Vehicle: 2006 Hyundai Accent GLS sedan
Price as tested: CDN$18990

Performance: With 110 horses and 106 lb/ft of torque, Accent’s 1.6L DOHC 16-valver with variable valve timing provides surprising amount of oommph in a little package. Although the maximum torque of 106 pounds feet arrives at 4500 rpm, it feels quite torquery at the bottom end. On the other hand, it feels noisy at high rpm which is kind of typical of a car of its price range. However, the level of refinement and smoothness are true delightful surprises. In both low and mid-range, its quietness and smoothness are able to rivalled those motors made by Honda or Toyota. Matched with this little mile is a willing 4-speed automatic transmission. Without the help of this auto box, this 1.6L won’t be as responsive as it should be. Even though for an economy car, 5-speed stick shift is the best bet. The shifts are short and precise, while the clutch pedal is easily modulated and well-grabbed for the stick version. The throttle response is all it should be. Nothing dramatic and exciting.

Handling: Accent’s dynamics is another delightful surprise. It begins with a solid foundation to hang suspensions on its head. Hyundai engineers are smart enough to tune the suspension with the right balance of ride and handling, even though Accent’s turn-in feels softly sprung to begin with. There are safe understeer when pushed, as well as quite amount of body rolls due to its slightly soft suspension and 15″ wheels. However, all come in a confident-inspiring package. The steering has decent feedback and response, the vagueness of outgoing car has become a thing of history. Its also downright precise and trace the path correctly. The ride comfort has to rated as best-in-class as it absorbs expansion joints and washboard pavement with ease. That’s quite an achievement considered it rides on front MacPherson struct and rear torsion beam suspensions.

Brakes: Although ABS is standard on our fully loaded GLS tester, its unavailability on lower end models is my biggest criticism of this vehicle. Hyundai should at least make ABS as an option on base GL and GL with comfort package instead of unavailable. This product planning makes it sounds like those who can’t afford a GLS shouldn’t have the privilege of ABS active safety, is a complete no-no on my book. On the other hand, its front discs and rear drums provide decent pedal feel and modulation.

Interior: Slip behind of wheel of new Accent, you will find another delightful surprise. The use of interior materials are extremely high-quality. The velour feels classy and expensive. There are plenty of soft-touch plastic on the dashboard. With tilt steering and 8-way adjustable seat, the driving position is easily found. Everything in the Accent is ergonomically layout. The rotary climate control has a high-quality tactical feel. Stereo is smart enough to place high up the dashboard for easy access.

For an economy car, the backseat space is surprisingly large. While seating 3 persons on the back is tight, its very comfortable with 2.

Conclusion: The outgoing Accent was a car that you have to buy because its cheap. With the new Accent, its merits are good enough to persuade consumers that its something that they have to buy over its rivals. This little car really proves how Hyundai has improved itself over the years significantly.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2006 HYUNDAI ACCENT SEDAN
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Performance: 3/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 3/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4/5