But once you sit inside, the ease of driving is a further surprise - the Accent is as comfortable as your mum's sofa. Plus of course a lot more exciting than just lounging around and more practical to get out a bit more!
On the inside, the 2011 Accent is a conventional four-door car that offers many large vehicle qualities and an extensive list of comfort features in a compact, easy-to-handle package.
BACKGROUND
The huge leap into modern premium territory made by Hyundai's new sedans is even more evident when the humble beginning of the all-new Accent is taken into account. This small sedan began life as the Korean automaker's first product, the Pony, in 1976, and has grown to become one of Hyundai Motor Company's top-selling global models.
The seventh-generation Accent maintains its reputation with a refined new modern design and an emphasis on high quality, while delivering improved fuel efficiency and performance.
APPEARANCE
The Accent continues Hyundai Motor's 'Fluidic Sculpture' design philosophy with elegant lines inspired by natural design harmony like the flow of water and wind. Hyundai says its designers emphasised a sleek and dynamic look when crafting the exterior and interior.
The sedan has a coupé-like profile similar to other cars in the company's latest models such as the Sonata and Elantra. The Accent's outer design is highlighted by sophisticated elements, including two-tone headlamps, unusual L-shaped fog lamps and a large hexagonal front grill.
From the side it also has defined character lines that start above the front fog lamps and extend to the rear combination lamps.
INTERIOR
Inside the cabin the character lines also flow with a Y-shaped centre console giving symmetry and a sense of stability. High-gloss black and metallic colours are used in the centre fascia which add a futuristic and high-tech look to the interior.
INTERIOR SPACE
The new Accent is slightly wider than the previous model and it is also 90mm longer. The overall height has been reduced by 13mm to support the car's sporty and stylish coupé-like profile but there is still more than sufficient inside headroom at the front and the back.
The new Accent offers plenty of luggage space and is wide enough to fit a golf bag. Good use has been made of interior space provided, resulting in a roomy cabin and class-leading luggage capacity.
POWERTRAIN
The new-generation 1.6 litre Gamma engine is constructed on a cast aluminium block. This in-line four-cylinder petrol engine features double overhead camshafts and multiport fuel injection with Constant Variable Valve Timing (CVVT). The new Accent has a published fuel consumption of 6.0 litres per 100km. So getting out a bit more is really quite affordable!
The 1.6 Gamma engine delivers its peak power output of 91kW at 6 300r/min, and its torque output tops the graph at 156Nm, delivered at 4 200r/min. On the manual 5-speed transmission we drove the gear teeth have been ground in a specific manner to lessen noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). During the test drive and at launch it was noticeable how easy, precise and smooth gear changes are.
HANDLING
The long wheelbase and wide stance of the new Accent contributes to a smooth ride with enhanced stability. Trusted McPherson struts on the front wheels provide fully independent suspension with sensitive steering and controlled manoeuvrability.
Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) gives precise handling, sharp steering response and feedback to the driver which makes for the easy driving we spoke about earlier.
The cumulative effect of these enhancements is good suspension articulation, a solid, secure grip even in poor road conditions and confident handling at speed on a straight path or in tight corners on a twisty road.
EXTRAS
An impressive sound system includes a USB port on the front console for iPod, a MP3 player or any other portable multimedia device; as well as an integrated Bluetooth system as standard equipment on the GLS models that allows drivers to make hands-free phone calls and to stream music wirelessly over the car's stereo speakers. An iPod connection cable is also provided as standard equipment with the GLS models.
A trip computer tells the driver what his average speed is, how far he or she can travel with the fuel left in the tank, the immediate and average fuel consumption, as well as the driving time. An Eco-Drive indicator illuminates when the driver keeps a light foot on the accelerator and uses the correct gear.
CONCLUSION
We think the manufacturer has it spot-on with the new sub-compact sedan, with trendy and stylish design and plenty of extra features which will attract and satisfy youthful consumers. The new Accent will also appeal young families looking for a car with a spacious and comfortable interior, large luggage carrying capacity and ample performance that is delivered in a refined manner. The Accent offers this at a very reasonable price range which is an important buying consideration in this competitive segment
DETAILS
The Accent comes with a 5 year or 150 000km manufacturer's warranty with the same for rust and perforation as well as roadside assistance. The service plan is for 5 years or 90 000km. Service intervals are every 15 000km with a service interval leeway of 1 500km. The Accent 1.6 GLS retails for R169 900 inclusive of CO2 emission tax and VAT.
The new Hyundai Accent 1.6 GLS was made available for the test drive by South Cape Auto, Hyundai George. For more information contact them on 044 878 2844 or visit the showroom at the corner of York Street and P W Botha Boulevard, George Industria.
The Y-shaped centre console gives symmetry and a sense of stability.
