Good things arrive in small packages. Case in point; Hyundai's diminutive Accent.
Michael Evanoff, Manager, Product Planning for small cars at Hyundai Motor America, stopped by Hyundai's Central Regional Office in Oakbrook Terrace last November to share the merits of the company's all-new 2018 Accent, about the same time the revamped subcompact went on sale at Chicagoland dealerships. A test version arrived earlier this month just in time for commutes to the Chicago Auto Show.
"Accent definitely contributed to the growth of Hyundai in the United States," Evanoff stated during the lunch-time briefing.
Accent first went on sale here in the States in 1994, shortly before Hyundai began its noted climb from a niche player of diminutive low-priced vehicles into South Korean's largest mass marketer of economical sedans and crossovers of varying size with numerous engine technologies.
A key impetus in the transformation, Hyundai's powertrain warranty providing greater peace of mind with its 10-years or 100,000 mile duration, substantially longer than many rivals.
The 2018 edition represents Accent's fifth generation. It's Hyundai's smallest (and most affordable, yet competently equipped) sedan slotting below both the mid-size Sonata and compact Elantra. Since its debut in the mid-1990s, more than 1.2 million Accents have rolled off dealer lots.
In 2018, Accent drops the five-door hatchback, while maintaining three sedan trim levels: the core SE, nicely-equipped SEL and top-trim Limited. Hyundai simplifies the purchasing process with each offering adding more standard content while climbing the trim ladder with scant few factory options or packages. Evanoff estimates 50 to 60 percent of sales to be generated by the SE trim in 2018.
The newly designed front end includes what Evanoff describes as a 'cascading front grille' of a hexagonal shape. In Limited trims, expect projector headlights accented (pun intended) with bejeweled-like LED daytime running lights. Fog lights also adorn the area. Side-view mirrors sport turn signal indicators while the rear deck lid in all three trims increase aerodynamic enhancements.
Generous use of advanced, high-strength steel (13 percent more than 2017) improves noise isolation along with handling and driving dynamics. Both road and wind noise and wind noise are subdued with improved door sealing and body-cavity blocking within a conservative yet eye-appealing exterior. During stopped situations such as a traffic intersection, engine idle is noticeably and impressively muted.
During generous snowfalls during media previews of the auto show, the front-wheel drive vehicle handled all Mother Nature through its way.
This fifth-generation effort measures about one-half inches longer and 1.2-inches wider than last year with more inside room than subcompact competitors including Ford Fiesta and Toyota Yaris iA. Interior volume measures in at the higher end of the subcompact spectrum. Decent leg room in row two is noticeable and appreciated, but no center arm rest is available. Wisely, Hyundai markets Accent as a comfy, real-world four-seater. Inviting one more guest is too tough a sell. Second-row seatbacks flip forward in a 60/40 split fashion gaining storage options through extended use of trunk space.
Advances once privy to pricier sedans continue finding a home in affordable choices such as Accent.
"Torque vectoring control is a logic built into stability control and traction control. If it senses an understeer condition, it applies a little more brake to the inside left to help navigate," Evanoff commented.
In Limited trims, a subcompact segment-first, hands-free trunk release is standard. "It's a very intuitive system you just walk up to the car, no kicking or any other activities necessary to initiate. Just have the proximity key on your person to within three feet of the rear of the vehicle," Evanoff added.
All trims, including core SE feature Bluetooth connectivity assisting hands-free phone interaction. The SE includes a five-inch in-dash, touch-sensitive color screen, the upper two trim boost screen size to seven inches. Limited and SEL trims add Smartphone compatibility through Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Satellite radio is standard in upper two trims.
The overall interior layout continues ergo-friendly and intuitive; certainly not overly complicated. Our seven-inch in-dash touch screen included well-marked quick-connect buttons below to interact efficiently. Below, the ventilation system employed large dials at each end (temperature and fan speed) with large buttons between commanding fan direction, rear and front defrosters along with the A/C choice. Auxiliary and USB ports, allowing connections with Apple Car Play or Android Auto, occupy the bottom of the center console along with 12-volt outlets.
Both SEL and Limited trims include a low-tech, but highly effective tool built into the left side-view mirror; a blind-spot concaved portion in the upper left corner providing the driver an enhanced view of a pesky region.
A six-speed manual transmission comes standard in SE only. A six-speed automatic is the sole offering in SEL and Limited, and optional in SE. Nearby the floor-mounted shifter are inline dual beverage holders and a hand-operated parking brake.
Both transmissions team with a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder, gas-direct-injected engine delivering 130 horsepower. Fuel economy jumps 6.6 percent from 2017 at 28 miles per gallon in city travel and 38 mpg highway with automatic transmission. Subtract one mile highway if ordering manual. Consider 130 horsepower generous in the subcompact category. Accent offers no gas-electric hybrid powertrains.
Starting price for a manual-transmission SE starts at $14,995. Our Admiral Blue (one of seven exterior colors) Limited checked in at a cost-effective, value-driven $18,805. The only option was aftermarket carpeted floor mats ($125) bringing the bottom line to $19,815 after the $885 destination charge. In addition to various up-trim items mentioned prior, Limited also adds a power sun-roof, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, larger 17-inch tires and a 3.5-inch digital cluster within the instrument panel.
Automatic transmissions include two drive select modes (Normal, Sport) selectable via a center console button, adjusting steering calibration and powertrain performance to the driver's personal preference.
All trims feature cloth seating with manual-sliding fore-and-aft adjustments. Seat height is nicely elevated to the degree where egress and ingress is effortless, not a chore while providing drivers with excellent visibility in multiple directions. Two interior color schemes include Pearl or Metallic.
Another safety touch includes a temporary spare tire under the flat trunk floor; not all sedans come with this once standard item.
Hyundai's Accent shares a platform with its automotive twin, the subcompact Kia Rio. Unleaded regular fuel fills the 11.9-gallon tank.
2018 Hyundai AccentPrice as tested: $19,815
Engine: 1.6 liter four-cylinder
Horsepower: 130
Overall Length: 172.6 inches
Wheelbase: 101.6 inches
Overall Height: 57.1 inches
Overall Width: 68.1 inches
Fuel economy: 28 mpg city/ 38 mpg highway
Curb weight: 2,679 pounds
Powertrain warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles
Assembly: Nuevo Leon, Mexico