Targeting Students and Young FamiliesDo you ever just want to go back after returning from a vacation? Denial sets in for a few days, but then somehow a readjustment takes place and things are fine. I guess the same concept applies to test driving cars. Transitioning from higher end cars to entry level vehicles can be difficult, but nevertheless, it comes with the territory.
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| While not flashy, the entry level Accent gets you where you're going, and can also be fun. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
While expensive and flashy cars are nice most of us live and work in the real world, and therefore need to be realistic about what kind of car we truly need to get us back and forth. The
Hyundai Accent is just that kind of car, but that doesn't mean it's not fun.
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| A basic yet peppy 1.6-L DOHC 4-cylinder engine powers the Accent GL. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
It's basic, yes, but it has personality. It sports a peppy 1.6-L DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine with a 5-speed manual transmission. My Accent GL test car had a 4-speed automatic transmission. While probably not as quick as if mated to the manual the engine's 104 horsepower and 106 lb-ft of torque, available as low as 3000 rpm, moved it along pretty well. Some other enticing standard features include power steering, a four-wheel independent suspension, dual front airbags, full-folding rear seats, a storage box with cupholder, and a handy cargo area lamp.
