The Accent's 8-way adjustable driver's seat also helped me find the
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| The buttons and knobs are all in close proximity, as is the 5-speed manual transmission gear selector. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press) |
optimal seating position, which made the trek up the island all the more comfortable. The buttons and knobs are all in close proximity, as is the 5-speed manual transmission gear selector -the standard transmission for all three trim levels.
Speaking of trim levels, the Accent comes in the base GS model, then GL and GLS. All are four-door sedan configurations and all incorporate the same engine. This said... if a 3-door hatchback is what tickles your fancy, you'll have to wait until the 2007 model year as it will be introduced in early 2006. The differences in current 4-door trim levels only reflect standard and available features and options, not outward appearances - wheels and tires aside. What sets the top of the line Accent model, the GLS, apart from its competition is its set of 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS and EBD. In the subcompact class, only
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| The base Accent sedan should start around the $9,500 to $10,000 mark, similar to last year's model, and it will nevertheless come with 6 standard airbags, front disc and rear drum brakes, P185/65R14 tires with wheel covers and an AM/FM stereo with a CD/MP3 player. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press) |
the Toyota Yaris offers ABS and then doesn't complement the anti-skid technology with 4-wheel disc brakes; ABS is not available at all with the Kia Rio, Chevrolet Aveo or Suzuki Sprint+.
While on my route, I had the base GS trim complete with manual windows, door locks and transmission. While stripped to its essentials, at the end of the day it's a sturdy and sassy subcompact. The base Accent sedan should start around the $9,500 to $10,000 mark,similar to last year's model, and it will nevertheless come with 6 standardairbags, front disc and rear drum brakes, P185/65R14 tires with wheelcovers and an AM/FM stereo with a CD/MP3 player. I can't say I put this audio system to the test because I enjoyed the conversation with my driving partner much more than the lousy songs that were playing on the radio. It's decent and works. Need I say more?
