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2006 Hyundai Accent Sedan - Test Drive and New Car Review - 2006 Hyundai Accent Sedan
Hyundai has totally redesigned the Accent, its socalled entrylevel offering, for 2006 with new styling, new interior, more powerful engine, sophisticated suspension, and more standard safety equipment. Unchanged: The impressive 10 year, 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. With a starting price of $12,455 for the 2006 Hyundai Accent GLS ($15,410 loaded), the new Hyundai Accent drives away with top honors in the quality sweepstakes. EPA city/highway fuel economy: 32/35 manual, 28/36 automatic.First Glance: Value never looked so goodIf fuel prices are ugly, then small is certainly beautiful. Add additional priorities like quality, value for money and driving pleasure, and one might be tempted to suggest that Hyundai's new Accent is downright gorgeous. Never mind that the styling is merely attractive, it's the total package that counts, thus such superlatives are not out of place. The 2006 Hyundai Accent is North America's new value leader.
Initially only available as a 4door sedan (a 3door hatch arrives later) the Hyundai Accent has become what Honda's Civic used to be before it grew in size and price. Everyone's favorite in the economy car category, the Civic looked good, was wellbuilt and best of all, fun to drive. Just ask the kids who turn used Civics into sports compacts. The new Accent takes over where the Civic left off and that, I assure you, is one heck of a compliment.
Compared to the previous model the 2006 Accent offers more interior roominess and remarkably large trunk space thanks to a taller stance. No longer the awkwardlooking little appliance it once was, the new Accent has a handsome, rounded profile featuring a roofline that sweeps from hood to trunk in one long curve. Head and taillights make a statement of their own: they're huge.In the Driver's Seat: Sense and sensibility2006 Hyundai Accent Interior© Philip PowellAny thoughts of "cheap" fly out the window when you climb into the seat of this little beauty. The dashboard, for example, speaks of quality with its curvaceous, twotone effect, while instruments and controls are nicely laid out. I especially liked the vertical stacking of (from top) clock, radio, storage, climate controls, more storage. All within easy reach and operable without taking one's eyes off the road. Upholstery, never a highlight with Hyundai, is so good that at first glance I mistook it for Mercedes' famed MBTex. Okay, second glance told me it's just cloth but heck — a very nice cloth indeed.
Sightlines what you can see outside when seated are excellent allround, making for a safer, more relaxed journey. The high roof provides easy access and means tall people fit comfortably. Seats adjust manually with the use of knurled knobs and a seatback lever and while I, personally, can live with manual seats, the knobs and lever are placed too far back. Better set 'em and forget 'em. Power windows, mirrors, remote door lock, are standard. Rear seat access is not easy because of the doorline but passengers won't be cramped and they'll appreciate sitting higher than those in front. The trunk is deep and lengthy.On the Road: Lively but a bit noisyPush hard on the throttle and this puppy leaps off its leash like a greyhound. Barks like one, too. (Actually I've never heard a greyhound bark... uh, they do, don't they?) The Accent's 1.6 liter 4cylinder DOHC engine, with continuously variable valve timing, now produces 110 hp and while it idles quietly and cruises in relative silence, under hard acceleration it definitely makes itself heard; the price of economy yet one you can live with because the bonus lies in responsiveness.
Our tester came with a 4speed automatic which is more than ample for most folk, however I'll be eager to try the 5speed manual, especially when the 3door GSi comes along in 2006.
The 4speed automatic is EPArated at 28/36 mpg, while the 5speed rates 32/35 mpg. Note the anomoly: the automatic has better fuel mileage on the highway. Don't ask. You won't be breaking any economy records but you won't be breaking your bank account buying gas, either. Remarkably for its price, the Accent has a sophisticated 4wheelindependent suspension system. Combine this with a wider track, longer wheelbase and larger wheels and tires than its forebears, and you have a small sedan that handles in a sporting manner while still delivering a smooth ride.Journey's End: Here comes the "V" word again...2006 Hyundai Accent Shows Off New Profile© Philip PowellDid I mention value? The Accent GLS includes, as well as those features already touted, 6 airbags, 8way driver's seat, airconditioning, heated front seats and mirrors, antilock braking with electronic brake force, 15inch aluminum wheels, AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio with 6 speakers. That, friends, is a lot of car for little money. Especially when you consider the 10year powertrain warranty and a reputation for quality that's making everyone sit up and take notice; even Toyota is listening. (Note: the car tested was a Canadian GL Comfort model unavailable in the US and was not fitted with aluminum wheels.)
I guess by now you're realising I have nothing but praise for the new Accent. It is ideally suited to today's economics, particularly fuel costs, and offers what most drivers make that most families with two children need. The interior is roomy, the trunk spacious, the ride comfortable and normally quiet. Those who like to add a little "spirit" to their driving needn't be disappointed, which I can attest to after tossing the Accent around a deserted parking lot, the roads north of Toronto being too straight for a westcoaster. Complaints were few, praise plentiful. Yep, that's value.
