While subcompacts might not have the most engine output on the market today, the Accent has class leading ponies (although the engine and output figures are shared with the Kia Rio) thanks to the revamped 1.6-litre, 16-valve, DOHC engine, now equipped with CVVT technology, allowing for 110-horsepower at 6,000rpm and 106 lb-ft or torque at 4,500
 |
| The Accent has class leading ponies thanks to the revamped 1.6-litre, 16-valve, DOHC engine. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
rpm. The CVVT engine not only allows for more total output, but also enhances
fuel economy - it uses an estimated 7.4 L/100 km in the city and 6.2 L/100 km on the highway when fitted to the 5-speed manual transmission, allowing the Accent to be placed in the ultra low emissions vehicle (ULEV) category.
So it's bigger, roomier, more powerful, and yes, even more environmentally friendly... this keeps getting better, doesn't it? Well, there's more. It handles very well too. On the trip to Tofino, my driving partner and I encountered almost every possible form of weather condition in one day that the West Coast normally might expect to experience in a week. During some parts of our drive there were dry roads and sunny skies, while elsewhere the roads were covered in rivers and lakes of rain due to a torrential downpour. Luckily there was no snow. No matter the weather or road conditions, whether we were driving on the highway on dry pavement or zigzagging through the wet and windy mountain roads, the Accent easily adapted. Its stable, confidence inspiring handling comes from a set of front MacPherson struts, comprised of coil springs and gas shock absorbers, coupled with a
 |
| So it's bigger, roomier, more powerful, and yes, even more environmentally friendly... (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
torsion beam rear suspension featuring the same coil spring and gas shock setup. The ride is smooth at highway speeds and on city streets, not to mention quiet due to the many quality enhancements, sound deadening materials, and improvements in overall body construction to reduce road, wind and powertrain noise.
I've already touched on some of the car's interior upgrades, but sitting inside just felt a whole lot roomier than the previous generation Accent. A 2005 model was on display in the hotel parking lot for comparison purposes, helping me to refresh my memory. The third generation Accent's interior runs parallel with the new Tucson's and the Sonata's; each is finished extremely well, with high-grade materials and extremely tight panel gaps. This might seem like a given in today's automotive world, but you'd be surprised at just how many cars, especially upper scale cars, that don't deliver such attention to detail.
