Hyundai is a company on the move. The Korean maker has been slowly navigating its way out of the bargain basement as its cars have improved – although its biggest sellers are still the cheapest ticket items including hyundai elantra and sonata.
Earlier this year, Hyundai was battling with Ford and Mazda for a chance on the podium behind sales leaders Toyota and Holden. By October however, Ford had gapped them, leaving Hyundai and Mazda in a race to become first of the place-getters.
It’s a telling tale: who’d have thought 10 years ago that Hyundai’s cars would be as popular as Ford’s or Mazda’s?
Hyundai vehicles took a noticeable step up in quality about three years ago, and most cars introduced since then have been strong class contenders. But Hyundai hasn’t always got it right. On at least two occasions Hyundai has had to expedite changes to just-released models following a lukewarm reception to the cars from the media.
The i45 sedan underwent suspension surgery and the ix35 softroader got a new steering system within months of going on sale. Will Hyundai get the all-new Accent small car right, straight out of the box?
The design looks sharp and the quality of the materials inside is good – certainly a cut above Holden’s Korean-factory quality – although small details such as the power window switches don’t reflect the improvements made elsewhere.
The testers also commented on the overwhelming odour of the cabin plastics – other cars didn’t rate a mention.
These aren’t deal breakers, but they indicate Hyundai shouldn’t be resting on its laurels just yet.
As with most other cars here, the majority of mod-cons are covered such as Bluetooth, 3.5mm and USB inputs, and two 12V power sockets.
Styling inside and out is pleasant enough, and the package size is fair for the class. Hyundai even manages to supply a full size spare while most others scrimp.
The Accent comes with six airbags and a five-star safety rating – and Hyundai’s five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty (matched only by its sister company Kia).
The new Accent drives well enough -- it seems they got this one right from the start. Power from the 1.6-litre engine is above average for the class; it’s more than willing and able, and relatively refined.
Suspension and steering have been tuned for comfort rather than corners, and light steering for easy parking, but overall the Accent is acceptable rather than a game-changer.
Issues only arise once you dig into the detail. For example, the Accent doesn’t get cruise control or reach adjustment in the steering (both standard on the twin-under-the-skin Kia Rio we tested).
Our passengers said the back seat was too low and the least comfortable of the cars we compared.
And then there’s the price. At $20,490 in Elite trim with automatic transmission, it’s at the top end of these contenders.
The Accent looked pretty good – until we drove the next car.
Affordable cars are just a click away.
Light Car mega-test: Hyundai Accent