A week spent in the sporty hatchback version of Hyundai's subcompact
Pros:
Versatility
Front seat space and overall interior quality
Decent fuel economy
Cons:
Road, wind and tire noise
Rear seat room
Good handling but below best in class
Affordable transportation
Korean manufacturer Hyundai has always been known for its affordable transportation and the Accent continues that tradition as the least expensive model in the lineup. Available either as a hatchback or sedan, the fourth generation Accent was unveiled in 2011 and went on sale later that year as a 2012 model.
2015 Hyundai Accent
The 2014 Hyundai Accent is available in three trim levels and two body styles with either a six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic transmission with Active Eco mode. The base model GLS features a sedan body while the base model GS as well as the upper-trim SE are both hatchbacks.
Also keeping things simple is the availability of just one engine – Hyundai's 1.6-liter Gamma inline-4 that features an aluminum block and head, dual continuously variable valve timing and a variable induction system and develops 138 horsepower. With only 123 lb.-ft. of torque on tap, you might expect an automatic transmission to do a lot of "hunting" for gears and it does to a certain extent. But thanks to the fact that the tranny is a six-speed, this is kept to a minimum.
Standard safety features include stability and traction control, 4-wheel ABS (both the GS and GLS have rear drums while the SE features disc brakes all around – an option only on the GLS) with brake assist, ABS and EBD and six airbags.
Keeping in mind its basic transportation mission, the level of standard equipment on both the GLS and GS is fairly high and includes power windows, locks and mirrors as well as remote keyless entry. Air conditioning, a 172-watt audio system with CD, satellite radio with iPod/USB plus an audio input jack is also standard. Steering wheel-mounted cruise control is also standard.
Moving up to the SE adds "sport-tuned" steering, rear spoiler, rear wiper and washer, fog lights, projector headlights with LED accents, P195/50HR16 tires wrapped around alloy wheels, driver's auto up window, piano black interior trim, a leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel, driver armrest storage, the aforementioned rear disc brakes, Bluetooth hands-free phone system with voice recognition, steering wheel mounted audio controls, premium cloth seats and what Hyundai calls "headlamp welcome/escort function."
All but the sport steering, rear spoiler/wiper and leather trim bits are available to automatic transmission GLS buyers via the optional premium package.
Interior
Although the Accent will never be mistaken for a luxury car the interior is nicely trimmed and features soft touch surfaces on the dashboard and upper doors. All models also get cloth door inserts while the quality of materials is what we've come to expect from Hyundai – that is to say, world-class for any given segment.
The gauges are clear, easy to read and within easy reach of the driver. They're also simple to use. The turn signal lever has a handy flash to pass feature and the right stalk controls both the front and rear wipers. The radio has dedicated on/off and tuning knobs and the climate control system consists of just three knobs – it doesn't get much easier than this.
And while this is something to be expected in a subcompact, we continue to stress the fact that in the quest to cram as much technology as possible into a vehicle, manufacturers often end up merely confusing drivers with myriad touch screens and counter- intuitive selector knobs.
The driver and front passenger will find plenty of head, leg, shoulder and hip room. The steering wheel both tilts and, on all but the base GS model, telescopes as well and there's a nicely-placed dead pedal for the driver. The turn signal lever also has a handy flash to pass feature. The front seats are also very supportive, although the side bolsters were a little soft for my tastes.
Accommodations in back are typical for a subcompact. Two adults will probably find it adequate but tight while there's little room for a third person. Storage behind the rear seat is 21.2 cubic feet, while folding the rear seats down ups that to a very useful 47.5 cubic feet.
Thanks to a low dashboard and cowl as well as a moderate beltline, the view out the front and sides is really good. The view out the back, however, is compromised by a wide C-pillar as well as the small rear window and rear headrests.
Exterior
Although not as striking as the rest of the Hyundai lineup, the exterior of the Accent still manages a minimalist interpretation of the company's "Fluidic Sculpture" design language reflected in the more versatile lines of a hatchback.
Like all Hyundais, this begins with a vestigial version of the brand's signature trapezoidal grille. Along the sides the oversize headlamp enclosures sweep back over the front wheel well openings with the slab sides broken up by upper and lower character lines. The rear fascia features large concave vertical taillights that are mirrored on the lower fascia by small reflectors.
On the road
The SE feels both nimble and well planted on the road, although there's not a lot of isolation from larger bumps and road imperfections. The steering is both quick and well weighted, although the overall feel of it is not quite as sharp as those at the top of the class such as the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit or Mazda Mazda2. On the other hand, it's easy to modulate the brakes and there's plenty of feedback through the brake pedal.
On the expressway the Accent feels composed and there's no need to constantly correct its steering. Despite its small size, it's not affected that much by crosswinds. The level of interior noise, however, is a drawback. Like many subcompacts, quite a bit of engine, tire, road and wind noise enters the cabin – even in around town driving situations.
As you might expect from a subcompact, fuel economy is one of the Accent's high points. The EPA rates it at 27/37/31 city/highway/combined mpg, while my own observed around town fuel economy in fairly brisk driving was an above-average 28 mpg.
Pricing
Accent pricing, including destination, starts at $15,455 for a base GLS with a six-speed manual. That only gets you 14-inch steel wheels, but it also comes with the aforementioned amenities – many of them not normally associated with an entry-level subcompact.
Prices top out at $19,800 for an SE model with all the available accessories, including a power moonroof. Our SE automatic lacked both the moonroof and a few of those accessories. With a base price of $17,395 plus $110 for floor mats, the total MSRP came to $18,315 which includes the $810 destination charge.
The Bottom Line
So what does this all mean?
There's a lot to like about the Hyundai Accent. It's an affordably-priced, nicely-styled subcompact with a simple, comfortable well laid-out interior with a quality and style above its econobox mission. It also has both above average fuel economy and handling. At the same time and like most subcompacts, its interior is not only fairly noisy; two adults also won't find very much room in the back seat.
A few years ago, American small car buyers had little to choose from and even less to look forward to when buying a subcompact car. All that has changed and the Hyundai Accent SE hatchback, with one of the best new car warranties in the business, is right in the thick of it giving buyers a lot of bang for the buck with only a few tweaks to its driving dynamics holding it back from being one of the best.
