Hyundai Accent Driver Impression

Overview

The Accent is dead, long live the Accent. Gone is the slab sided look, replaced by a curvier body offering increased interior space. There's more power under the bonnet plus a host of standard safety features. "Mature buyers" may have been enamoured with the previous model's boxy proportions, but Hyundai would like to increase the newcomer's appeal to a younger audience.

Both sedan and hatch share increased head room - overall height is up 75mm, and 15mm extra width translates into more shoulder room. A 65mm longer wheelbase means there's a bit more space to stretch your legs. But while the sedan has grown 45mm in length, the sportier hatch has come in for the chop. Its rounded rump is now 155mm shorter.

The "Alpha" series engine gains variable valve timing, increasing power by 4kW to 82kW with torque up a modest 2Nm to 145Nm. There's a new five speed gearbox with an improved, more direct shift quality and shorter gear ratios for better performance. The four speed automatic transmission gains refinements for smoother changes and an overdrive lock up torque converter for improved fuel economy.

A 39 per cent stiffer bodyshell helps make the most of the Accent's re-designed suspension. Up front the "de-rigueur" MacPherson strut design now comes with a larger diameter stabiliser bar for flatter cornering. At the rear a less intrusive torsion beam with coil springs and gas shock absorbers provides increased luggage space and handling benefits. Speed sensitive power steering is standard across the range.

Improvements to NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) come via stronger subframes and hydraulic drivetrain mountings plus additional sound insulation for the bonnet, bootlid and pillars.

All models now feature four wheel discs brakes with ABS and EBD. Dual airbags are also standard along with height adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters. All seats have lap sash seatbelts and adjustable head restraints.

In typical Hyundai fashion there is an extensive list of standard equipment. More importantly the new Accent has moved another rung up the ladder in build quality and chassis dynamics.

Standard equipment
Power steering, airconditioning, remote central locking, alarm, engine immobilizer, heated power door mirrors, power windows, MP3/WMA/CD player and leather trimmed steering wheel incorporating audio controls.

Standard safety equipment
Dual front airbags, front seatbelt pre-tensioners with load limiters, four wheel disc brakes with ABS & EBD, rear fog lamps.

Options
Metallic or mica paint ($350)

Drive impression

Hyundai decided that Auckland's surrounding countryside would be a good place to showcase the new model's improvements. They were even confident enough to throw in some decent sections of gravel road. While the sedan and hatchback were officially launched in New Zealand, only the sedan was present at the drive program.

From behind the wheel there's a family resemblance to the Sonata's dash layout, which isn't a bad thing. The switchgear's uncomplicated design is logically placed and easy to use. Interior trim choices are limited to light grey or beige, so if you have a young family, keeping things clean might be a problem. In this category you don't expect a luxurious interior, but the fit and finish is very good, and the designers have done a good job of making the hard plastic surfaces look "soft", although there was a slight colour discrepancy between the lower dash and door trim in the test car.

Some extra side support would be useful in the small front seats, but they were comfortable enough. There's height adjustment for the driver, and with the tilt adjustable steering wheel, most shapes and sizes can be catered for.

On the road the automatic version needed some coaxing on the steeper hills - the transmission quick to kickdown a gear or two. Performance in the five speed manual was definitely better, and the gearshift's light direct action is a big improvement. But even with CVVT technology the 1.6 litre needs to be worked if you want to get the most from it.

Where the Accent takes a leap forward is in ride and handling. Our test route took in some tight and twisty secondary roads - just the conditions needed to test the car's ability. First impressions are positive. Although the steering has some vagueness at dead ahead, it's direct and nicely weighted. Wider front and rear tracks (up by 35mm) aid grip and stability, and the car is surprisingly nimble. Even across corrugated gravel roads the ride quality was impressive, with enough feedback to keep you informed of exactly what's happening at the tyres.

The new Accent benefits from substantial improvements in build quality, primary and secondary safety. While its performance may be lacking in some instances, the car stays true to Hyundai's value for money mantra.