Accent on seduction

I have noticed that there are two types of car lovers - a hatchback person or you a sedan person.

There are just no two ways about it. As a car lover you may find that you like both but there will always be an inclination towards upir favourite.

I am a self-professed hatch fan, but after driving the latest Hyundai Accent, I found myself wondering if I had just been converted.

This is just compact elegance. Hatchbacks tend to have a more playful and sporty look and feel. But when it comes to the Accent it has all of that, plus that elegant look that most sedans strive for.

The Accent also has elements from its bigger siblings, the Elantra and the Sonata.

It has a very edgy design, seducing you with its beautiful diamond shaped lights. The outside of the car screams sheer class but this vehicle is truly young at heart.

As soon as you get behind the wheel you realise that the interior is made for the much younger driver.

This one is for the newlyweds who still don't want to give up their twenties and need a car that shows they are still young but also moving up in life.

Though the Accent takes a lot from its bigger siblings, there is some inferiority of materials in the interior. But this doesn't mean you'll spot cheap from miles away.

I'm not complaining given the pricing of this cutie. The layout is clean and neat, making the journey pleasant.

This car is value for your money as it comes standard with an almost fullhouse kit.

Features include steering wheel controls, Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone kit, USB outlet, ABS brakes, air conditioning, electric windows and a whole lot more.

In short, everything anyone could want in a small sedan.

The Accent only comes with a 1.6-litre engine and drives like a dream. But the automatic gearbox does an injustice to the well put together package as it screams and runs out of breath in higher gears.

The Accent boasts a boot capable of carrying luggage for a family of five. The racy design does have a disadvantage as the slanting roof might be a bit uncomfortable for taller rear passengers. But it does have enough legroom for all occupants.

The car will not break the bank and is worth every penny. The 1.6 GL manual starts at R146900, the GLS manual is R156900, while the GLS automatic is priced at R167900. It also comes with a five year/90000km service plan and a five year/150000km warranty.

I am not fully converted from being a hatchback lover but this beautiful car came very close to making me reconsider.