Hyundai is fast becoming America’s favorite car. In March this year, America took the number one spot for Hyundai global sales. It’s not a surprise since Hyundai’s design is improving a lot, as evidenced by the 2012 Hyundai Accent.
It is redesigned and many people agree that it looks more attractive than the outgoing version. It also has a more powerful engine with higher economy ratings, and a roomy interior with more features compared to the outgoing model. The best part of the deal, however, is the price. With these whopping new features, it still managed to maintain an inexpensive base price of $13,000.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Sedan/Hatchback | Base Price: $14,195.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 11.4 gallons (43 liters) | MPG: 30 city / 40 hwy |
| Length: 172 in. (436 cm) | Width: 66.9 in. (169 cm) |
| Height: 57.1 in. (145 cm) | Wheel Base: 101.2 in. (257 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 2396 lbs (608.5 kg) | Ground Clearance: NA |
| Luggage Capacity: 13.7 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 16-valve DOHC inline-4 | Displacement: 1.6 liters |
| Horsepower: 138 HP | Max RPM: 6000 RPM |
| Torque: 123 lb-ft @ 4850 rpm | Transmission: 6-Speed Manual |
| 0-60 mph: 7.9 seconds | 1/4 Mile: 16.0 seconds |
| Option:Accent GS | MSRP: $14,595; MPG: 30 city / 40 hwy |
| Option:Accent SE | MSRP: $15,795; MPG: 30 city / 40 hwy |
Performance
The 2012 Accent makes use of Hyundai’s “Fluidic Sculpture” design philosophy, making it look extra sophisticated and elegant. Fluidic Sculpture is being used in all of Hyundai’s lineup. The 2012 Hyundai Accent has a 1.6 L, 4 cylinder engine, like the outgoing model. Unlike the outgoing model, though, this engine is tuned to be more powerful. The Hyundai Accent also has the standard anti-lock brakes and electronic stability, and coupled with 138 horsepower, more reviewers are keen to say that its serious competitors like Honda Fit and Ford Fiesta should take notice.
Interior & Exterior
The interiors are also rated well. Unlike the outgoing model, the 2012 Accent’s interior is not made of cheap plastic. The interior of this car looks and feels more luxurious. It is roomy and it is power-packed with features: Bluetooth and connectivity and satellite radio. The stereo has six speakers, and auxiliary input jacks. It also has adjustable active front head rests, tilting steering wheel, adjustable driver’s seat (6-way), front, front-side and two row curtain airbags.
There are also a lot of storage places, and Hyundai claims that their glove box beats other cars in the same market such as the Chevy Aveo (MSRP $11,965; 27 city / 37 hwy), Honda Fit (MSRP $15,175; 27 city / 33 hwy) and the Ford Fiesta (MSRP $13,200; 29 city / 30 hwy). The sedan has a total interior area of 13.7 cubic feet while the five-door hatchbacks offer as much as 47.5 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded. If the seats are used, the usable area is 21.2. For comparative purposes, the Ford Fiesta can hold 26 cubic feet when the rear is folded.
The exterior of the car is proving to be a good upgrade from the outgoing model’s exterior. People say that the hatchback model is cute enough to be the fiercest competitor of the equally cute Ford Fiesta. It also comes with a variety of colors to suit any person’s personality, which is quite good because it can suit the tastes of the teenager, the young parent or the senior citizen.
The fuel economy ratings are also one the best features of this car. At 30/40 mpg city/highway, it is indeed a fuel sipping car! Compared to other cars in its class like the Honda Fit and Ford Fiesta, this car is the most efficient. This is perfect for today’s environmentally conscious times, as well as its 138 horsepower engine (with 123 pound foot of torque). It’s functional yet at the same time, budget friendly. The 1.6 liter 4 cylinder engine could be paired with the 6-speed manual or the 6-speed automatic.
Safety & Warranty
In safety, the Hyundai Accent features anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, vehicle stability management and brake assist. Unlike the previous year, the 2012 model features a tire pressure monitoring system and electronic stability control, which are government mandated.
The 2012 Accent is covered by the Hyundai Assurance Trade-In Value, which is basically a program that predicts how much your Hyundai will be worth after two years. It also has the longest warranty in is class with the power train warranty going for as long as ten years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. The new vehicle warranty can go for five years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. It also has a 7-year coverage for perforation and corrosion and five years of unlimited 24-hour roadside assistance.
Overall Rating
73 out of 100
What others say:
“Do Americans want small cars with more room and great gas mileage? The 2012 Hyundai Accent is betting they do–and so are we.”Car Connection
“The sporty SE model displays a modicum of body lean in fast turns, and steering feel isn’t sports-car sharp. Still, it feels nimble enough to be mildly entertaining to drive.”Consumer Guide
“Larger, sharper and more fuel-efficient, the redesigned 2012 Hyundai Accent deserves buyer consideration as an affordable, stylish new car.”Edmunds
