I've always had a fondness for good used hatchbacks — in one form or another there's been one in my driveway for the past two decades.
They're what I call "honest cars" – in contrast to the wallet-emptying, headache-inducing drama of my project cars, my daily-driver hatchbacks must fulfill a few key criteria: they must be fuel-sippingly frugal, have easily obtainable parts, and above all, be unfailingly reliable, never failing to turn over at 40 below, even when left for weeks on end in some godforsaken industrial lot while I drive that manufacturer's press cars.
Every once in a while, I run across a test vehicle that has me speculating, lips pursed, on whether I've just met my future beater. The 2012 Hyundai Accent is one such car.
The previous Accent once held the dubious honour of being Canada's cheapest car at $9,995. A huge step up from its predecessor, it was nonetheless, rather bland. While my GLS tester rings in at a more lofty $17,199, the fourth generation Accent is a vastly superior vehicle in terms of finish and creature comforts. Visually, it's easily the equal of contemporaries Ford Fiesta, Mazda2 and Honda Fit, and leads the pack in horsepower.
The latest Hyundai to receive the "Fluidic Sculpture" design work-over, the newest Accent is a handsome little jellybean indeed. Far from screaming "cheap," the Accent makes a stylish impression with sharply defined character lines, a smartly finished front fascia flanked by swept-back headlamps and a raked roofline culminating in a jaunty spoiler.
Inside, the cabin is a study in what's possible when creative minds work with budget materials. Sure, there's the requisite hard plastic, but it's sculpted and textured to look anything but cheap. The sweeping centre stack features uncomplicated, yet solid switchgear, appearing stylish and almost upscale.
There's an impressive list of standard options on my bright blue GLS that once commanded a hefty premium, from heated seats to satellite radio and power sliding sunroof. Unfortunately however, there's no available navigation option.
The thick, leather wrapped steering wheel doesn't telescope, but it's loaded with cruise control, Bluetooth and stereo control buttons.
Simplifying entry for rear passengers, the Accent gains two extra doors over its predecessor and the extra 2.8 inches in wheelbase length provides plenty of leg and head room in the back seat. Scoring extra points with me, the rear seats drop to expand the cargo area to 47.5 cu. ft. (1,345 L) from 21.2. While this number lags behind the Honda Fit's voluminous 57.3 cu. ft. (1,622 L), it's still perfect for my grubby horse gear or mountain bike.
The seats are plain cloth, but they're firm, nicely bolstered and prove supportive over long drives.
They're what I call "honest cars" – in contrast to the wallet-emptying, headache-inducing drama of my project cars, my daily-driver hatchbacks must fulfill a few key criteria: they must be fuel-sippingly frugal, have easily obtainable parts, and above all, be unfailingly reliable, never failing to turn over at 40 below, even when left for weeks on end in some godforsaken industrial lot while I drive that manufacturer's press cars.
Every once in a while, I run across a test vehicle that has me speculating, lips pursed, on whether I've just met my future beater. The 2012 Hyundai Accent is one such car.
The previous Accent once held the dubious honour of being Canada's cheapest car at $9,995. A huge step up from its predecessor, it was nonetheless, rather bland. While my GLS tester rings in at a more lofty $17,199, the fourth generation Accent is a vastly superior vehicle in terms of finish and creature comforts. Visually, it's easily the equal of contemporaries Ford Fiesta, Mazda2 and Honda Fit, and leads the pack in horsepower.
The latest Hyundai to receive the "Fluidic Sculpture" design work-over, the newest Accent is a handsome little jellybean indeed. Far from screaming "cheap," the Accent makes a stylish impression with sharply defined character lines, a smartly finished front fascia flanked by swept-back headlamps and a raked roofline culminating in a jaunty spoiler.
Inside, the cabin is a study in what's possible when creative minds work with budget materials. Sure, there's the requisite hard plastic, but it's sculpted and textured to look anything but cheap. The sweeping centre stack features uncomplicated, yet solid switchgear, appearing stylish and almost upscale.
There's an impressive list of standard options on my bright blue GLS that once commanded a hefty premium, from heated seats to satellite radio and power sliding sunroof. Unfortunately however, there's no available navigation option.
The thick, leather wrapped steering wheel doesn't telescope, but it's loaded with cruise control, Bluetooth and stereo control buttons.
Simplifying entry for rear passengers, the Accent gains two extra doors over its predecessor and the extra 2.8 inches in wheelbase length provides plenty of leg and head room in the back seat. Scoring extra points with me, the rear seats drop to expand the cargo area to 47.5 cu. ft. (1,345 L) from 21.2. While this number lags behind the Honda Fit's voluminous 57.3 cu. ft. (1,622 L), it's still perfect for my grubby horse gear or mountain bike.
The seats are plain cloth, but they're firm, nicely bolstered and prove supportive over long drives.
Another surprise in this snack-bracket are the standard four-wheel disc brakes across the trim lineup. Up front 10.1 inch ventilated rotors, and behind 10.3 inch solid discs, provide adequate stopping power.
Where this segment once reeked of compromise and the economic reality of settling, cars like this offer buyers an affordable choice — that they'll actually want to drive.
It may not be quite as frisky as the Mazda2, but the Accent offers a wealth of features and a powerful drivetrain in a nicely finished package. And hopefully, by the time it's aged enough to fall within my meagre budget's radar, the transmission will have been re-worked to fulfil the fun factor too.
Underhood, a sophisticated 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine featuring direct injection and variable valve timing puts out 138 hp and 123 lb- ft of torque, placing the Accent near the top of the class, power-wise. Other than the new Chevrolet Sonic, none of its competitors come close.
However, the gloriously winding back roads between me and my favourite stable revealed the Accent to be far less joyful than the Mazda2, despite its 32 hp and 25 lb-ft advantage. Geared for frugality rather than frivolity, the Accent's happier to loaf in the economical low ranges. This entails a lot of shifting to find the Accent's power, especially when pulling out to pass.
The rubbery shifter doesn't help either; rowing through the gears is a hum-drum instead of satisfying experience. On the plus side, it's an easy gearbox for the beginner since it's the antithesis of notchy and easily finds the right gear.
During a week of mixed driving, I averaged 7.0 L/100 km., but a more patient driver could probably score a better return on their gas dollars.
I rather liked the stiff suspension, though I suspect there will be those who'll find it too firm over rough pavement. I'll take that over the dipping and bobbing of a softer setup — the Accent feels solid and planted in tight turns and the somewhat heavy steering requires little correction.
Where this segment once reeked of compromise and the economic reality of settling, cars like this offer buyers an affordable choice — that they'll actually want to drive.
It may not be quite as frisky as the Mazda2, but the Accent offers a wealth of features and a powerful drivetrain in a nicely finished package. And hopefully, by the time it's aged enough to fall within my meagre budget's radar, the transmission will have been re-worked to fulfil the fun factor too.
Underhood, a sophisticated 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine featuring direct injection and variable valve timing puts out 138 hp and 123 lb- ft of torque, placing the Accent near the top of the class, power-wise. Other than the new Chevrolet Sonic, none of its competitors come close.
However, the gloriously winding back roads between me and my favourite stable revealed the Accent to be far less joyful than the Mazda2, despite its 32 hp and 25 lb-ft advantage. Geared for frugality rather than frivolity, the Accent's happier to loaf in the economical low ranges. This entails a lot of shifting to find the Accent's power, especially when pulling out to pass.
The rubbery shifter doesn't help either; rowing through the gears is a hum-drum instead of satisfying experience. On the plus side, it's an easy gearbox for the beginner since it's the antithesis of notchy and easily finds the right gear.
During a week of mixed driving, I averaged 7.0 L/100 km., but a more patient driver could probably score a better return on their gas dollars.
I rather liked the stiff suspension, though I suspect there will be those who'll find it too firm over rough pavement. I'll take that over the dipping and bobbing of a softer setup — the Accent feels solid and planted in tight turns and the somewhat heavy steering requires little correction.
Road Tests and Reviews
Experts
Consumers
2012 Hyundai Accent
Review Highlights
Article Gallery