Hyundai Accent Hatchback 1994-
  • Economy

    Value

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Cheap tax, cheap insurance, cheap to buy, the list of goodness goes on. Only a Citroen Xantia Activa offers better value for money. Would make a brilliant first car.

    Costs

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Very, very cheap - except for fuel economy. 30mpg is pretty bad - my Peugeot 406 2.0 turbo could get the same mpg if driven carefully! Crazily cheap to buy and insure. Students, boy racers, learners, first-time buyers: you cannot afford to overlook this.

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    A genuine pleasure quiet, smooth, very good handling, a joy to cruise in and fun when driven hard.

    Performance

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Excellent considering lack of power picks up well in every gear, smooth delivery, brilliant handling (somewhat spoiled by pathetic 13" wheels). I love it!

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Mine was well looked after. Lack of gadgets means less to go wrong. General wear and tear is all you need to worry about.

    Image

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Refined looks, but nobody would notice it - it's too subtle. Cheap interior with horrible trim. No match for a Peugeot 306 in the style stakes, yet every bit as competent at everything else.

    Comfort

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Average comfort from the driver's seat, suspension a bit too stiff over bumps but contributes to lively, alert handling. Car is quiet and refined (below 3500rpm, raucous above it), well put together (from cheap materials) - crazy value for just £800.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Not one, but TWO immobilisers! Admiral Insurance also gave free window etchings. Best security system of all is its humble marque badge - who'd nick a Hyundai?

    Service

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Non-Hyundai dealer. Still excellent service, and I'll be buying a Hyundai Accent Coupe MVi in a year or two!

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Engine idles at 1500rpm occasionally, and can be jerky on pickup sometimes I suspect a clutch problem, just wear and tear.

    Other

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    Yes

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes