2012 Hyundai Accent GL Sedan Review

The last-generation Hyundai Accent lived in an era when subcompact cars hadn't quite become the hot item they are today. As Hyundai's cheapest, it had to look safe, sensible and laid-back. So, worthy as this little machine was, it never got cocky about it where visuals were concerned.

The sharp and detailed body looks impressive - a little like a shrunken Sonata. That's not a bad thing. (Photo: Justin Pritchard - Chris Koski/Auto123.com)

Fluidic Sculpture, meet Accent
For the new 2012 model, Hyundai's stylists tossed that modest stuff out the window and cranked the styling of their latest work up a few notches.

Sure - the new Accent won't turn heads like a flaming Lamborghini rolling down the road, but for something so affordable, the character lines, aggressive fascia and sophistication really do it justice. The sharp and detailed body looks impressive - a little like a shrunken Sonata. That's not a bad thing.

It's always nice to be well-dressed for a fight, after all. And playing in the subcompact car market, which is Canada's hottest, is a battle and a half these days.

The subcompact car is no longer a boring, transportation-related appliance. Models in this segment are becoming sensible status symbols in a serious way as shoppers demand affordable models they can be proud to look at, own and drive. Folks can now brag about owning the new Fiesta, Accent or Mazda2.

Like their buyers, automakers are using the new-age breed of subcompact car to out-do one another.

New hardware and cabin
Incidentally, outdoing the competition has become Hyundai's latest mission - so the rampaging automaker ensured the new Accent will turn in exceptional mileage and performance figures while packing all the must-have attributes today's subcompact shopper wants.

One of these attributes is a cabin that feels richer and more upscale than the price tag suggests. As in any competitor, it's lined almost entirely with crispy plastic panels - though it all feels solid, nicely bolted together and of high quality. Fresh, modern and new, too.

As in any competitor, it's lined almost entirely with crispy plastic panels - though it all feels solid, nicely bolted together and of high quality. Fresh, modern and new, too. (Photo: Hyundai)