Hyundai - Accent

2000 onwards

Having received mild revisions in 2003, Accent continues as a small family car that sells for supermini money. It's very dated, though, and only its cheap prices really appeal.

	Focus-sized family car for supermini money
	Plenty of room for four plus luggage
	Long warranty; good equipment on top CDX cars
	Uninspired styling, cut-price interior finish
	Lumpy ride and engine noise reduce refinement
	Depreciates faster than most rivals

Hyundai has moved further up-market, with credible models such as the Coupe and Santa Fe, but Accent is one of the last of the old breed Korean products: cheap, old-fashioned and outclassed. Its facelift in 2003 at least gave it a more attractive front end, not dissimilar to that of the Coupe, but it couldn't stop Accent feeling like an aged budget car with its poor refinement, noisy engines, and unimaginative design and engineering.
It's easy enough to drive, despite over-light, imprecise steering and a wobbly gearshift. The 1.3-litre engine struggles, the 1.6 is a bit better and the 1.5 diesel is the best of the bunch, but all are peaky, loud and harsh. Refinement isn't helped by Accent's inadequate sound-proofing. The ride is poor, and the seats are unsupportive on long journeys.
Accent's advantages? Lots of equipment and low prices. An all-new model, due soon, should be far better.