THE Hyundai Accent may be the Korean brand’s most affordable model, but it’s definitely not a cheap beater car anymore.
The fifth-generation 2018 Hyundai Accent made its global debut at the Toronto Auto Show with a mature new look and features people are used to seeing on higher-end cars.
“The Accent has been an enormously successful model for Hyundai, and we expect the new generation to sell strongly,” said Mike Song, Hyundai’s Head of Operations for Africa and the Middle East. “The current model already sets a high standard for style in the small car segment, and images released ahead of the launch reveal an exciting evolution of the Accent’s design.”
The popular subcompact car has been totally redesigned, starting with its chassis, which uses more advanced high-strength steel. The result is a stiffer chassis, which should improve driving dynamics, isolate noise better, and absorb energy better in a crash, all without adding too much weight. The suspension has also been tweaked to improve ride comfort, handling, and stability, and Hyundai says the steering is also more precise.
The powertrain hasn’t changed too much, with the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 132 horsepower and 119 pound-feet of torque, which is actually less than before. What has improved is the engine’s powerband, which will make highway passing less stressful.
Transmissions are still a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic, but the auto box has been improved to be more efficient and it now comes with a Sport mode. Hyundai says fuel economy has improved 7 percent.
Compared to the old Accent, the new sedan and hatch are wider and longer, though height remains the same. The hatch gets quite a bit longer than the sedan, meaning cargo capacity has increased to 21.8 cu-ft (616 L).
Inside, the Accent will be roomier and more sophisticated than it used to be. A backup camera and a five-inch touchscreen are standard, while a seven-inch unit and heated seats are optional. Interestingly, the seat firmness is adjustable. — SG
