Hyundai is really lifting its sedan game in a big way and barely a month after launching its all-new and attractively priced Elantra, its little brother has hit our shores.
Costing between R146 900 and R167 900, the new Accent is priced well below more modern rivals like the Honda Ballade and VW Polo sedan and compares favourably with older-generation sedans like the VW Polo Vivo and Toyota Yaris sedans once engine size and specification is taken into account.
As far as style goes, the new Accent resembles a down-scaled Elantra in most ways, although squeezing those 'fluidic sculpture' design elements (as Hyundai likes to call them) over smaller dimensions meant that the overall effect could not be as elaborate.
That's not to say it's a junior in the size department and compared to its already generously-sized predecessor, the new Accent is 70mm longer and 5mm wider - albeit 13mm lower to the ground. In fact, its maker claims that rear legroom is on par with that of a medium-sized car and that the boot boasts class leading size and is wide enough for a golf bag.
Another area where this compact Hyundai is well endowed is beneath the bonnet. It's fitted with the familiar 1.6-litre Gamma powerplant, good for 91kW at 6300rpm and 156Nm at 4200rpm, and mated to either a five-speed manual or optional (and seemingly outdated) four-speed automatic transmission. In manual form it'll sip just six litres per 100km on the combined cycle, according to Hyundai.
Our launch attendee, Jesse Adams of Star Motoring, had only positive things to say about the performance: “The little tyke accelerates strongly and I was impressed with its tractability, especially considering the high altitude Gauteng test route.”
“Our test drive didn't involve any steep hills but I was forced into some uncomfortable overtaking moves and the Accent handled these with a composure uncommon to small entry-level cars like this and the torque spread is good.”
“Also impressive is the Accent's suspension, which took care of rippled and pockmarked roads as if they were freshly tarred.
“I was disappointed however in the feedback from the electronically assisted steering system. Just like many other recent Korean cars, the Accent's steering doesn't self centre like it should and the weighting feels cheap, but Hyundai says that the settings can be changed with electronic equipment at dealerships to suit individual tastes.”
Two specification levels are offered, namely GL and GLS. Both versions are fitted with air conditioning, an MP3/Aux/USB radio, trip computer, remote central locking, powered mirrors and front electric windows.
Opt for the flagship GLS and you can also look forward to rear electric windows, fancier cloth seats, heated mirrors and rear park assist while the sound system gains a CD player and an integrated Bluetooth system that allows hands-free calls and wireless music streaming through the speakers.
No side or curtain-level airbags are fitted to either of the models, but both are equipped with the basic driver and passenger bags as well as ABS brakes. It also aims to keep your bank balance safe with its five-year/90 000km service plan and five-year/150 000km warranty.
PRICING:
1.6 GL - R146 900
1.6 GLS - R156 900
1.6 GLS AT - R167 900
ALTERNATIVES:
Ford Ikon 1.6 Ambiente - R153 290
Honda Ballade 1.5 Comfort - R184 900
Mazda2 1.5 Active 4dr - R172 960
Nissan Tiida 1.6 Visia 4dr - R168 800
Toyota Yaris 1.3 4dr - R139 700
VW Polo Vivo 1.6 - R148 220