Accent on luxury
An attractive hatchback with an excellent list of specifications that offers real value has been added to the local Hyundai passenger car range.
The five-door Accent is powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine and available with either a six-speed automatic or a four-speed automatic gearbox.
Two derivatives - the 1.6 Fluid manual, with a six-speed gearbox, and the 1.6 Fluid, with a four-speed automatic transmission, - are available immediately.
The petrol-injection engine, with continuously variable valve timing, has a displacement of 1591cc and delivers maximum power of 91kW at 6300rpm. Peak torque is 156Nm at 4200 rpm.
Its emissions were measured at 152g/km for the manual derivative and 161g/km for the Accent Hatchback with automatic transmission.
A claimed combined fuel consumption figure of 6.4l/km was recorded in the manual. The automatic derivative delivered average fuel consumption of 6.8l/km.
Viewed from the front, the hatchback resembles its sedan sibling, with headlamps that curve into the body and a two-piece black bezel design that adds a touch of high-tech luxury.
The sporty fog lamps, which are standard, blend with the body shell.
The hexagonal grille, Hyundai's family face, has rounded edges which makes the hatchback look even more modern and stylish. In addition, body-coloured outside door handles provide a refined, uninterrupted look.
At the rear, the sedan's spacious boot is replaced with a wide hatch door that reveals an equally roomy luggage area, covered by a parcel tray. Rear combination lamps blend with the sides in a modern, dynamic style, making the Accent look wider.
The exterior picture is rounded off by attractive alloy wheels with 195/50R16 tyres. The spare wheel, located under the floor of the luggage area, is also a full-size alloy.
The hatchback has a roomy interior with a long list of convenience features that come as standard in both derivatives. They include steering wheel remote audio system controls, electric side mirror and window controls in the driver's armrest and easily accessible iPod/USB/Aux ports in the centre console.
Integrated Bluetooth functionality enables the driver and passengers to make phone calls and stream music wirelessly though the audio system.
A 60:40-split rear seat back makes it possible to extend the standard luggage area of 370l.
An important and helpful convenience feature is the rear Park Assist System with a beeping warning sound.
The hatchback key incorporates a central door locking system, with a separate button to unlock the rear hatch door.
There are driver and passenger airbags, complemented by side and curtain airbags and seat belt pretensioners for the driver and front passenger's three-point safety belts.
The rear bench has two three-point safety belts and a lap belt in the middle seat.
An Anti-Lock Braking System and Electronic Brake-force Distribution take care of active safety, should the driver of the Accent Hatchback land in a spot of bother on the road.