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Hyundai Accent Review

March 2005
Filed under: HYUNDAI Car News | HYUNDAI Headlines

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Over the years, Hyundai and value have become synonymous. Now, with the introduction of the all-new 2006 Accent, Hyundai raises the bar, delivering a higher level of value and sophistication in the small car class.

This third-generation Accent delivers class-leading safety features and a powerful, fuel-efficient CVVT engine, all wrapped in a sleek, new exterior design. The new Accent is also larger in every exterior dimension, which translates into the most interior volume for a sedan in its class. All this provides today's drivers with affordable and reliable transportation that's refined, confident and comfortable.

"The Accent has always been a popular vehicle, but recently, this segment has become highly competitive," said Robert F. Cosmai, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. "We believe drivers will once again embrace this all-new Accent with its segment-leading standard safety features, increased interior space, and content that is typically not available in this segment, all of which should accelerate this Accent to the front of the pack."

This new Accent is more elegant than its predecessor with crisp modern lines, distinctive halogen headlights, and larger wheels and tires that combined provide a strong character. Compared to the competition, Accent has a more refined appearance with body-color door handles, mirrors, bodyside molding, and rear tailgate garnish. The roof-mounted rod antenna not only looks good, but also provides exceptional reception.

The new Accent is roomier than the current model and, more importantly, the competition. Compared to the out-going 2005 model, the 2006 Accent is 1.8 inches longer overall, providing 1.5 inches of greater rear legroom. It's 1.0 inch wider, which translates to class-leading rear shoulder room of 53.1 inches. It's 3.0 inches taller, delivering 0.7 inch of greater front headroom. And, it rides on a wheelbase stretched by 2.3 inches. With an interior volume of 104.4 cubic feet, Accent delivers the most interior volume (passenger and cargo) for a sedan in its class.

"We're really moving the needle on interior packaging with the 2006 Accent," said Robert F. Cosmai. "Increasing the height of the vehicle 3 inches and moving the driver's seating position up 2 inches opens up all kinds of room and flexibility in the cabin. We used this to our advantage in the new Accent - although it's only 1.8 inches longer, it feels like it's moved up a whole class in interior roominess."

The 2006 Accent comes in one well-equipped body style, the GLS sedan. Class-leading safety features include dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and roof-mounted side curtain airbags for both front and outboard rear seat occupants. Standard side curtain airbags provide an important advantage for Accent owners, as this feature is optional or not available on most models in this class. All Accents come equipped with front seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters, which are designed to tighten the seatbelt in the event of a collision. All seating positions have adjustable headrests that can assist in the event of a rear accident, and the rear headrests are shingle-style for improved rear visibility.

Under the hood, Accent has the most powerful engine in its class. It's new 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with CVVT (Continuously Variable Valve Timing) delivers 110 horsepower and 107 lbs.-ft. of torque (estimated). This new technology not only enhances power output, it also reduces emissions - the new Accent is projected to receive Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) certification. It comes teamed with a 5-speed manual transmission, or an optional 4-speed automatic.

The interior design has also moved upscale with a new, distinctive two-tone color scheme. Standard equipment includes an AM/FM/CD audio system with 4 speakers, a convenient tilt steering wheel, 8-way driver's seat with adjustable armrest, driver and passenger vanity mirrors, front seatback pockets, and a versatile 60/40 split fold-down rear seat that has a folding center armrest with dual cupholders. For added comfort, air conditioning and a Convenience Package are available. The Convenience Package includes power windows featuring driver's auto down, illuminated switches on all four doors, and driver's side power window reserve, power heated mirrors, and power door locks with keyless entry with panic, and 6 speakers.

The 2006 Accent features a surprising level of storage. Accent delivers greater trunk space than its predecessor with an additional 0.8 cubic feet of space for a total of 12.4 cubic feet. Accent has plenty of areas in which to store items, too. There's a bottle holder and storage pockets located in every door panel, plus storage trays are located in the front and rear.

"Today's drivers are more demanding, whether they're in the market for a luxury sedan, like our all-new Azera, or looking for maximum value at an affordable price, which the new Accent delivers," said Cosmai, "This is just another example of how Hyundai is responding to the needs of American drivers and providing them with vehicles that are fun to drive and economical to own."

The all-new, affordable Accent delivers a comfortable ride and responsive handling thanks to a front MacPherson strut suspension with coil springs, and a coupled torsion beam rear suspension with coil springs. Unlike some of its competitors, Accent has standard power rack-and-pinion steering for precise feel.

Leave it to Hyundai to deliver everything a small car driver could want, in the form of the all-new 2006 Hyundai Accent.

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