A new model joins the Accent lineup this year the Accent 5 a four door GL with a hatchback instead of a traditional trunk. This front wheel drive subcompact is powered by a 4 cylinder 1 6 litre engine that comes with either manual or automatic transmission. Interior and trunk Because the car is low to the ground tall people will find it somewhat difficult to get into. Once seated they will find the front seats quite comfortable especially the driver s seat with its two adjustment wheels that make it easy to find just the right driving position. Getting out of the rear seat is harder than getting into it foot room is limited and the doors open on a tight angle Since headroom is limited it seats two adults comfortably only if they are of no more than medium height.

The rear seat splits 60 40 The trunk offers sufficient storage space with a wideopening hatchback that makes access easier. Convenience and safety The interior is well finished in quality materials. Soundproofing is sufficient except when the engine is accelerating. There is plenty of storage space though the beverage holders up front are awkwardly situated Slightly larger containers hamper access to the AC heating and CD controls forcing you to use the beverage holder behind the center console Controls and instruments are conveniently located and lit at night where need be However shorter drivers may find the steering wheel hides the radio and AC heating controls The air conditioning works fine to cool the interior but the heating system is a little slow Safety wise the Accent is equipped with two airbags and two locking head restraints up front The head restraints however are not high enough for taller people. There are no Photos Hyundai real head restraints in the rear nor is there an antilock braking system even as an option Headlight brightness is barely adequate and the exterior mirrors should be bigger Visibility is good but for many people especially if they are of medium height or taller the inside mirror creates a big blind spot diagonally to the right Engine and transmission The 4 cylinder 1 6 litre engine puts out 104 horses and 106 pound feet of torque which makes for straightforward acceleration However over 80 km h this engine is a little sluggish The torque is high enough so that the driver doesn t have to gear down for no reason

The engine runs smoothly but is noisy during acceleration The manual five speed transmission handles effortlessly and is well geared Lever stroke is a little long but the clutch is nice and progressive On the road With just the right combination of firmness and compliance the Accent s suspension offers a comfortable ride in all types of circumstances and on all types of roads The car handles curves well as long as you don t push it too hard in which case its limitations quickly become apparent Its road comportment gives the impression of true ruggedness The nicely calibrated power steering combines precision stability and speed and gives the driver some sense of the road The turning radius is tight and the brakes are extremely efficient in every respect

Following an inspection of the Accent at a CAA Quebec Technical Inspection Centre we concluded it was well built and quite sturdy. Rustproofing is adequate except in the middle underneath where a lack was noted Conclusion. The Accent is unpretentious and man uvres very well in all tasks it performs It is notable for the comfort of its front seats and suspension.

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