The last-generation Hyundai Accent lived in an era when subcompact cars hadn’t quite become the hot item they are today. As Hyundai’s cheapest, it had to look safe, sensible and laid-back. So, worthy as this little machine was, it never got cocky about it where visuals were concerned.
Fluidic Sculpture, meet Accent
For the new 2012 model, Hyundai’s stylists tossed that modest stuff out the window and cranked the styling of their latest work up a few notches.
Sure – the new Accent won’t turn heads like a flaming Lamborghini rolling down the road, but for something so affordable, the character lines, aggressive fascia and sophistication really do it justice. The sharp and detailed body looks impressive – a little like a shrunken Sonata. That’s not a bad thing.
It’s always nice to be well-dressed for a fight, after all. And playing in the subcompact car market, which is Canada’s hottest, is a battle and a half these days.
The subcompact car is no longer a boring, transportation-related appliance. Models in this segment are becoming sensible status symbols in a serious way as shoppers demand affordable models they can be proud to look at, own and drive. Folks can now brag about owning the new Fiesta, Accent or Mazda2.
Like their buyers, automakers are using the new-age breed of subcompact car to out-do one another.
New hardware and cabin
Incidentally, outdoing the competition has become Hyundai’s latest mission – so the rampaging automaker ensured the new Accent will turn in exceptional mileage and performance figures while packing all the must-have attributes today’s subcompact shopper wants.
One of these attributes is a cabin that feels richer and more upscale than the price tag suggests. As in any competitor, it’s lined almost entirely with crispy plastic panels – though it all feels solid, nicely bolted together and of high quality. Fresh, modern and new, too.
Decent at-hand storage levels? Check. Surprisingly generous headroom? Check. Room on board for four adults? Plenty. Really, this thing feels larger inside than you’d expect.
There’s a simple and logical control layout, plenty of color and texture contrast, and a nice set of instruments, too.
Affordably upscale ride
Start driving, and the new Accent shows the same positive attributes your writer appreciated in last year’s model. Albeit road noise on rougher surfaces, Accent rides more quietly than its price leads on. Even up to 130 km/h on a smooth highway, wind noise is kept nicely isolated. And even on rougher surfaces, the suspension feels robust, well-damped, quiet and solid – rather than flimsy, noisy and delicate.
GDI performance
Like the ride, the Accent’s all-new powertrain impresses. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine uses gasoline direct injection (GDI), a rarity virtually anywhere near this price range. That gave the tester 138 highly efficient horsepower, managed by a six-speed automatic with manual mode.
Thanks to enhanced efforts to keep weight down, Accent has a class-leading power-to-weight ratio, so it scoots along in a relative jiffy when drivers give it the boots. In the process, it’s smooth and pleasant sounding, even if just a little noisy. The engine and transmission work well with one another for surprising smoothness and higher-than-expected performance.
Overall fuel consumption during my week with a low-mileage tester landed around 7 L/100km, including plenty of highway cruising around 120 km/h.
Steering weirdness
The electric power steering system lets the driving experience down slightly. At highway speeds, it tightens up on-centre for a more stable feel, but loosens up once turned, before tightening again. Observant drivers will notice the ongoing loosening and tightening, which results in a strange, slightly awkward and inconsistent feel, especially on winding highways.
Evasive manoeuvres!
Brake performance offers redemption. In an emergency stop test, the Accent ditched its forward velocity with more urgency and less drama than your writer expected. The pads bite down at the first touch on the pedal, modulation is easy, and the whole system feels precise and eager to scrub off speed.
Standard stability control helped keep the Accent tidily in line during a simulated ‘oh-my-God-a-freaking-moose!!’ test at speed. Full braking and a quick dip into the oncoming lane and back saw the tester stay on course and in shape, with no tail-sliding or drama.
Performance from the brakes and stability control systems add some real-world confidence for evading dangerous situations.
Gripes
Complaints? The stereo screen readout is very blue and good-looking, except at night. After dark, it’s overwhelmingly bright, even with the dash lights fully dimmed. You’ll probably switch it off.
Additionally, headlight performance is adequate at best, with light dispersion that’s scattered and patchy. Oh, and there’s no trunk release on the trunk lid or remote, which is a bit of a pain.
Ultimately though, it’s the surprising refinement, space and styling that will impress shoppers the most on a test drive of the 2012 Accent – as well as a dose of healthy performance and driving confidence. As tested, our Accent GL tester is priced at $16,199. Don’t miss this one if you’re in the market.
Photo: Justin Pritchard - Chris Koski/Auto123.com
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