Test drive: Hyundai ‘Accent’ on value
This week, we’re behind the wheel of a true economy sub-compact, namely Hyundai’s Accent SE 3-door hatchback. Our tester came in SE version dress, which happens to cost a little more than the base GS model’s $10,415, yet comes substantially better equipped.
Let’s start with the base GS model, which has been redesigned for 2007. It comes from the factory with 110-hp 1.6L DOHC 16-valve inline-4-cylinder engine, advanced dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, roof-mounted curtain side-impact airbags, p.s., front disc/rear drum brakes, intermittent wiper, 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback, tachometer, 8-way manual adjustable driver seat, rear spoiler, four speakers, adjustable head restraints for all seating positions, tilt steering wheel, side marker lights, 14-inch alloy wheels/tires, and a driver’s armrest. Yes, all for $10,415.
The SE adds a Sport-tuned suspension, 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution, AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers and 172 watts, air conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels with P205/45R16 V-rated tires, fog lights, power windows and door locks, heated power outside mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, driver and passenger illuminated vanity mirrors, remote keyless entry system with alarm, tinted glass with windshield shade band, body color mirrors and door handles, rear wiper, metallic interior trim and front seatback pockets.
Is the SE worth the extra $3,580?
Yes, in every manner.
Accent’s interior has the usual hard plastics and fairly plain offerings, but the upscale SE offers a power rear view mirror, which we obviously favor.
Entry into the hatchback is easy for front-seat riders yet cumbersome for those who need to sit in the rear. Although the front seat lifts easily up and forward to better facilitate entry, it’s still tough for those who happen to be older than teenagers accessing the rear seats.
The fuel mileage rating is debatable. I’ll admit to driving the car a bit harder than some during the test, but the fuel gauge moved somewhat quicker than expected. I also found that people who own 2007 Accents are complaining of less MPG than advertised, and to be truthful, I know from experience I was not averaging anywhere near 32 in the city. The window sticker says 32 city and 35 highway with the five-speed manual transmission. Acceleration is good at 0-60 in just 9.5-seconds, while an automatic will probably take closer to 12.4-seconds.
Speaking of the transmission, Hyundai can add some serious extra highway MPGs if it added a sixth gear to the manual. At 70 mph, our Hyundai sat at about 3,400 RPM, so with a proper extra gear, perhaps some of the complaints about poor gas mileage (most from owners of the 5-speed manual) can be addressed and even improved.
First gear, by the way, is geared for acceleration, so if a driver holds it in first a bit longer, higher RPM will eat up the fuel mileage results. We’ll keep our eye on this fuel mileage episode and advise that our readers do the same and keep current by checking the numerous Accent blogs on the web.
Important numbers include a wheelbase of 98.4-inches, 11.9-gallon fuel tank (takes regular fuel), 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space, 2,496-pound curb weight and a turning circle of only 33.1-feet.
We like our higher-priced Accent SE, and recommend it as a good buy. However, we’ll hold the rating to a 7.7 on a scale of one to 10 based on the fuel mileage concerns and the lack of ABS availability on the base GS.
Likes: Price, 100,000-mile warranty, looks.
Dislikes: ABS not available on a base model is unheard of.