2012 Hyundai Accent Review
Bruce Sheridan
Overview
The new lineup of the cheapest new cars available gets stronger and more competitive every year. These are some of the most popular new cars on the market, so to stand out car makers really need to hit the nail on the head for what they're trying to do. That's the
2012 Hyundai Accent, and the nail that Hyundai was trying to hit was practicality on a budget.
The Accent does many things right, and in all reality the things that it doesn't excel at are not normally important to car buyers in this segment. The Accent delivers a blend of high gas mileage, a roomy interior and a long list of standard and optional features. What it doesn't do well is knock your socks off behind the wheel. It is a realistic car for practical drivers, and in this regard, it is arguably one of the
best deals on cheap new cars.
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The Accent has had a price hike from last year, but it still remains one of the only possible
new cars under 10000 dollars. The base trim starts at just $12,545, but with added packages and features you could quickly get close to $15,000. With everything the Accent offers combined with Hyundai's stellar warranty, it's arguable that it's probably worth more. If you are looking at the lowest cost new cars, you need to check out the Hyundai Accent.
2012 Hyundai Accent |
|
|
Starting MSRP |
Max City / Hwy MPG |
$12,545 |
30 / 40 |
|
|
Pros |
Cons |
High mpg |
Unexciting drive |
More room |
Cheaper interior |
Lots of features |
|
Hyundai warranty |
|
Trims
The Accent doesn't come in many different trims, and all three come with the same 1.6 4-cyl engine with a six speed manual transmission or an optional six speed automatic. Each trim gets about the same out of their engines, but automatic transmission Accents can get a fuel saving Eco mode. There are also Comfort and Premium packages that add more optional features.
Accent Sedan Trims |
Name |
MSRP |
Engine |
Best MPG City / Hwy |
GLS |
$12,545 |
1.6L 4-cyl |
30 / 40 |
|
|
|
|
Accent Hatchback Trims |
Name |
MSRP |
Engine |
Best MPG City / Hwy |
GS |
$14,695 |
1.6L 4-cyl |
30 / 40 |
SE |
$15,895 |
1.6L 4-cyl |
30 / 40 |
Performance
Like most other cars in the compact class, the Accent is not likely to keep you on the edge of your seat with its driving dynamics. There are certainly more athletic competitors available, but the Accent was never meant to be a white knuckle ride. It is not sluggish by any means; the engine actually performs pretty well with smooth acceleration. Its 1.6L 4-cyl engine produces 138 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque. Basically, this car isn't thrilling to drive, but at the same time it won't put you to sleep. It was made for practicality, not performance.
Interior / Exterior
The Accent has sized up from last year, and in fact, the added dimensions bump it up a class; from subcompact to just plain old compact. Hyundai is a stout believer in giving consumers what they want at each class, and they believe what drivers want is more space and better mpg. Much of the added room came from the back seat getting a bit bigger, and it is one of the roomiest cars in this class, right along with the Honda Fit.
Unfortunately, while the seating is nice, many people have said they did not find the interior to be very comfortable. Lots of hard plastics populate the interior of this compact car. The exterior also received a styling upgrade, and it much closer resembles its bigger brothers, the Elantra and Sonata.
Features
The 2012 Accent's list of features runs pretty long considering it is supposedly an economy car. The sedan GLS trim is the base model, and even it comes with a trip computer, power locks and an audio system. Upgrading to the automatic transmission GLS or throwing in the Comfort package will get you things like power windows and mirrors, CD player, satellite radio and auxiliary input jacks. The Premium package for the GLS features an upgraded interior design and materials, along with keyless entry, cruise control, fog lights, steering wheel audio controls and Bluetooth, among other things.
The hatchback trims get even more options as standard equipment. The GS gets all the features of the Comfort package GLS plus things like keyless entry and rear view wiper. The SE trim gets much of the GLS Premium features, along with some nice additions like the leather steering wheel.
Safety
The new Accent earned four out of five stars in its front, side and overall protection scores. The IIHS gave it a max score on its front and rollover tests, but only an average score on its side impact tests. All Accents come with electronic traction and stability control, four assisted anti lock disc brakes and six total airbags. Getting a good view out the rear of the hatchback has proven a problem for some, and unfortunately Hyundai does not offer a rearview camera on the Accent.
Also consider
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