Teresa’s View
It’s a fine line between inexpensive and cheap. Hyundai has been skating that wire for years, offering one of the best warranties in the business to convince U.S. buyers that its cars and trucks are every bit as reliable as they are economical.
Recently, the Korean manufacturer was validated when five of the eight vehicles it sells in the States were named in the 2006 Initial Quality Study from J.D. Power and Associates. The annual survey measures new vehicle quality after 90 days of ownership.
Although this week’s tester, the Accent, wasn’t on that list, I wouldn’t be surprised to see it there next year. The smallest car in Hyundai’s lineup got an all-over redesign for 2006. Compared to the previous edition, the new Accent is significantly larger, slightly more powerful and considerably better looking.
We spent a week with the sedan, testing it on various back roads and freeways. The 110-horsepower 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine with continuously variable valve timing complained under hard acceleration, but never faltered. An eight-way adjustable driver’s seat and tilt steering wheel helped provide a comfortable driving position. I especially appreciated the Accent’s spacious trunk — thanks to a longer wheelbase — that gave me plenty of room for plants and garden supplies.
The cabin sports a new two-toned color scheme with a choice of beige or gray cloth upholstery. Higher-placed seats and large windows create an airy space and improved vision.
What hasn’t changed is the Accent’s assessment as a Darned Good Buy. If anything, the third-generation improvements only enhance its status. The Accent is still remarkably well equipped for a reasonable price of $13K with destination charges. Standard features include a rear window defroster, intermittent wipers and an adequate sound system with a single-disc CD player and six speakers.
I recommend springing for the $1,500 Premium-Sport package that includes air conditioning, keyless remote entry, larger tires and power windows, mirrors and door locks.
Best of all, the Accent remains a fuel-efficient companion. EPA ratings for the four-speed automatic are 28 mpg city and 36 highway. City ratings improve with the five-speed manual transmission.
In 2006, both the Accent and Sonata get redesigns and two all-new models — the Azera sedan and Hyundai’s first minivan, the Entourage — join the family. The Tucson, Santa Fe and Elantra are slated for major remakes next year.
What Is It?: The 2006 Hyundai Accent is a four-door, five-passenger compact sedan offered in one trim — the GLS. A three-door hatchback version was introduced this spring as a 2007 model.
Safety: The Accent includes class-leading safety features — such as anti-lock brakes and a total of six air bags. It earned top marks during government crash tests, scoring a perfect five of five stars for both front and side impact collisions.
So, Where Are Ya From?: The Accent is assembled in Ulsan, Korea.
Trivia: The Accent was introduced in 1995 as a replacement for the Excel.