A surprising evolution
Unless we discover oil while digging our backyard to install a pool, the price of gas won't drop below what it is today. To make up for this additional expense in our budget, we have to tighten our belts. Maybe now's the time to revise our priorities and consider a smaller, more fuel-efficient car.
After all, the commute to work is just filled with traffic jams and potholes, and let's not forget the constabulary force that are waiting for us with a radar gun in their grubby hands. So, why not choose a subcompact, which are now more spacious, powerful and economic as ever?
Here's the new Accent Hatchback, Hyundai's answer to the recent slew of Japanese offerings in that category.
While the other subcompacts boast a modern design, filled with curves and sharp creases, this Accent is round all around. It won't change the automotive landscape, but it's nonetheless pretty and should attract many people on looks alone.
Compared to the Accent sedan, the hatchback model gets an exclusive front grille, but doesn't have the side moldings that grace the flanks of the four-door Accent.
It's a shame that the Accent is no longer offered in a five-door configuration. It might lose ground to its rivals, such as the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris 5-door, Suzuki Swift+, Chevrolet Aveo5 and Pontiac Wave 5-door. However, some can also find the Accent sportier-looking and less 'family car' than its 5-door competition.
Although the engine has as much horsepower as the Fit and Yaris on paper, it doesn't feel like it under your right foot. The Accent is a little less frisky, but the car moves along with ease nonetheless. My fuel consumption average was above 10 L/100 km, which is high, but I had the pedal to the metal during the car's entire stay with me. And the sound of the starter could be better.
During lunch hour on a Friday, me and four colleagues climbed into the little Hyundai and headed for the restaurant. Needless to say, the car seemed to find the drive difficult. However, we got to our destination anyway, and everyone was impressed with the progress accomplished by Hyundai in regards to the quality of its interior.
This Accent, equipped with the 4-speed automatic transmission, does the job but isn't as quick-shifting as the automatic Fit. During the launch of the Accent last spring, I noticed that the automatic gearbox is quieter on the highway than the 5-speed manual model. Why? Because the engine revs are higher at highway speeds with the 5-speed transmission.
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| (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com) |
After all, the commute to work is just filled with traffic jams and potholes, and let's not forget the constabulary force that are waiting for us with a radar gun in their grubby hands. So, why not choose a subcompact, which are now more spacious, powerful and economic as ever?
Here's the new Accent Hatchback, Hyundai's answer to the recent slew of Japanese offerings in that category.
 |
| (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com) |
Compared to the Accent sedan, the hatchback model gets an exclusive front grille, but doesn't have the side moldings that grace the flanks of the four-door Accent.
It's a shame that the Accent is no longer offered in a five-door configuration. It might lose ground to its rivals, such as the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris 5-door, Suzuki Swift+, Chevrolet Aveo5 and Pontiac Wave 5-door. However, some can also find the Accent sportier-looking and less 'family car' than its 5-door competition.
Although the engine has as much horsepower as the Fit and Yaris on paper, it doesn't feel like it under your right foot. The Accent is a little less frisky, but the car moves along with ease nonetheless. My fuel consumption average was above 10 L/100 km, which is high, but I had the pedal to the metal during the car's entire stay with me. And the sound of the starter could be better.
 |
| (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com) |
This Accent, equipped with the 4-speed automatic transmission, does the job but isn't as quick-shifting as the automatic Fit. During the launch of the Accent last spring, I noticed that the automatic gearbox is quieter on the highway than the 5-speed manual model. Why? Because the engine revs are higher at highway speeds with the 5-speed transmission.