More Fun Than Ever Expected
If I were to describe the 2003 Hyundai Accent GSi in one word, I would say it is "fun." It's just that simple.
So what makes the GSi so fun? First of all, while a 4-speed automatic is available so is the 5-speed manual transmission. I have mentioned before that low horsepower cars are always better in stick shift mode, and I am "sticking" to my statement. Second of all, the Accent comes in a quirky Glacier Blue colour, a hue that is not commonly seen on the road. Third of all, well, the list goes on. If I gave everything away all at once, the fun would end, or would it?
The GSi proved to be fun and functional when driving around town and up the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler, BC, one of my regular routes. It is a very easy car to drive. What do I mean by that? Well, it doesn't take a professional driver to enjoy the full benefits of driving an Accent. In addition, the shifting is easy to control because it's not stiff or jerky. The GSi handles well in corners, and its suspension doesn't crumble at high speeds. This might have something to do with its larger wheels and tires compared to the base GL model. The GSi gets 14-inch alloy rims paired to P185/60R14 all-season tires.
When driving the Accent to and from my various destinations throughout the week it felt as though its personality really came through. It's a happy and cute car and always has a smile on its hood. As strange as this may sound, I felt as though the Accent merrily skipped down the road. What more can I say, it's just a jovial car.
Let's talk interior. The GSi model is, how shall I say, a very manual vehicle. There are no power windows, but they do roll down easily. There isn't a power sunroof but with a flick of the fingers the sunroof snaps into place. There is no A/C, however, if so desired, it is a dealer installed option. The lack of power features didn't bother me. In fact, I enjoyed going manual because everything was just so functional, with no pretense.
If I were to describe the 2003 Hyundai Accent GSi in one word, I would say it is "fun." It's just that simple.
So what makes the GSi so fun? First of all, while a 4-speed automatic is available so is the 5-speed manual transmission. I have mentioned before that low horsepower cars are always better in stick shift mode, and I am "sticking" to my statement. Second of all, the Accent comes in a quirky Glacier Blue colour, a hue that is not commonly seen on the road. Third of all, well, the list goes on. If I gave everything away all at once, the fun would end, or would it?
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| The 2003 Hyundai Accent GSi proved to be fun and functional, and a very easy car to drive. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
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| The no-frills interior of the GSi has manual windows, a manual sunroof, and only optional air conditioning, but at the same time is functional and unpretentious.(Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
Let's talk interior. The GSi model is, how shall I say, a very manual vehicle. There are no power windows, but they do roll down easily. There isn't a power sunroof but with a flick of the fingers the sunroof snaps into place. There is no A/C, however, if so desired, it is a dealer installed option. The lack of power features didn't bother me. In fact, I enjoyed going manual because everything was just so functional, with no pretense.