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LIFESTYLE AUTOWORLD
Accent on space: Hyundai’s subcompact rides big but not so fast [By Mark Maynard] As Toyota, Honda and Nissan get serious about the subcompact car segment, Hyundai is rolling with its third-generation Accent sedan and a soon-to-be-released three-door hatchback.
These little cars were once viewed as tin-can
materials that normally would be bouncing
deathtraps in the land of 2 1/2-ton SUVs, but
about the trunk.
$3-a-gallon gasoline has changed that for many drivers. And with the revival in these cars, the automakers have substantially increased the safety margin.
The interior is attractive in its colors and textures. Panels and seams line up evenly; controls and switches are smartly arranged. The driver seat has height adjustment and
The Accent, for example, comes with six
a fold-up armrest, which will be of utmost
standard air bags, front pretensioning and
interest to the front passengers, who do not
load-limiting seat belts, four-wheel disc
get such comfort treatment.
brakes with ABS and electronic brake force distribution. If all the bags go off at once in the Accent, the interior would look like a snow cave of puffy protection. The new Accent has a longer wheelbase, wider track, and larger wheels and tires. It is a good-looking small car with an interesting face and balanced dimensions. The bodycolored door handles, mirrors and bodyside molding are an upscale treatment. And the ice blue paint of the test car got
Hyundai’s new 1.6-liter, four-cylinder with continuously variable valve technology ekes out 110 hp. But when paired with the optional four-speed automatic, it doesn’t feel as snappy as the 109 hp in the Honda Fit, a showcase with its five-speed automatic and steering wheel paddle shifters. The Fit also does a better job of squeezing fuel economy. It’s rated 31 mpg city and 37 highway, versus the Accent’s 28/36. But the Accent costs a little less.
numerous compliments.
If that seems a little high, consider Hyundai’s warranties: five years/60,000 miles bumper to bumper, 10 years/100,000 miles limited powertrain coverage and 24-hour roadside assistance for five years. That includes emergency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses. There is no deductible on any of those coverages. Accent has a fairly soft ride and tame performance, but it might also be the smoothest-rolling and quietest small car out there. It’s a safe choice for those looking for a well-made bargain and want thrift and reliability when getting from point A to point B. For those who push their cars hard, this one has issues. The Kumho tires squirm like buttered potatoes when making an evasive maneuver, which feels even less secure with the flex of the softly sprung suspension. It’s a fine ride for getting to a luncheon, but
The single GLS trim level starts at $12,995
watch out when it’s time to rush across town
Sizewise, Accent is an overachiever. It is a
for the five-speed manual and $13,845 for
for bingo.
subcompact by category definition, but a
the automatic. Standard equipment includes
compact by EPA interior volume. It’s a small
a six-speaker AM-FM-CD audio system, split
car that doesn’t feel small.
folding seatback and lighted vanity mirrors.
There are nearly 40 inches of front headroom
The $1,500 premium sport package adds
suspension, a decklid spoiler and an option
and 34 inches in back. The trunk expands
such extras as air conditioning, power
for 16-inch tires and alloy wheels.
by the folding seatback, and the spare
windows and locks, power heated mirrors,
tire compartment under the trunk floor is
remote keyless entry and 15-inch alloy
enormous.
wheels. Carpeted floor mats add $65.
The space-saver tire barely fills the hole, so there is plenty of room for emergency
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Hyundai seems to be leaving its threedoor Accent for the youth treatment. It will have quicker-response steering, sportier
And there will be 35 accessories at launch, as dealer- or port-installed add-ons, which also will be available for the sedan. Included
As tested, the price was $15,410, and $1,000
will be a ground-effects kit, cold air intake
incentives had been available.
system, metallic shift knobs, aluminum
continued on back