New Hyundai Accent 2012 Review

Hyundai has unwrapped the all-new Accent 2012 at the Montreal Auto Show. This comes as a surprise as Hyundai Motor America had said the car wouldn’t break cover until the New York Auto Show in April. With an attractive exterior, exceptional fuel economy ratings, a roomy cabin and plenty of cargo space, the automotive press thinks the 2012 Hyundai Accent is a hot-ticket item. A vehicle that made its name in the industry as being a low cost option for those on a budget, Hyundai aims to keep that price structure while out-doing the competition in every other aspect.

Underwhelming performance and limited interior features left the 2011 Hyundai Accent in the dust compared to small cars like the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit and Mazda2. Hyundai hopes to change the Accent’s bargain bin reputation with a redesigned 2012 model that has a stylish exterior, more tech features and a lot more horsepower.

“Before, the Accent perfectly represented the bland aesthetics and underwhelming excitement that most subcompact buyers settled for,” writes Edmunds. “This all-new version of the entry-level Hyundai now shares the sharp styling of the similarly reimagined Sonata and Elantra, making it more an object of pride than embarrassment for a new owner."

As a whole, the automotive press agrees with Edmunds. Owners of the 2012 Hyundai Accent won’t park behind their office building, and kids won’t duck in their seats, because the 2012 Accent is a cute little car that sheds the 2011 model’s frumpy exterior.

Stacked against competitors, the Accent’s 138-horsepower engine makes the most horsepower, but according to reviewers, it’s not the most fun to drive. The Mazda2 and Honda Fit top the Accent in that department, even though the Mazda2 makes just 100 horsepower and the Fit makes 117. But for shoppers looking for an inexpensive vehicle with a standard USB port, satellite radio, good trunk space, comfortable front and rear seats and the highest non-hybrid fuel economy ratings in the class, the 2012 Hyundai Accent is a dependable, practical and affordable pick.

Hyundai Accent 2012 joined the line-up of the Statue of increasingly popular sport Fluidic design company. Vehicle exterior lines are meant to be futuristic, dynamic, and sleek. In a segment typically associated with staid designs, Accent stands out from the crowd. While the styling provides an attractive form, it is also functional, featuring a slippery 0.30 coefficient of drag. Five-door model includes trunk lid-mounted spoiler sporty. For a firm stand, 16 "alloy wheels are available.

Hyundai gave the Accent a complete overhaul for the 2012 model year. Changes start on the outside with an exterior that matches other models in the Hyundai lineup like the Elantra and Sonata. The 2012 Hyundai Accent also gets a more powerful 1.6-liter engine that makes 138 horsepower, a figure that tops the Mazda2 and Ford Fiesta. The cabin is larger than the outgoing model, and is available with more features such as optional Bluetooth and standard USB connectivity and satellite radio, but navigation and a sunroof are not available at all.

Available in four-door and five-door formats, Accent redefines expectations in the subcompact category by offering the company's attractive “Fluidic Sculpture” design, best-in-class fuel economy, and a full complement of standard safety features. Despite surprising technology and a significant increase in safety features, Hyundai will hold the line on pricing from the prior generation to continue delivering unmistakable value to customers.

2012 Accent is powered by direct-injection 138-hp 1.6-liter 4-cylinder that makes 123 ft-lbs of torque and, according to Canadian press release received 4.7 L / 100 km highway and 6.4 L/100 km regardless of whether you choose the 6-speed automatic or manual. That works out to 50-mpg highway and the incredible 37-mpg city. (The figures, however, the empire and in the United States, you look more closely into the 41-mpg and 30.5 mpg).

Having grown in size, the new Accent now 70mm (2.7 inches) longer and wider between the wheel 5mm. This not only makes the added interior space, but the Accent also provides a considerable amount of cargo volume with 14 cu-ft with a sedan trunk space and 17.2 cu-ft with the plane door. Despite all this, the weight is kept to a minimum, with a new Accent sedan weighs only 2392 pounds, while the hatchback is slightly heavier at 2429 pounds.

The 2012 Accent’s all-aluminum 1.6-litre Gamma 4-cylinder engine utilizes the latest engine technology to deliver a class-leading 138 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque and an estimated best-in-class 4.7 L/100 km highway fuel economy rating.

The most prominent features of the machine is the use of Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI), a first for the subcompact category. By precisely controlling the fuel injection, GDI allows for better fuel economy, increased power and reduced emissions. Application of Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts allows for further improvements in efficiency, fuel economy and emissions. To optimize breathing at all engine speeds, Variable Induction System (VIS) are used. Other elements that include reduced fuel consumption Alternator Management System, an offset crankshaft design, and electronic throttle control. To reduce lifetime operating costs and improve reliability, Gamma has a maintenance-free silent timing chain.

Several other systems have been improved over the outgoing model, each contributing to improved fuel efficiency. All models feature 6-speed automatic or manual transmission with well-spaced ratios for smooth and efficient power delivery. Low-rolling resistance silica tires and slippery shape (0.30 cd) reduce friction with the road and air. Finally, the function ActiveECO modify the engine and transmission control to smooth out throttle response. By activating the function ActiveECO, drivers can realize up to seven per cent increase in the real world fuel economy. The results of real-world driving range of efficiencies is estimated to 915 km highway.

Although the technology for additional content, security features, and packed into an all-new Accent, Hyundai has avoided the punishment typically associated weight increase. A lower curb weight corresponding to an increase not only in fuel economy, but all other dynamic areas. In fact, Accent offers a ratio of power-to-weight in its class so far, providing drivers with both low fuel consumption and responsive performance.