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2014 Hyundai Accent GLS 5-door Review

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Miranda Lightstone
Just right
We live in a world of excess. Most of us live way beyond our means. Why? Because we’re lead to believe that if we don’t we’ll be missing out on some integral part of what it means to “live.” Well, I’ve got news for you; those Lois jeans are just as good as the Seven for Mankind jeans you splurged on the other day. They’re both jeans, and they’ll both wear out eventually and need replacing. Only difference is your wallet will appreciate the Lois replacement more.

What I’m saying is that Hyundai, and more specifically their Accent, is more than enough “car” to satisfy the average-earning, discerning and wise car buyer. It’s not excessive in any way, but it does offer precisely what one looks for in a car. What more could you really want/need?

What is a Hyundai Accent?
Closing in on 20 years on the market, the Hyundai Accent is an affordable compact car with a small, fuel-efficient engine and very few bells and whistles. It’s the entry-level Hyundai. While it started as a truly barebones vehicle, the Accent has evolved into a great daily commuter that’s comfortable and well appointed for everyday needs.

Now in its fourth generation, the Hyundai Accent looks the part and fits in well with the myriad of compact cars it stacks up against.

2014 Hyundai Accent GLS Price and Specs
Even in its highest trim level (GLS) with an automatic transmission, the starting price of the 2014 Hyundai Accent is still sub-$20,000. That’s impressive and one of the car’s most attractive features. Again, this isn’t about excess or overdoing it, this is about Hyundai offering precisely what a buyer needs from a car to get them from point A to point B without chewing a massive hole in their bank account at the same time.

The base 2014 Hyundai Accent L with a 6-speed manual transmission starts at just $13,899. And with no extras or add-ons you get 4-wheel disc brakes, electronic stability control, power door locks, USB and iPod hook-ups, driver’s seat height adjustment, and a nifty little rear spoiler.

No matter which of the five Hyundai Accents you choose from the lineup, you’ll drive away with the 1.6L GDI 4-cylinder engine good for 138 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque. Consider for a moment that the Mits Mirage (just $1,000 less than the base Accent, by the way) has nearly 70 horsepower and 50 torques less, and the Accent’s numbers seem positively racecar-like.

That power is handled either via a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, and travels out the front wheels only.

Driving the 2014 Hyundai Accent
I like driving the Accent. It’s not exciting or thrilling. It won’t leave you with an adrenaline rush or shaky hands. There’s no overly loud exhaust or growly engine. It handles normally, feels generic on most road surfaces, and accelerates OK. And that’s all just right.

That’s the thing about the 2014 Hyundai Accent; it’s not bad at anything, truthfully. Everything is just right, just enough, and just what the average consumer will look for. It does its job as it should; no more no less.

I love the Accent’s nimbleness in parking lots, and how solid it manages to feel on the highway at high speeds, despite its small size (big trucks be damned). There’s plenty of visibility and the driving position is great, too.

Driving the 6-speed automatic transmission meant relaxed traffic driving without a sore left ankle, and proved the Hyundai Accent’s city-dwelling prowess.

Inside and Out of the 2014 Hyundai Accent
Redesigned and launched for 2011, the Accent’s new look is a breath of fresh air from the Korean company’s then previous design cues. With a young flare, the 5-door Accent is undoubtedly the more attractive when compared to the sedan version. The stubby hatchback features a roof-mounted spoiler and large, expressive taillights. Assertive bodylines and front and rear bumpers ensure the Hyundai Accent’s attitude is almost palpable. This little hatch has character, and no longer blends into the highway scenery.

Inside, the character continues. Hyundai prides itself on giving lots for a little, and that’s precisely the case with the Accent. The car’s price tag belies the amenities hidden within from Bluetooth to heated seats, and active ECO system and auto temp controls.

While not excessively plush, seating is comfortable in the 2014 Hyundai Accent, and there is more than enough room on the rear bench for a toddler seat and another adult passenger. The trunk is spacious and the hatch makes for easy loading and unloading.

Comparing the 2014 Hyundai Accent
The compact segment is a feisty one with the likes of the Ford Fiesta, Kia Rio and Chevy Sonic amongst others. While others may appeal to the excessive culture we harbor in today’s society, the Hyundai Accent plays nicely into “enough and just right” to continue to attract buyers, and rightfully so.

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    2014 Hyundai Accent GLS
    hyundai accent 2014
    2014 Hyundai Accent GLS
    Review this Vehicle
    Styling
    Accessories
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    Miranda Lightstone
    Miranda Lightstone
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