2012 Hyundai Accent Reviews

Ewan Kennedy reviews the first, second and third generation Hyundai Accent from 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 as a used buy.

Hyundai Accent arrived in Australia in June 2000 to replace the extremely successful Hyundai Excel. Hyundai attempted to push it a bit more upmarket than the Excel and that included a price rise that took it out of the cheap-and-cheerful category. The lower cost Hyundai Getz also stole sales from Accent.So sales of the Accent have never been as high as the Korean importers planned, but there are plenty on the used-car market and if you shop around there are some excellent buys out there.Hyundai’s build quality, which was a bit hit-and-miss in the company’s earlier years, had improved noticeably and the Accent benefited from being an all-new design. The later the car you buy the better it’s likely to be. The main structure of the Accent generally holds up well when subjected to the rigours of rough Aussie roads. Anything that squeaks and/or rattles, particularly inside the cabin, during your test drive should be treated with suspicion.There's good interior room in this small-medium Hyundai and buyers with pre-teen children can use the Accent as a full family car. The boot is roomy and easy to use and has a good shape that’s reasonably easy to load.Hyundai's Accent has good handling and the feel through the steering is better than average for an Asian import. There's some understeer if you push hard but the car is reasonably neutral until then. A good set of tyres can markedly improve things in the handling department and won’t set you back a huge amount of money.Model choices are quite limited because slow sales meant that the upmarket Accent hatchbacks, and all sedan variants were pulled off the Australian market in 2002. The sedan made a return in May 2006 with the introduction of a virtually all-new Accent.In September 2003 the Accent received a facelift to move it away from the somewhat bland look of the original model. This facelifted version is more popular on the used scene and it’s worth paying the extra if you’re looking for a bit of pizzazz in an affordable car.At the time of the 2003 body revamp, the Accent’s engine was increased in size from 1.5 to 1.6 litres. Performance from the new 78 kW unit made the small-medium Hyundai reasonably zippy on the road. It’s still not really sporting, but the car became more pleasant to drive, with shorter overtaking distances and the ability to climb hills with fewer gearchanges.Gearbox options are five-speed manual and four-speed automatic. This means it’s lagging behind more recent competitors with multi-speed manuals and autos. The manuals are generally good in their gearchanges but can bind up at times for no obvious reason. Automatics do sap a fair bit of engine power in a car of this size and are probably best left to those who do a lot of heavy-duty commuting in serious traffic.These days Hyundai is a fully established as part of the Australian automotive scene. The dealer network is large and widespread, though as is often the way in a car in this class, representation in the bush can be on the sparse side. We have heard of no real complaints about the cost of servicing or spare parts.The Accent is a simple design and has good underbonnet space, so it’s easy enough to work on. A lot of routine work can be done by a good home handyperson, though safety related items should be left to the professional. It’s always a good idea to have a workshop manual on hand before starting your own servicing and repair work.Insurance charges are moderate and there doesn’t appear to be a great deal of difference between companies as to the premiums they charge. Shop around but, as always, make sure you are doing a full apples-with-apples comparison before making your final choice.WHAT TO LOOK FORWe have seen Accents reach 200,000 km without any real problems. These cars had obviously been driven sensibly and serviced by the book - ask to see the full service records. Look over the interior, including the boot, for signs of rough usage. This may be a sign that other out of sight areas have also been mistreated.Rust isn't normally a problem, but look at all the lower body areas and around the front and rear windscreens to be safe. Any cars we have seen with rust in their bodies have been poorly repaired after crashes.Do an engine check for easy starting and smooth idling. Where possible this should be done with the engine cold, preferably after it has been sitting overnight.Feel for a manual gearbox that baulks during fast gear changes, especially during the three-two down change.Turn the steering wheel all the way from one side to the other whilst travelling at a very low speed and listen for clunking noises near the front wheels. These probably indicate the universal joints are worn.CAR BUYING TIPSellers will ask more for cars with a full service history, but it’s generally worth the extra outlay. Having paid the higher price it’s smart to keep its logbooks up to date. That way you can get most of your added investment back when it’s time to trade up. 

We've been waiting to drive this particular car for some time.Billed as Australia's "most affordable" diesel car, we reckon it would be perfect for someone who travels long distances each week, such as an interurban commuter. Why catch the train when you could have one of these babies?It's the same 1.6-litre CRDi turbo diesel that can be found in the larger i30, with 94kW of power and 260Nm of torque from a low 1900 revs. The difference is this car is about 200kg lighter which in theory means it should go further. Wrong.Fuel consumption figures for the Accent and i30 are almost identical at 4.5 litres/100km a piece for the manual and 5.6 litres/100km for the auto (i30 5.7). In comparison the 1.6-litre petrol model is rated at 6.0 and 6.4 litres/100km respectively. With a 43-litre tank, that gives the diesel Accent a theoretical range of 955km but with a larger 53-litre tank the i30 still has the edge. During testing we clocked up 560km at a rate of 4.6 litres/100km.They don't cost the same, so what's the pros and cons of buying a diesel over a petrol model? The equivalent petrol model is $16,990 while the diesel at $19,490 attracts a $2500 premium. When we checked the price of fuel, both petrol and diesel was $1.47 a litre near the office. At that price $2500 buys 1690 litres of petrol that translates to 28,000km of driving. That means you'd have to travel about 115,000km before the two break even, excluding service costs. If petrol was $1.38 and diesel $1.54 a litre  it's 185,000km.Like the i30 it's only a four-speed auto. It's another $2000 but will use another 1.1 litres of fuel per 100km (about 25 per cent more). The auto is going to be better in city traffic, instead of working a clutch. We generally recommend an auto with a diesel because it makes the whole experience so much smoother. But if economy is the goal, you'd be forced to stick with the manual. Your call?It's not all about fuel economy of course. Anyone who has driven a diesel car can attest to the fact that it's a comparatively easy, relaxed driving experience. With 260Nm of torque, the diesel has a lot more "pulling power" and this makes it effortless to drive  if perhaps a little less refined. Although it's the base Active model it surprisingly well equipped, with a Bluetooth and full iPod connectivity.A fantastic little car. Performance is strong and it is surprisingly smooth and quiet for a diesel, especially one of this size. The only thing we'd wish for is cruise control, a must for driving long distances  but it's not offered with the Accent. The catch is ... like most people, if you do 20,000km a year, then it's going to take six years to recoup the difference. Having said that it's the gap between refills and the superiour driving experience that are the big attraction of the diesel  an extra $2500 won't make a huge difference to your loan repayments.

Hyundai’s Accent CRDi is quite simply the lowest cost diesel engined car on our market. When the Accent CRDi was introduced in January 2012 it immediately replaced the Ford Fiesta LX TDCi as the least expensive turbo-diesel model in Australia.This new oil burning Accent comes as a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback, both at the same starting price of $19,490.That’s a $2500 premium over the manual petrol Accent but much of that added cost will be recouped from the significantly lower fuel consumption.Low running costs are impressive, but keep in mind you’re spending an extra $2500 to achieve the fuel savings. Some of this added cost will be recouped when the time comes to trade up.The Accent's 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel delivers 94 kW of power, and a very healthy 265 Nm of torque all the way from 1900 to 2750 rpm.Hyundai Accent CRDi has official fuel consumption measurements of 4.4 litres per hundred kilometres in the manual sedan and 4.5 litres for the hatch. In the glove compartment we found a box of 10 latex gloves for clean diesel filling.Our review Hyundai Accent diesel was a neat looking hatch with what Hyundai calls its `fluid design'. There are no hard edges and many who saw the flowing shape during our test period loved its lines.We like the current Hyundai Y-shaped dash design theme. It’s clean, easy on the eye and functional. Bluetooth and MP3 are standard and there are audio controls on the steering wheel.The front seats are comfortable and supportive. The rear seats offer good legroom and reasonable headroom and are reasonably supportive. However, the centre seat is firm to the point of being hard and has less headroom than the others. There's no storage in the rear doors.The rear 60/40 split seats fold flat with a one-touch action. The large boot is easy to load and has a security screen.The Accent turbo-diesel has a five-star ANCAP rating and has six airbags, stability control, traction control and ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution.Turbo-diesel engines produce a lot more torque than non-turbo petrol engines, making the Accent CRDi easier to drive. Fifth and sixth gear are highly geared for economy. In sixth gear the Accent CRDi simply lopes along at 110 km/h barely hitting 2000 rpm.During our open road driving we found the car to be using four to five litres per hundred kilometres when driven with economy in mind. Harder driving and hilly roads could see this rise to the five to six range, but that’s still excellent. Around town we would also expect the Hyundai Accent CRDi to use fuel in the latter range.This Hyundai Accent handles nicely, has minimal body roll and no bad road manners that we could find. It is as well suited to city driving as open roads with the turbo diesel and high gearing making it simply lope along in the bush.Hyundai Accent CRDi is a good looking car that doesn’t give the appearance of being a stripped down economy special. It’s simple to drive and park and its low purchase price seems assured of success in the Australian sales race.

Taking time off has done wonders for Hyundai's Accent.After dropping out of circulation for more than year, this fourth-generation small car is back with a bang, its striking good looks the product of the company's stylish fluid design offensive.Armed with eye-catching lines, a peppy engine, a spacious interior and plenty of equipment for the price, it elevates the Accent to a level where it rubs shoulders with class leaders, such as the Toyota Yaris, Mazda2 and Ford Fiesta.The 1.6-litre engine puts out a class-leading 91kW and 156Nm. When matched to the six-speed manual (on test), it delivers lively and responsive performance. Some of its zip, however, is due to the relatively short gearing, which has the engine spinning at close to 3000rpm at 100kmh.Even so, apart from an eager buzz when working, noise levels are commendably muted. Fuel use is a frugal 6l/100km in the manual (auto 6.4), a fraction thriftier than its main rivals. The ride is comfortable and well-controlled and the handling is nimble and secure.The great economy, together with the light and responsive steering, makes this Accent more engaging to drive than its predecessor. The interior is bright and inviting, the controls and instruments are clear and uncluttered, the seats comfortable and the finish impressive.There is ample head and leg room front and rear for four average-sized adults and a decent boot. Visibility out the rear, however, is impaired by the upsweep of the rear pillar. The model range is the Active at $16,990 and the Elite at $18,490, both in sedan or hatch. The Premium hatch is $20,990. Add $2000 to all models for automatic transmission.If you are in the market for a light car, make sure you sample the Accent.

A decade ago you wouldn't consider a motoring holiday in a light passenger car. Too small, too noisy, too bumpy and stripped of any comfort feature demanded by the long-distance motorist. The only time you'd crack a smile is when refuelling - if the range of the tiny petrol tank allowed you to get there. But I'd take any of these four hatches - Hyundai Accent, Mazda 2, Toyota Yaris or Ford Fiesta - out to Alice Springs, have a coffee at Gonzo's, and drive back. You wouldn't have done that in most of the lightweight hatches sold 10 years ago.What's changed? You. You are now demanding fuel efficient, safe and roomy baby cars that slot under a Corolla but just above the pared-back, minicar budget class.Manufacturers are falling over themselves in the challenge. They know you are downsizing but don't want to lose luxury and convenience features. They know you are focused on fuel economy and safety, like a space in a comfortable cabin and demand premium things like audios that integrate with handheld devices.There are more than four hatchbacks to choose from. In fact there are 26 distinct models in the light-car segment. But the four listed here are very, very good at their job. They will suit the commuter as much as the uni student, have sufficient zip for driver's with passion, the simplicity of driving to lure Mum and the cabin and boot room for junior and the pram.These four tested here are all the top-spec in their model range. They are all automatic, all have the maximum five-star crash ratings and five lap-sash seatbelts, and are similarly priced. They're just small - that's all.1. HYUNDAI ACCENT Premium ($22,990)Slips above the i20 and just below the i30 (which gets bigger next year with a new model) in size and price but loses nothing in terms of comfort, space and features. Possibly the best of the three sisters, it wears the latest Hyundai style yet is suitably restrained to broaden its market.ValueStar: 4: Wins the race here with heaps of features for the price in comparison to the others. Leather upholstery; compatible audio with Bluetooth, iPod and USB; full-size spare alloy wheel; keyless start; electric windows and mirrors; four-wheel disc brakes; and a lidded centre console are included.DesignAt 4.1m long it's not tiny but the snub nose, abrupt tail and height give it distinction. It all translates into excellent cabin room - a close second for rear legroom - and a big boot. How Hyundai fits a 195mm wide full-size spare under the boot floor and still manages to beat most rivals is simply clever.TechnologyIt's a simple car with the accent (that's a pun) on low running costs. So the 91kW/156Nm 1.6-litre engine is made for durability and the four-speed auto - with sequential shift - is built to be inexpensive and reliable. The electric steering can be vague and even uncertain so requires familiarisation.SafetyFive-star crash rating, six airbags, electronic stability and traction control, four-wheel disc brakes, rear park sensors and even a camera with its screen in the rear vision mirror. Complete.DrivingOnly the vague and twitchy electric steering dampens a confident, peppy and comfortable ride. The engine is flexible enough to cope with only four gears - though the sequential mode can add sparkle - and is relatively quiet, economical and even entices a level of fun to driving. Handling is typical of its class and will surprise with its surefootedness. Great visibility (rear camera helps here) and comfortable leather seats help survive the city.2. MAZDA2 Genki ($22,145)This model gets better each year and is now the most popular in its segment with a 13.6 per cent share. The Genki is the top-line of the Mazda2 range and continues to add more comfort and features to make many buyers think twice before going up a size to the Mazda3. This is a small car - at 3.9m long, the second smallest here - so is suggested for single drivers or perhaps couples.ValueOver the mid-level Mazda2 Maxx, Genki costs $2805 more and adds cruise control, body kit, bigger 16-inch alloys, trip computer, auto headlights and climate-control airconditioning. Worth it? Probably not, though if you're a leadfoot, the cruise control may save the difference in speeding fines within the first year.DesignCute. Everyone loves these but they are definitely styled to attract women. Get out of the car, Brian. Mazda cleverly doesn't overdo the family-themed styling so the baby car has subtle looks yet remains distinctly zoom-zoom. It's small size doesn't stop design flexibility - the vertical glovebox has an open top to store A4 documents which is handy if you have A4 documents, a bit daft if you do not. The rear seat is better for children than adults and though the boot is only 250-litres, split fold rear seats give some load-space flexibility.TechnologyAgain, this is a simple sector of the car market and Mazda complies with a 1.5-litre engine and four-speed automatic transmission. No surprises here. It has front disc brakes but the rear units are drum - see also Fiesta and Yaris - which is serviceable but old hat. Suspension is common to the four - MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion bar at the back - based on low price and compactness.SafetyAlso a five-star crash rated car. The Mazda2 equals most rivals with its six airbags, electronic stability and traction control, brake assist and brakeforce distribution. The space-saver spare wheel loses some points - compared with the Hyundai - so can limit its ability to take to the country.DrivingThis is the oldest model here yet still delights with its performance and particularly its agile handling. Like the others it has electric steering but seems more communicative than most. The drum rear brakes don't affect performance and, surprisingly, the engine copes very well with the miserable four cogs offered in its gearbox. It really is a joy to drive but can be noisy and if you have too much fun, fuel thirst will kill the smiles.3. TOYOTA YARIS YRX ($21,390)The second generation Yaris - following on from the Echo - improves by evolution to become bigger and stronger. It is making a step away from the "cutesy" end of the segment and looks bolder. In doing so, it will appeal equally to male and female buyers. But despite its new look, much of the car remains similar to before and may not appear to offer as much value as its most deadly rival, Hyundai.ValueThe price is good. This is the cheapest car here by up to $1600 and probably not what you'd expect from Toyota. It's pretty well specced with 15-inch alloys, auto headlights, touch-screen audio with sat-nav, Bluetooth and USB/iPod compatibility, climate airconditioning and trip computer. The YRX is $2000 more than the mid-spec but aside from the SUNA traffic system - not available in all states - I can't see the value in the extra loot.DesignAs mentioned, this model arrived a couple of months ago with a more masculine style and boasting more cabin room. The deep V-shaped grille and kerb-catcher bottom inlet are striking, as is the bulging rear wheel arches and pronounced tail lights. Inside it's a very good match of ergonomics and aesthetics. The double-layer boot looks cavernous but is only a snip above the Mazda2. But rear legroom is the best in this comparison so this car has more flexibility than most.TechnologyThe YRX gets the bigger 80kW 1.5-litre engine which has been around, in various guises, for a while. Most others get a 63kW 1.3-litre unit. No problem with the 1.5's power delivery and even the four-speed auto doesn't cripple its verve. The electric steering is pretty good but the drum rear brakes appear at odds with the rest of the car.SafetyAgain, a five-star crash rating with seven airbags (the seventh is for the driver's knees), electronic stability and traction control, brake assist and brakeforce distribution. The spare wheel is a space saver.DrivingThis is a tidy car. It sits nice and flat on the road and produces no squirms through the bends. The engine is sufficiently flexible to dust off the four gears and though it's no sports car, you can have a lot of fun here. The ride quality is also tops with comfortable seats and forgiving suspension, but it's not the quietest of the bunch and tyre noise can become annoying. Visibility is reasonable. It is difficult to get the complete rear view because of the rear-seat head restraints and to forward vision is thwarted by the steep rake of the bonnet. There is also no park sensors so parking can be guesswork.4. FORD FIESTA Zetec ($22,990)Ford have a little beauty on its hands with the Fiesta. It's so good that in many ways, trumps the bigger - and newer - Focus. It's made in Thailand (like the Mazda2) but quality rates highly. The Zetec is the most expensive of the range that also includes sedan versions and the frugal small-bore diesels.ValueThe price compares favourably with the others. Ford has a $2000 gap between the five-door hatch models - from the CL at $16,990 to LX at $18,990 and then the manual Zetec at $20,990 - and the latter justifies the extra with sports suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, sports seats and is the only one with USB and iPod integration in the audio. Yes, it's worth the extra.DesignLike the rivals, hard plastic dominates the dashboard and most remaining cabin spaces. But it's all been tastefully executed and though a bit busier than, say, the Hyundai or Mazda, delights in its playground appeal. The Focus-style audio buttons are a bit small for some fingers and there's no lid on the centre console (though the Fiesta isn't alone here) while the exterior is distinctive and fresh.TechnologyNothing to thrill here except the brilliant six-speed dual-clutch automatic. The six gears gives a wide spread in which the engine can work more efficiently while giving rapid upchanges. Very sporty. The 1.6-litre engine is a pleasant unit but nothing really to write home about, while the Fiesta follows suspension convention with MacPhersons at the front and a torsion beam behind.SafetyI repeat - five-star crash rating. There's also all the same electronic aids as the other competitors here and the only glaring difference is that the Fiesta doesn't come with a spare wheel. Nada. Zip. Nothing. Just a bottle of aerosol goo to reinflate the punctured tyre. A spare is optional and is a mandatory purchase.DrivingThe gearbox makes this car. It adds sparkle to the engine, creates smoother driving and ensures the engine is always in an efficient and torquey band of power through the corners. But there's actually a bit more. The seats are supportive and the small steering wheel falls nicely to hand, so there's the feeling that you're in a sports car and even though it's a city hatchback, it has a healthy 89kW/151Nm and records the lowest fuel consumption. Nothing much to dislike here though the boot is almost Mazda2 class in its size.