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2007 Hyundai Accent GS Premium Hatchback Road Test

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Lesley Wimbush

GS Premium models add extras unheard of for this segment: heatedfront seats, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock system and electronicbrakeforce distribution, six airbags, fog lamps, six speaker audio system with CD player and MP3 capability(that was actually much better than not bad) and aluminum alloy wheels.
 
(Photo: Lesley Wimbush)
(The test car came with 17 inch 5 split-spoke aluminum wheels withFalken Ziex tires. Available as a Hyundai dealer installed option at $1,345.00- they were pretty cool looking and garnered their fair share of second looksfrom tuner types.)

The GS Sport models adds tothis 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels and P205/45VR16 tires,  leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shiftknob, power sunroof, and  six-speakeraudio system and a sport-tuned suspension which features a 24% stifferfront  spring rate and 11% stiffer rearspring rate, a larger stabilizer bar  (24mm), strut valving and high performance steering gear.

Soon to be introduced is a hot version - the Accent SR. Based on theconcept model shown at the Chicago auto show, the Accent SR will be exclusivelyavailable to Canada. Sure to appeal to the young tuner set - the SR features aground effects package with side skirts and fender flares,  chrome tipped exhaust, cold air intake and17-inch aluminum alloy wheels clad with P215/45R17 high performance tires,

 The Accent hatchback has oneof the roomiest interiors in its class. Plenty of head and leg room leavepassengers feeling comfortable without cramped reminders that this is a compactcar.

 
(Photo: Lesley Wimbush)
The cockpit is attractive - all materials used in the test carseemed to be of good quality. Plastic surfaces met with no obvious gaps, andalthough the tester's interior was entirely black - used a variety of texturesand flowing lines making it attractive and interesting. I particularly likedthe way the dash curved and met the door in a continuous, flowing line ratherthan ending abruptly at right angles. Previously - I had driven the sedanversion which had featured two tone plastics that contrasted nicely. Dashergonomics are good and simple. Gauges are attractive and easily seen, althoughunfortunately of the same sickly green "Mountain Dew" backlightingthat plagues every Hyundai I've driven (with the exception of the new Tiburon,which has racy, red backlighting, å la Mazda6)

Driver's seat has two rotary height adjusters, and prominent sidebolsters. The seats are firm, yet comfortable, and the black material on thetest vehicle was complimented by white flecked inserts. The back seats (whichfeature a flip down cupholder/centre console and pass-thru to trunk) are quitecomfortable with plenty of leg room,  butanyone larger than a small child will have to make like a contortionist to get tothem.
(Photo: Lesley Wimbush)
There are no immediate plans to come up with a 4 door version of thehatchback, and despite the long doors with wide opening radius, it's still atight fit to get into the back. The passenger's seat when flipped forward willautomatically ride forward on its track to accomodate rear passengers, thefront must be moved manually.

Driver visibility is good, with a higher seating position than priormodels, bigger windows, and a lower positioned, less obstructive middle headrestraint.
Lesley Wimbush
Lesley Wimbush
Automotive expert