Super TestCar reviews - Hyundai - Accent - hatch rangeHyundai modelsOverviewBetter, stronger and safer, Hyundai’s big baby aims at pensioners as well as punks12 May 2006 By CHRIS HARRIS ACCENT has grown up. The one-time entry-level Hyundai has had a complete model change, bringing in improvements to safety, space, performance, refinement and driveability. But at $16K for the hatch and $17.5K for the sedan, the Accent’s competition is formidable. And even though it is now classed as a ‘light’ rather than ‘small’ car class contender according to VFACTS, the public’s perception of cheapness – a legacy of the old ‘driveaway’ days – is still an issue. One thing’s for certain though – this Hyundai deserves to make new friends. Model release date: 1 May 2006 to 1 January 2010 All car reviewsAlfa Romeo Abarth Alpine Alpina Audi Aston Martin BMW Bentley Chevrolet Chery Citroen Chrysler Dodge Cupra Ferrari DS Ford Fiat FPV Foton GWM Great Wall Holden Haval HSV Honda Hyundai Hummer Isuzu Infiniti Jeep Jaguar Lamborghini Kia LDV Land Rover Lotus Lexus Maserati Mahindra McLaren Mazda Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG Mini MG Nissan Mitsubishi Peugeot Opel Proton Porsche Renault Ram Rover Rolls-Royce Skoda Saab SsangYong Smart Suzuki Subaru Toyota Tesla Volvo Volkswagen Previous modelTHE PG (Post Getz) Accent was relegated to fuddy-duddy status as the European-inspired light car finally convinced the world that Hyundai was serious about quality affordable baby cars. In this light the 2000-vintage LC Accent seemed like last century, with its unrefined drivetrain, low-fi cabin presentation and so-so dynamics. Only cheapness, a long warranty, spirited 78kW/143Nm 1.6 twin-cam four-cylinder engine (tied to a four-speed auto or five-speed manual gearbox), and sizeable cabin and boot space for its class were plus points. In the end this Accent became a rental-car special, with only a single-level three and five-door hatchback becoming available. Nobody will be lamenting the LC’s demise. |
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