Two decades ago, the thought of owning a Korean runabout was a depressing one.
Those days are long gone, however, for Hyundai models today are known not just for their design but also their performance.
The Elantra saloon, for instance, is more than a match for the
Toyota Corolla Altis and Honda Civic. Meanwhile, the flagship Genesis
saloon has been named the "Best Six-cylinder Luxury Saloon" at last
year's ST-Torque Awards.
Since the range-topping Genesis is so exceptional, it is only
natural for me to wonder how good (or bad) the entry-level Accent is.
Style-wise, it looks similar to its larger Elantra sibling, except
the rear end. Viewed from behind, the Accent looks a lot plainer than
the Elantra.
Settle into the driver's seat and you will find that the cockpit is
not as spartan as expected. Instead of black plastic all around, the
hi-fi unit is trimmed with a more pleasant metal applique, while the
gearshift lever is surrounded by shiny black plastic for a classier
feel.
What I would rather have, though, are steering wheel controls for
the audio system, which would have enhanced the cockpit's overall
convenience.
The Accent's build quality is better than some rivals, such as the
Chevrolet Sonic. Also better than expected is the backseat. Thanks to
the flat rear floor, there is plenty of room for adults to stretch
their legs.
There is a full-size headrest for the middle occupant and doorbins
for loose items, but strangely, there is no netting behind the driver's
seat for storage.
Unlike rivals such as the Honda City and Nissan Almera, which are
powered by 1.5-litre engines, the Accent is equipped with a 1.4-litre
unit.
It produces only 100bhp and 133Nm, but its power delivery is
progressive and the motor does not sound too breathless. In fact, the
Accent does the century sprint a second quicker than the Sonic, whose
engine produces similar output figures.
On the go, the Accent impresses with its well-damped ride and tidy
handling. It also offers decent comfort with its quiet cabin and
effortless steering, which makes manoeuvring through multi-storey
carparks a breeze.
The biggest surprise is its CVT (continuously variable
transmission), which is so smooth, it managed to fool this writer (and
several Komoco sales staff) into thinking that it was a regular
six-speed automatic.
It does not exhibit any of the typical CVT traits when pushed. There
is no whine or "rubber band" feel. If all CVTs were like this one,
driving enthusiasts would be more willing to accept them, I believe.
The Accent might not have sensational handling or an array of
amenities. But by accentuating its positive traits, such as a seamless
drivetrain, well-made cabin and value pricing, the thought of owning
this honest-to-goodness Hyundai could be a cheerful one.
Specs
HYUNDAI ACCENT 1.4
Price: $104,999 including COE
Engine: 1,368cc 16-valves inline-four
Transmission: CVT with six-speed override
Power: 100bhp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 133Nm at 4,000rpm
0-100kmh: 11.8 seconds
Top speed: 185kmh
Fuel consumption: 5.7 litres/100km (city-highway)
