What Is It?
2006 Hyundai Accent
What's Special About It?
With this redesign of its lowest-priced model, Hyundai could very well start a budget-car revolution when it goes on sale this fall. The 2006 Accent proves that a minimal price tag does not necessarily translate into minimal quality.
This should not come as a surprise, though, as Hyundai's vice president of product development, John Krafcik, reminded those assembled in New York that "the entry-level segment is very important to us — it's where we got our start."
During its makeover, the Accent has gained almost 2 inches in length, a full 3 inches in height and the greatest interior volume of any sedan in this class. Safety, too. Front-seat-mounted side-impact airbags and roof-mounted side curtain airbags come standard. Four-channel ABS is optional.
The Accent's new 1.6-liter double-overhead-cam inline four-cylinder clocks in at 110 horsepower, which may not seem like much, although this rating makes it the class-leader. Paired with a standard five-speed manual transmission, this engine is expected to achieve an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle certification from the EPA. A four-speed automatic transmission is optional.
For the time being, Hyundai will only offer a four-door GLS version. The company revealed, though, that a three-door variant will appear within the next year or so.
Despite such remarkable increases in quality and value, Ed Bradley, the vice president of national sales for Hyundai Motor America, says he hopes to keep the car's base price roughly the same as the outgoing version at $9,999.
What's Edmunds' Take?
Hyundai is rewriting the rulebook for entry-level cars with the Accent, which has an unbelievable amount of headroom and refinement for such a small vehicle. With its incredibly fuel-efficient engine, outstanding safety package and well-designed interior and exterior, the Accent will undoubtedly increase Hyundai's already burgeoning customer base and maybe help the carmaker to take a bite out of Scion. — Phil Lienert
2006 Hyundai Accent
What's Special About It?
With this redesign of its lowest-priced model, Hyundai could very well start a budget-car revolution when it goes on sale this fall. The 2006 Accent proves that a minimal price tag does not necessarily translate into minimal quality.
This should not come as a surprise, though, as Hyundai's vice president of product development, John Krafcik, reminded those assembled in New York that "the entry-level segment is very important to us — it's where we got our start."
During its makeover, the Accent has gained almost 2 inches in length, a full 3 inches in height and the greatest interior volume of any sedan in this class. Safety, too. Front-seat-mounted side-impact airbags and roof-mounted side curtain airbags come standard. Four-channel ABS is optional.
The Accent's new 1.6-liter double-overhead-cam inline four-cylinder clocks in at 110 horsepower, which may not seem like much, although this rating makes it the class-leader. Paired with a standard five-speed manual transmission, this engine is expected to achieve an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle certification from the EPA. A four-speed automatic transmission is optional.
For the time being, Hyundai will only offer a four-door GLS version. The company revealed, though, that a three-door variant will appear within the next year or so.
Despite such remarkable increases in quality and value, Ed Bradley, the vice president of national sales for Hyundai Motor America, says he hopes to keep the car's base price roughly the same as the outgoing version at $9,999.
What's Edmunds' Take?
Hyundai is rewriting the rulebook for entry-level cars with the Accent, which has an unbelievable amount of headroom and refinement for such a small vehicle. With its incredibly fuel-efficient engine, outstanding safety package and well-designed interior and exterior, the Accent will undoubtedly increase Hyundai's already burgeoning customer base and maybe help the carmaker to take a bite out of Scion. — Phil Lienert
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