Hyundai Accent (2013)

The Accent has long been the bread-and-butter car for Hyundai in the sedan segment. With the advent of newer competition too, the Hyundai has remained unchanged. This has been a brave move on the manufacturer’s part in the face of updated variants brought out in the same segment. The fact is, that the Accent slots in perfectly as the ‘entry-level’ sedan and as an alternative to the Indigo. Coupled with CNG alternatives fit straight from the factory, Hyundai have been busy out of the box keeping the Accent relevant to the first-car-sedan buyer. Styling, though dated, is not old. The original design, along with the availability of some smart trim options has kept the Accent relevant as a choice to the buyer.

The Hyundai Accent is a well-designed car with versatile and contemporary body style and styling. The car exhibits a bolder design with an aggressive rear bumper design and an eye-catching front style. The 5-door option provides great comfort and versatility and the extended wheel-base gives it a sleeker and wider appearance. The Hyundai Accent offers great amount of luxury and cargo volume when it comes to the interior. Hyundai Accent is available in two variants: Accent Executive and Accent Eco LPG. CNG kit is also available for Rs. 57,000. Recently, Hyundai India updated the Accent with all-new front grille, all-beige interiors and chrome inserts in the door moulding. Despite its age, the Accent is still selling in good numbers, thanks to its very competitive price and solid build quality.

Exterior

It is easy to make the connection with the rest of the Hyundai line-up and the Accent. Distinct, flowing curves from the front to the rear and back to the front split grille, makes for a sedate presence, unlike its newer stable mates which are distinct head-turners. The design is so clean, simple that tweaking has been all that Hyundai has been doing for the best part of a decade. The cleaner profile of the tires and fit into wheel arches gives the car an uncomplicated look that is an easy appeal to a buyer.

Interior

The interiors in the Accent are the pleasant tones of grey that we first encountered in the older Sonata and the Santro. The center console is a no-fuss uncomplicated layout reminiscent of the smaller cars of the Hyundai fold. The Accent could do with an update to its hatch sibling – the i20 and its blue illumination in the cabin. Passenger space is generous but due to a slightly disproportionately longer boot means lesser space in the cabin and this is evident when the front seats are pulled all the way back. The knee room for anyone taller than average, is an issue but the boot space is probably best in class.

Comfort and Convenience

There is ample storage in nooks and crannies in this car. A reclining armrest in the rear is desirable but has been sacrificed to make it a proper 5 seater. With Hyundai’s best-in-class audio system, the Accent sounds every bit as refined as it feels. In the price band, it is tough to find a better equipped car. The build quality also puts it ahead in the pecking order. The excellent stereo that comes with the car is optional but strongly recommended. As such, the features offered on the car are not only class-leading but class-defining.

Engine, Performance and Gearbox

The petrol 1.5 litre engine in the Accent is a terrific power-plant and makes 94 Bhp. Torque is available throughout the power band, making the Accent one of the most desired stock cars for modification enthusiasts though this brings down the economy in city driving to barely into double digit territory. Indeed, the stock car has been the next in line after the Esteem and then the Baleno for its sheer flexibility in terms of putting in the extra performance filter or racing stripes on the bodywork. The Accent is a delight in this aspect.

Mileage

Fuel consumption is a slightly thirsty 10-11 kmpl in active urban usage which does not put it at par with well-endowed hatchbacks in the same price band. Indeed, a diesel option on this car has been sorely missed.

Safety Features

The entry level segment is not the most equipped to put the safety of its passengers first. Fog lamps are a good accessory considering people use the stock car for multi-purpose activities. Inclusion of any more like ABS is counter-intuitive to Hyundai’s strategy and can be understood, when it is given a miss.

Suspension and Brakes

Suspension and braking options on the sedan have not been updated in keeping with the time but the original package was deemed good enough at the time. The suspension rides a little harder than the hatch sibling i20 and in doing so, makes the marginally lower ground clearance sustainable on our poor roads. Braking options are standard and adequate too, with front disc brakes and rear drum brakes doing the job. In the lack of an ABS, it is the best that can be done.

Shades

The Accent maintains the historical lineage with its predecessors in terms of the shades it is being offered in. White, black, silver, gold and red (not the bright red of the Accent Viva, but a sober maroon) are the options available.

Variants

The Hyundai Accent is offered in standard trim levels, with the options differing only in terms of the petrol, LPG or the ‘Executive CNG’ version for buyers who prefer thrift in day-to-day spending on their cars. The CNG as well as the LPG kit is a factory fit standard and has not been caused any untoward problems.

Warranty

Standard manufacturer warranty of 2 years with an option to extend it by another year.

Verdict

A product now in the ‘harvest’ stage of its lifecycle; though the strategy by Hyundai is understandable and the popularity of the Accent points towards its success. That being said however, it has long been a favourite and is a cult-classic among the modification-seekers. As a stock car for enthusiasts, there is none that is better.