2005 Hyundai Accent5 (Video Clip)

Technical

For 2005, there is only one engine offered in the Accent. It is the DOHC 1.6L inline 4-cylinder that used to be reserved for the GSi model. It develops 104 hp at 5 800 rpm and 106 lb/ft of torque at 3 000 rpm. The engine can be mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai, along with Kia, is one of the very few manufacturers that still offer 13" wheels on one of their production cars. 14" wheels are standard on the GL models. Front discs and rear drums work together to bring the Accent to a stop.

On the road

The shift lever is surprisingly precise compared to the one I had the unfortunate displeasure to use in the base Tucson from a few weeks ago. It reminded me of the last Rio RX-V I drove a few years back. The clutch is very supple and the friction point is easy to find. The brake pedal is spongy and travel is relatively long. Thanks in part to the car's lightweight; it quickly comes to a full stop. Steering is a little over-assisted and the situation deteriorates even more when travelling at highway speeds: It becomes very light and requires two hands on the wheel to maintain a straight line.

The ride is very soft and inadequately controlled. Its behaviour is very acceptable when driving on city streets however, on the highway, the situation is reversed. The suspension does an insufficient job of absorbing road irregularities especially expansion joints as they are deep and long. The car tends to float in and out of ruts like a 1980 Cadillac Fleetwood did in its heyday.

The 1.6L motor is pleasantly peppy. With most of its torque available just under 3 000 rpm, take offs are sportingly quick. It will not win any drag races but it will give the spirited Echo a run for its money.

My short test returned a median fuel consumption of 8.5L per 100 km. I will admit to having driven the car a little harder than the typical Accent driver so this result is on the high side... I enjoyed it that much. Natural Resources Canada rates the Accent at an average of about 7.2L per 100 km. For the first time, I think it would be quite possible to better N.R.C.'s estimate.

Safety

The car has standard dual front air bags and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the 4-door Accent (identical chassis to the 5 door) 4 out of 5 stars (a good result) for a frontal impact. It also received 5 out of 5 stars (a perfect result) for the front passengers and 4 out of 5 stars for the rear passengers in lateral impacts. These results were attained in a car equipped with side air bags. The IIHS has not yet rated this Hyundai.