New Accent coming from Hyundai this fall

In keeping the Korean brand's general intent to raise its products to a higher level, Hyundai will soon launch a new Accent designed to "deliver a higher level of value and sophistication in the small car class."

This model will be important in Canada, since it plays in this country's largest general segment, which is already very well served by several competing models from Chevrolet, Kia, Pontiac, Suzuki and Toyota.

Accent will arrive first this fall as a sedan, and then a coupe will come early in 2006.

According to Robert Cosmai of Hyundai Motor America, the third-generation Accent will delivers "class-leading safety features and a powerful, fuel-efficient CVVT engine, all wrapped in a sleek, new exterior design."

On top of that, says Cosmai, the new Accent is also larger in every exterior dimension. The sedan will be 4,279 mm long on a 2,489-mm wheelbase, and 1,470 mm high and 1,694 mm wide. The curbweight will be1,063 for the sedan with the manual shifter, and 1,089 kg for the sedan with the automatic.

This exterior footprint translates into the most interior volume for a sedan in its class, Cosmai points out, and that "provides today's drivers with affordable and reliable transportation that's refined, confident and comfortable."

He says Hyundai has really "moved the needle on interior packaging with the 2006 Accent. It feels like it's moved up a whole class in interior roominess."

Accent has always been a popular vehicle, says Cosmai, but recently this segment has become highly competitive. "We believe drivers will once again embrace this all-new Accent with its segment-leading standard safety features, increased interior space, and content that is typically not available in this segment, all of which should accelerate this Accent to the front of the pack."

Cosmai believes the new Accent is "more elegant than its predecessor, with crisp modern lines, distinctive halogen headlights, and larger wheels and tires that combined provide a strong character."

Compared to the competition, Cosmai maintains, "Accent has a more refined appearance with body-color door handles, mirrors, bodyside molding, and rear tailgate garnish. The roof-mounted rod antenna not only looks good, but also provides exceptional reception."

Accent does pretty well under the hood, too, with the most powerful engine in its class. It's new 1.6-liter, inline-four with continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) delivers an estimated 110 hp at 6,000 rpm and 107 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm.