brushed alloy and metallic panel finishes, leather seat trim, blue-hue instrumentation and a data screen in the centre dash. While the SR is a concept car only, Hyundai says it carries clues to directions in Hyundai models to come in the not-too-distant future.