| # 8: HYUNDAI ACCENT |
| Interesting quality/price ratio Female buyers: 56% |
If you are presently on the lookout for a small car and your budget is limited, you know that there are not a lot of new cars available for less than 15 000$. However, there is the Hyundai Accent.
Hyundai is a South Korean manufacturer who is enjoying renewed popularity at the present time. Its first models marketed in North America (Pony, Stellar and Excel) turned out, over time, to be afflicted with numerous problems, which really tarnished Hyundai's image. Since those first troubled times, Hyundai has done an enormous amount of work to improve its products. The result: the 2000 models are far superior to those first assembled.
The new second-generation Accent, which made its entry into the market last November, offers several improvements over the preceding model. It has gain centimeters in length and width, and is now equipped with a much more spacious interior. As well, it gets points for its comfortable seats, and reduced noise.
The two versions of the Accent (hatchback and sedan) are powered by a 1.5 liters 4-cylinder engine which provides 92 horsepower, which is a little lacking. This is the main weakness of this car. Because of its relative lack of muscle, certain manoeuvres, such as passing, need more caution.
Having said this, the Accent is relatively pleasant to drive, despite the fact that the brakes could be a bit beefier and the four-season tires that come with the car are not really suitable for winter driving (a reproach that is aimed at several other cars). Styling may be conservative, but the gain in chassis rigidity is remarkable. In fact, Hyundai's newest car may be its best "mini" ever!