There are some nice little touches that are delightful surprises inan economy car. For instance - the driver's side window will still raise andlower after the car has been turned off. Front seats have what my 10 year oldnephew calls "bum warmers" - they're heated! Mind you, they stay oni
 |
| (Photo: Lesley Wimbush) |
The test vehicle came with an automatic transmission. I didn't havean opportunity to drive the standard version, but having driven other Hyundaimanual vehicles - it's reasonably safe to assume that the manual transmissionwould improve some of the things I didn't like about the Accent's performance.It's reasonably peppy to start off, but shifts are sloppy and indecisive atmid-range. Still, it's smooth and the tranny's laziness probably wouldn'tbother anyone who wasn't concerned with performance. The 4cylinder Alpha series powerplant puts out 110 horsepower and features CVVT continuously variable valve timing. Thatisn't class leading, but is still quite respectable, although its lack of gruntis noticeable on steep inclines and during spirited highway driving.
 |
| (Photo: Lesley Wimbush) |
Best of all - the little Accent wasn't a greedy beast. Good newswhen gas pumps are posting triple digit prices lately. The automatic equippedtest vehicle delivered 8.3 L/100 km (34 mpg Imp) during city driving and 5.9L/100 km (48 mpg Imp) on the highway. And let's face it - fuel economy is apowerful motivator for car buyers, and one of the strongest selling points forthe compact class.
Article Gallery