Hyundai Accent Hatchback (00-05) - Review

Review by Parkers on
This Accent shares the same name as the model that ran from 1994-1999, but it's an all-new model. It also got a tweak in 2003. It's a straight-forward, practical and reliable Focus-sized car - available as a three or five-door hatchback or a four-door saloon. The Accent is good value (it comes with a five-year/unlimited mileage warranty as standard) and reliable, but the blob-like styling will not appeal to all buyers and rivals hold there value better.
2 out of 5

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2 out of 5

Performance

Three petrol units: 1.3, 1.5 and 1.6 and one diesel: 1.5 CRTD. The two smaller petrol engines are quite course and need to be revved hard, as there's little pulling power. You'll get from 0-60 in 12.5 seconds with the 1.3 (and 40 mpg in everyday driving); the 88 bhp 1.5 only adds an extra 4 bhp, but it gets to 60 mph nearly a second quicker and has much more mid-range power. MVi is the "sporty" 1.5 with 101 bhp and a 0-60 time of 10.5 seconds. The 1.6 was added in early 2003. it's not refined, but it's much more useful for motorway trips. The 1.5-litre common-rail turbodiesel is frugal, though not especially refined.

2.5 out of 5

Handling

For parking and in traffic, the Accent's light controls are a bonus. Visibility is pretty good all-round, and the clutch and pedals need only the lightest of touches. The gearbox action is an improvement on the old Accent, but the gear throw is far too long and its action feels far too slack. The indicator stalk is on the right hand side - the opposite to most European cars - but it does mean that your left hand is free for changing gear. There is some feedback through the steering and the steering wheel is pleasant to use.