What is it?
2012 Hyundai Accent
What's special about it?
Hyundai's new Accent is going to be the most powerful and efficient car in the subcompact segment when it hits dealerships this summer in both sedan and five-door body styles. Add to that the fact that Hyundai will maintain the current Accent's pricing (the 2011 Accent Sedan starts at $13,695) and the new subcompact looks to be a real ground-breaker.
Hyundai's Gamma engine is the first to utilize direct injection in the subcompact segment. The 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder produces 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. Other technologies on tap in the new engine include variable timing on both the intake and exhaust cams, an alternator management system that strategically decreases parasitic losses and use of low-friction coatings throughout. The payoff is an EPA rating of 30 city and 40 highway mpg. The 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty remains.
A six-speed manual or manually shiftable automatic transmission is available in the Accent. Active ECO, a feature which tweaks engine and transmission control to optimize fuel economy, can be switched on to increase fuel economy up to 7 percent according to Hyundai.
Four-wheel disc brakes are standard, as are six airbags (front, seat-mounted and side curtain), electronic stability control and antilock brakes. Hyundai's Vehicle Stability Management system, also standard, can deliver up to 8 Newton-meters of countersteering effort via the motor-driven electric power steering to help a driver remain in control of the vehicle.
Wheelbase is increased 2.8 inches relative to the outgoing Accent and is now 101.2 inches — about 2 inches longer than the Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit. Inside, the five-door Accent offers the largest cargo volume of any subcompact. Split-folding 60/40 rear seats are standard.
From the outside, the Accent sedan's new body looks similar to the Sonata but offers a 0.30 drag coefficient (the five-door has a 0.31 Cd). Three trim levels are available: the four-door GLS and five-door GS and SE.
Inside Line says: With gas prices climbing higher by the week, subcompacts are an ever-increasing segment of the market. And Hyundai appears to have a killer with the 2012 Accent. — Josh Jacquot, Senior Editor
Add A Comment »
phill1 says:
11:46 AM, 05/19/2011
Excuse me, Did someone at Hyundai forget to give its new 2012 Accent directional indicators in the exterior mirrors, projectors head lights, LED daytime running lights and tail lights, ISG technology (idle/stop/go) engine shut off,power moonroof, rear view video monitor, leather interior option, I`m getting tired of typing....! Oh, I just found all that missing content, It`s on the new 2012 Kia Rio and Rio5 Hatchback! Imagine that, Mystery solved!
haole says:
08:09 AM, 04/27/2011
the huge tail lights on the 5 door look weird but i think i still like the 5 door more. Seems like a solid option in the segment but this segmet seems to quickly creep up to the next segmants pricing once you start adding options...and for about the same fuel economy.
andy999 says:
05:33 AM, 04/25/2011
The "red" 2012 Hyundai Accent sedan as shown, GLS with premium equipment group, prices at $17K(+) at the bottom of the sticker . . .
From www.hyundaiusa.com :
2012 ACCENT
TRIM : GLS 1.6L D-CVVT 6-SPEED A/T $15,195
COLOR : BOSTON RED , BEIGE $0
PACKAGES : PREMIUM EQUIPMENT PACKAGE $1300
ACCESSORIES : (none chosen/selected) $0
SUBTOTAL : $16,495
FREIGHT : (delivery/destination) $760
REBATE : (currently) - $0
TOTAL MSRP : $17,255 MSRP
This price brings the 2012 Accent sedan (as shown) to within less than $1300 difference of a similarly equipped Elantra sedan, GLS 6 speed A/T with popular equipment and preferred package added.
Both the Elantra and Accent produce nearly identical mileage (without active ECO), however, the new Elantra has become a legitimate "midsize" car (even though it still competes in the "compact" segment). The Elantra has a very upscale design and finish, both inside and out. Many people who walk onto the dealer lot to view the Accent, will likely take the short jump in price and purchase the Elantra instead, as it would just make sense (in many cases).
Perhaps, Hyundai may have plans of launching an aggressive rebate program shortly after the new 2012 Accent hits the dealer lots.
I think that's what it may take to sell it against their own product . . .
phill1 says:
03:09 PM, 04/23/2011
I have owned a Ford Fiesta Hatchback since last July. I love it! 41-43 m.p.g. highway with hard driving at 75-80 mph. Need to replace my aging 2006 Kia Rio5 Hatchback and don`t want two Fiesta`s in my driveway. Was hoping for a 2012 Accent Hatchback but it looks to much like the Fiesta so if I go with the Accent, I`ll probably do the Sedan baby Sonata. I prefer the 2012 Kia Rio5 Hatchback over the Accent for it better looks, but it has the Ford Fiesta`s 3 cluster instrument panel...go figure?
BigFordFan150 says:
12:08 PM, 04/23/2011
Nice over all, 40 mpg with out any fuel effenicy packages and deicent power outputs. I think the Fiesta is better inside, outside, and most likely a better drive.
pecci says:
07:57 PM, 04/22/2011
I like the looks. Until now, it seems all small cars have that Buddy Hackett look. This one is sleek in appearence.
I see one possible problem though. Most Korean sedans are beginning to look too similar. On the streets, I am already getting the Elantra confused with the Sonata. I suppose I will mistake same mistake with the Accent and the Elantra.
plaguedone says:
02:08 PM, 04/22/2011
@with where do you get off calling it clowny, most cars have very accented eccentric front ends (no pun intended). What do you drive that is so amazing that you feel you can pass judgement on this or any car? I'm so sick of car snobs calling cars that are a little different design wise ugly, thats the reason awesome concepts get neutered and we only get slight variations each year in models. I say its safe to bet two things one you will never be in the market for a compact car, and If it was from your favorite brand or "luxury" priced with some bobbles you wouldn't be calling it clowny.
with says:
04:09 PM, 04/21/2011
Well, I see Hyundai is sticking with that clowish front end they are slapping on the front of their rebodied appliances.
Also, looks like Hyundai is sticking with the tiny Circus car looking wheels.
And what's with those Klingon looking lights in the lower front bumper? I guess the gameboy crowd will eat that up.
n2guru says:
04:08 PM, 04/21/2011
Go Hyundai/Kia!!!....You are trumping Honda's FUGLY Fit with this!!!
krankshafted says:
04:05 PM, 04/21/2011
I must say, when I saw this back at the CIAS, I didn't think much of it. It definitely looks better in red (and blue), haha. Anyway yeah this should be one hell of a competitor in the subcompact segment.