2006 Hyundai Accent Preview

The Accent is powered by a 1.6-litre DOHC inline-four which makes 110 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque - the exact

The Accent is powered by a 1.6-litre DOHC inline-four which makes 110 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Hyundai Auto Canada)

same engine as in the new Kia Rio. Surprisingly, this one takes the class-leading honours away from Toyota's Echo. It's a slight increase from the Accent's previous 104-horsepower and 106 lb-ft of torque rating, but the real improvement for the engine is that it features CVVT variable valve timing. Though it's not the only car in its segment to integrate such a technology, it allows the Accent to increase power while improving fuel consumption and reducing tailpipe emissions. Hyundai claims that Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) certification for the Accent is on the way.

While the South Korean brand has successfully managed to win the title of most powerful, most spacious and most practical car in its class, along with Kia's Rio, what will undoubtedly help it win over customers is its new interior. The finish may not be up to VW-spec, with less soft touch materials or dampened buttons, but the ambiance and atmosphere are certainly more upscale than anyone who has been in a current Accent would have ever imagined, with two-toned plastics, metal-finish gauge rings and appliqué on the center console, and improved fabrics. In GLS trim, the Accent comes standard

The ambiance and atmosphere are certainly more upscale than anyone who has been in a current Accent would have ever imagined. (Photo: Hyundai Auto Canada)

with a four-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system and eight-way adjustable seat, but air conditioning is optional. Moving up to the Convenience Package gets you power windows, power heated mirrors, keyless entry and a more powerful stereo.

Another welcome surprise is that Hyundai hasn't skimped on safety features for the new Accent. It has a full count of six airbags, including dual front, side, and curtain airbags as standard, which are normally options on vehicles in this class. Up front, the three-point seatbelts have pretensioners and load limiters which pick up slack in the event of a collision.