Hyundai Accent First Drive

It’s a tough segment, the light car market in Australia and it’s a crowded place for manufacturers to ply their trade. Hyundai’s Accent is right up there with the very best of them despite its incredibly sharp pricing.

In 2008, not long after the GFC crushed the world economy, something noteworthy happened in the Australian new car market. For the first time ever, the sales of light (or small) cars overtook those of large cars. Since then, budget conscious consumers have ensured that 25 percent of private car sales have remained as light cars. The good news for Hyundai is that their new Accent is right up there with the best of them. And it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg either. In fact, that it is such good value is the best part of the story.

Starting at $16,990 for the entry level Active model with manual transmission, and topping out at $22,990 for the Platinum grade, Hyundai has an extremely competitive option in its stable in what is becoming an ever crowded market segment. The Accent will be offered in both sedan and hatch across three grades ensuring there’s something for everyone looking for a small, fuel efficient car.

Given the retirement of the incredibly popular Getz nameplate, the i20 in conjunction with the Accent, have big shoes to fill. And thanks to Hyundai’s insistence on build quality, refinement and inclusions, both models look like they will deliver nicely for the South Korean brand. From next year, i20 will be the really small car in their range, the Accent the not so small car, and the i30 the slightly larger small car. Does that make sense? It will.

Initially, Hyundai will offer up the Accent with only the 1.6-litre petrol engine we tested at launch. That engine is fitted across the range and delivers 91kW and 156Nm and is a flexible little performer across the range of duties presented by the daily grind. As with most small petrol engines, it is robbed of some power with the auto ‘box behind it and fares much better with the clean shifting 5-speed manual. The auto still does the job nicely, it’s just that the manual is a little punchier when it comes to overtaking and churning up longer hills.

We would love to see the excellent Hyundai 6-speed auto available as part of the Accent line-up. This gearbox would perhaps best highlight the engine’s ability across the rev range as opposed to the 4-speed auto that is fitted. If you lust for more power though, wait a few months for the direct injection petrol engine and the common rail turbo diesel options that will be joining the line-up. As you’d expect, the little 4-cylinder is fuel efficient too, only using an ADR claimed 6.0L/100km with the manual shifter and slightly more at 6.4L/100km for the auto.

Safety is usually the centrepiece of any new model story, but the Accent is extremely well equipped for this sector. Standard across the range, Accent gets six airbags, EBD, ESC, ABS, TCS, VSM and a motor driven power steering system that adds a guiding hand if things get a little sticky and you lose control. Don’t worry too much about all the acronyms. The short story is that the Accent gets a 5-star rating from the ANCAP tests so buyers can rest safely in the knowledge that there Accent is as safe as it gets.

As I said earlier, Accent’s best feature may be its level of inclusion at such a competitive price. Base model Active still comes standard with a 4-speaker audio system, Bluetooth telephone connectivity with audio streaming from your phone, a USB port for audio integration with steering wheel controls, and it’s only the 14in steel wheels that notify you from the outside that you are driving the base model. Step up from the base model into the mid spec Elite model and for an extra $1500 you get a more refined interior trim level, with upgraded materials, fog lamps and attractive 16in alloy wheels. You’ll also get a full size spare wheel.

Inside, the Accent has a lot more room than you would think judging by the exterior dimensions. There’s the usual array of clever storage options and all the dials and switchgear have a solid feel to them and are cleverly placed within easy reach. Drivers of all sizes will find a comfortable position with plenty of visibility, and there’s ample room for four adults. The 60/40 split fold rear seat increases luggage space quickly and easily.

The ride and handling is quite refined for such a small car, and front end grip particularly, is excellent. Cleverly, Hyundai delivered us with a drive program that included some pretty standard city loops around Sydney; much like what most Accents will be faced with every day after they leave the showroom. Our only gripe on the initial drive is that over particularly rough roads, the Accent can feel a little firm. However, it feels solid, taut, refined and handles beautifully over smooth roads, so it’s a payoff well worth taking. The steering feel is excellent and the engine is a willing performer right up to legal speeds on suburban roads.

Our Verdict:

The Hyundai Accent needs to be on your shopping list if you are looking for a light car for the daily commute. It is well built, engaging to drive and delivers a feeling of quality without breaking the bank.