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I found myself in a bit of quandary when it came to writing the review for the 2018 Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio. Both of these models have been redesigned recently and despite the different exteriors, under the skin they share a number of key parts such as the engine and suspension. As I was going through my notes, I realized the answer was right in front of me; talk about the differences between the two and see which one does it better. Exterior Between the two vehicles, the Rio stands out considerably. Like the previous model, the new Rio has a fair amount of European influence with neatly proportioned body and clean lines. The front end is quite low and features a narrow top grille and deep slits in the bumper for a set of fog lights. 15-inch alloy wheels come standard on EX. Unlike the Accent, the Rio is still available in as a hatchback. The Accent goes for the safe approach with a simple three-box sedan design. This isn’t helped by the silver color on my test vehicle which makes it become somewhat anonymous. The only real design traits are in the front with a new grille shape that is appearing on new Hyundai models and cutouts in the bumper for accent trim on our base SE tester or foglights on higher trims. One way the Accent SE stands out from the Rio LX is painted door handles and mirror caps. Interior There are no frills to be found in the Accent’s interior. Like the outside, Hyundai went for a simple and honest design. Material quality is what you expect in the class - hard plastics on most surfaces. But the plastics have a solid feel. All Accents feature basic front seat adjustments - fore/aft, height (driver only), and recline. I was able to find a position that worked for me quite quickly. One item to be aware of is the SE doesn’t come with a telescoping adjustment for the steering wheel; SEL models and above get that feature. Space in the back is average for the class with a decent amount of headroom, but a limited amount of legroom. Kia added some style to the Rio’s interior with a sculpted dash featuring two-tone plastics. Hard plastics make up the majority of interior surfaces with a grain texture pattern. Like the Accent, the plastics have a very solid feel. The layout is simple with most controls in easy reach. Finding a comfortable position took no time with a basic set of seat adjustments and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. However, I found the seats in the Rio to not be as supportive on long trips. The back seat mirrors the Accent; ok headroom and a small amount of legroom. Infotainment The Rio EX comes with a 7-inch infotainment system with Kia’s UVO infotainment system. No navigation system is offered, but you won’t need it as support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is standard. It will not take long to familiarize yourself with UVO thanks to a well-thought out interface and dedicated buttons for various features. Performance is impressive with the system responding very quickly to inputs. Over at the Accent SE, it comes with a 5-inch touchscreen radio. For the most part, the system was simple to use with redundant buttons for various functions, simple interface, and large touchscreen buttons. I only wished that the screen was slightly larger when I was scrolling through my iPod. One surprise was the SE getting Bluetooth as standard. Kia doesn’t offer Bluetooth on the base Rio LX. Powertrain Both the Accent and Rio use the same 1.6L inline-four engine producing 130 horsepower and 119 pound-feet of torque. What differs between the two is the transmission; the Accent SE comes with a six-speed manual while the Rio EX makes do with a six-speed automatic. Between the two, the Accent is noticeably quicker. The manual transmission allows the engine to flex what little muscle it has to get the vehicle up to speed. In the Rio, the automatic’s programming smothers the small amount of power to improve fuel economy. There is a Sport mode that holds onto gears longer, but it doesn’t make much of a difference. Neither of the transmissions can help the 1.6L on the freeway as the engine struggles to get up to speed at a decent rate. Fuel Economy EPA fuel economy figures are almost identical for the two models. Both return 28 mpg in the city and 37 on the highway. The difference is in the combined figure; the Rio returns 32, while the Accent returns 31. I got an average of 34 in the Rio and 33 in the Accent. Ride and Handling There are more similarities between the Rio and Accent when it comes to the driving experience. Both still employ struts in the front and a torsion-beam rear axle. But the body has been stiffened which helps with ride quality. Both models exhibited excellent isolation of most road imperfections. Handling is another place where the two surprised me. While not exhibiting the sporty characteristics of a Ford Fiesta, both the Accent and Rio show little body roll and feel quite nimble. The steering is light, but provides a decent amount of feedback when pushed. Pricing The 2018 Hyundai Accent begins at $14,995 for the base SE with manual transmission and climbs to $18,895 for the Limited. Our test SE with optional floor mats came to an as-tested price of $16,005. While it does cost $1,095 more than the base Rio LX, the Accent SE comes with more features such as Bluetooth, full power accessories, and a rear USB port. The 2018 Kia Rio kicks off at $13,900 for the LX sedan and climbs to $18,700 for the EX hatchback. The EX sedan tester came to an as-tested price of $19,425 with carpeted floor mats and destination. It is a bit hard to stomach the price tag when you can into some decently equipped compact sedans such as the Hyundai Elantra and Chevrolet Cruze for similar money. Even after you factor in the EX getting forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, it’s still a tough sell. Verdict Trying to decide which of the two subcompacts was the winner in this piece was very difficult as they share so much. Beginning with the Rio EX, it is a very sharp looking subcompact with a fair amount of European influence and it is available as a hatchback. But the automatic transmission suffocates what little performance is on offer from the 1.6L engine. Plus the price tag of the EX is very difficult to swallow when you can step up into a compact for similar money. If it was the midlevel S, this would have been a closer fight. This brings us to the Accent SE. It's styling inside and out is a bit plain when pitted against the Rio. The lack of hatchback also makes the Accent a bit of hard sell to some buyers. But the list of standard features on the base model is very surprising. Plus, the manual transmission allows the engine to have some flexibility in most driving situations. Both models are towards the top in the subcompact class. But in this comparison, the base Accent SE nips the top-line Rio EX by a hair. Disclaimer: Hyundai and Kia Provided the Vehicles, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2018 Make: Hyundai Model: Accent Trim: SE Engine: 1.6L DOHC 16-valve GDI Inline-Four Driveline: Six-Speed Manual, Front-wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 130 @ 6,300 Torque @ RPM: 119 @ 4,850 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 28/37/31 Curb Weight: 2,502 lbs Location of Manufacture: Nuevo Leon, Mexico Base Price: $14,995 As Tested Price: $16,005 (Includes $885.00 Destination Charge) Options: Carpeted Floor Mats: $125.00 Year: 2018 Make: Kia Model: Rio Trim: EX Engine: 1.6L 16-valve GDI Inline-Four Driveline: Six-Speed Automatic, Front-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 130 @ 6,300 Torque @ RPM: 119 @ 4,850 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 28/37/32 Curb Weight: 2,714 lbs Location of Manufacture: Pesqueria, NL, Mexico Base Price: $18,400 As Tested Price: $19,425 (Includes $895.00 Destination Charge) Options: Carpeted Floor Mats - $130.00 View full article
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I found myself in a bit of quandary when it came to writing the review for the 2018 Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio. Both of these models have been redesigned recently and despite the different exteriors, under the skin they share a number of key parts such as the engine and suspension. As I was going through my notes, I realized the answer was right in front of me; talk about the differences between the two and see which one does it better. Exterior Between the two vehicles, the Rio stands out considerably. Like the previous model, the new Rio has a fair amount of European influence with neatly proportioned body and clean lines. The front end is quite low and features a narrow top grille and deep slits in the bumper for a set of fog lights. 15-inch alloy wheels come standard on EX. Unlike the Accent, the Rio is still available in as a hatchback. The Accent goes for the safe approach with a simple three-box sedan design. This isn’t helped by the silver color on my test vehicle which makes it become somewhat anonymous. The only real design traits are in the front with a new grille shape that is appearing on new Hyundai models and cutouts in the bumper for accent trim on our base SE tester or foglights on higher trims. One way the Accent SE stands out from the Rio LX is painted door handles and mirror caps. Interior There are no frills to be found in the Accent’s interior. Like the outside, Hyundai went for a simple and honest design. Material quality is what you expect in the class - hard plastics on most surfaces. But the plastics have a solid feel. All Accents feature basic front seat adjustments - fore/aft, height (driver only), and recline. I was able to find a position that worked for me quite quickly. One item to be aware of is the SE doesn’t come with a telescoping adjustment for the steering wheel; SEL models and above get that feature. Space in the back is average for the class with a decent amount of headroom, but a limited amount of legroom. Kia added some style to the Rio’s interior with a sculpted dash featuring two-tone plastics. Hard plastics make up the majority of interior surfaces with a grain texture pattern. Like the Accent, the plastics have a very solid feel. The layout is simple with most controls in easy reach. Finding a comfortable position took no time with a basic set of seat adjustments and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. However, I found the seats in the Rio to not be as supportive on long trips. The back seat mirrors the Accent; ok headroom and a small amount of legroom. Infotainment The Rio EX comes with a 7-inch infotainment system with Kia’s UVO infotainment system. No navigation system is offered, but you won’t need it as support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is standard. It will not take long to familiarize yourself with UVO thanks to a well-thought out interface and dedicated buttons for various features. Performance is impressive with the system responding very quickly to inputs. Over at the Accent SE, it comes with a 5-inch touchscreen radio. For the most part, the system was simple to use with redundant buttons for various functions, simple interface, and large touchscreen buttons. I only wished that the screen was slightly larger when I was scrolling through my iPod. One surprise was the SE getting Bluetooth as standard. Kia doesn’t offer Bluetooth on the base Rio LX. Powertrain Both the Accent and Rio use the same 1.6L inline-four engine producing 130 horsepower and 119 pound-feet of torque. What differs between the two is the transmission; the Accent SE comes with a six-speed manual while the Rio EX makes do with a six-speed automatic. Between the two, the Accent is noticeably quicker. The manual transmission allows the engine to flex what little muscle it has to get the vehicle up to speed. In the Rio, the automatic’s programming smothers the small amount of power to improve fuel economy. There is a Sport mode that holds onto gears longer, but it doesn’t make much of a difference. Neither of the transmissions can help the 1.6L on the freeway as the engine struggles to get up to speed at a decent rate. Fuel Economy EPA fuel economy figures are almost identical for the two models. Both return 28 mpg in the city and 37 on the highway. The difference is in the combined figure; the Rio returns 32, while the Accent returns 31. I got an average of 34 in the Rio and 33 in the Accent. Ride and Handling There are more similarities between the Rio and Accent when it comes to the driving experience. Both still employ struts in the front and a torsion-beam rear axle. But the body has been stiffened which helps with ride quality. Both models exhibited excellent isolation of most road imperfections. Handling is another place where the two surprised me. While not exhibiting the sporty characteristics of a Ford Fiesta, both the Accent and Rio show little body roll and feel quite nimble. The steering is light, but provides a decent amount of feedback when pushed. Pricing The 2018 Hyundai Accent begins at $14,995 for the base SE with manual transmission and climbs to $18,895 for the Limited. Our test SE with optional floor mats came to an as-tested price of $16,005. While it does cost $1,095 more than the base Rio LX, the Accent SE comes with more features such as Bluetooth, full power accessories, and a rear USB port. The 2018 Kia Rio kicks off at $13,900 for the LX sedan and climbs to $18,700 for the EX hatchback. The EX sedan tester came to an as-tested price of $19,425 with carpeted floor mats and destination. It is a bit hard to stomach the price tag when you can into some decently equipped compact sedans such as the Hyundai Elantra and Chevrolet Cruze for similar money. Even after you factor in the EX getting forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, it’s still a tough sell. Verdict Trying to decide which of the two subcompacts was the winner in this piece was very difficult as they share so much. Beginning with the Rio EX, it is a very sharp looking subcompact with a fair amount of European influence and it is available as a hatchback. But the automatic transmission suffocates what little performance is on offer from the 1.6L engine. Plus the price tag of the EX is very difficult to swallow when you can step up into a compact for similar money. If it was the midlevel S, this would have been a closer fight. This brings us to the Accent SE. It's styling inside and out is a bit plain when pitted against the Rio. The lack of hatchback also makes the Accent a bit of hard sell to some buyers. But the list of standard features on the base model is very surprising. Plus, the manual transmission allows the engine to have some flexibility in most driving situations. Both models are towards the top in the subcompact class. But in this comparison, the base Accent SE nips the top-line Rio EX by a hair. Disclaimer: Hyundai and Kia Provided the Vehicles, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2018 Make: Hyundai Model: Accent Trim: SE Engine: 1.6L DOHC 16-valve GDI Inline-Four Driveline: Six-Speed Manual, Front-wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 130 @ 6,300 Torque @ RPM: 119 @ 4,850 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 28/37/31 Curb Weight: 2,502 lbs Location of Manufacture: Nuevo Leon, Mexico Base Price: $14,995 As Tested Price: $16,005 (Includes $885.00 Destination Charge) Options: Carpeted Floor Mats: $125.00 Year: 2018 Make: Kia Model: Rio Trim: EX Engine: 1.6L 16-valve GDI Inline-Four Driveline: Six-Speed Automatic, Front-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 130 @ 6,300 Torque @ RPM: 119 @ 4,850 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 28/37/32 Curb Weight: 2,714 lbs Location of Manufacture: Pesqueria, NL, Mexico Base Price: $18,400 As Tested Price: $19,425 (Includes $895.00 Destination Charge) Options: Carpeted Floor Mats - $130.00 -
Hyundai finally decided to spill the beans on the 2018 Accent for the U.S. by debuting it yesterday at the Orange County International Auto Show in Anaheim, California. Let's get to the most important news for the U.S.; the 2018 Accent will only be available as a sedan. Everywhere else will get a hatchback variant. Boo! Everything else pretty much is the same as our report when the Accent debuted at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto. The 2018 Accent is more upscale in its design with a larger grille, new headlights, optional 17-inch alloy wheels, and rear-end styling borrowed from the Elantra. The interior is nothing too special to look at, but Hyundai has equipped all models with a 5-inch touchscreen with a backup camera as standard equipment. A 7-inch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability is optional. Interior space has increased thanks to a slightly longer length and width. Power comes from a 1.6-liter four-cylinder producing 130 horsepower and 119 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual will come standard, with a six-speed automatic available as an option. Pricing hasn't been announced, but Hyundai says the 2018 Accent will arrive at dealers later this fall. Source: Hyundai Press Release is on Page 2 HYUNDAI INTRODUCES ALL-NEW 2018 ACCENT AT THE ORANGE COUNTY INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW Fifth-generation Hyundai Accent demonstrates Hyundai’s engineering expertise with improved driving dynamics and an efficient powertrain Upscale exterior design, sophisticated interior and signature Hyundai design cues are central to Accent’s striking appeal Advanced connectivity with available Android Auto™, Apple CarPlay™,Hyundai Blue Link and SiriusXM satellite radio Exceptional safety from the available Forward Collision-avoidance Assist Highlights for 2018 Accent Sophisticated Sedan Design Hyundai’s new cascading grille, expressive and upscale design Contemporary and intuitive interior Available premium exterior features: projector headlights with LED DRLs, power sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED taillights and available fog lights Performance and Improved Dynamics Eco-efficient 1.6-liter GDI Dual-CVVT 4-cylinder engine with standard 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic transmission 130 horsepower and 119 lb.-ft. of torque (estimated) Improved NVH and ride quality Architecture includes 54.5 percent Advanced High Strength Steel Improved Audio, Multimedia and Blue Link Standard 5-inch color touchscreen Available 7-inch display audio system with Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ Available Blue Link® Connected Services 3 years with standard complimentary service, including remote start Premium Comfort and Convenience Features Available segment first hands-free smart trunk release and dual USB charging Available heated front seats, proximity push button start and automatic temperature control Class-above total interior volume—a subcompact car with the roominess of a compact Exceptional Level of Safety Features Standard rearview camera with dynamic guidelines Available Forward Collision-avoidance Assist (FCA) Quality and reliability backed by America’s Best Warranty Anaheim, Calif., Sept. 28, 2017 – Hyundai Motor America debuts the all-new 2018 Accent at the 2017 Orange County International Auto Show. The 2018 Accent enters its fifth generation by building on the strengths of its predecessors with Hyundai’s modern engineering prowess. The result is a car with an expressive design, a high-tech interior, a more efficient powertrain, reduced cabin noise and remarkably improved driving dynamics. The company also infused its newest subcompact car with the latest safety and convenience features. The 2018 Accent will arrive in Hyundai dealerships in the fall of 2017. Advanced High Strength Steel at the Core The all-new Accent was developed to be the segment benchmark for driving dynamics and safety while delivering outstanding fuel efficiency and maintaining Hyundai’s unbeatable value position. Key to achieving those goals was the car’s use of Advanced High Strength Steel. Accent is composed of 54.5 percent Advanced High Strength Steel—up 13 percentage points from the fourth generation—from the company’s captive Hyundai Steel plant. In addition, Accent’s torsional rigidity improved by 32 percent. This new, rigid chassis improves noise isolation and overall driving dynamics. The application of Advanced High Strength Steel also improves collision energy management without adding weight, helping to reduce fuel consumption and deliver better driving feel. Improved ride comfort, handling and stability are achieved through key developments in the suspension. Accent’s steering feel has been refined with improvements to steering efficiency, while enhancements to handling and ride comfort have been made by raising the rear roll center and increasing the leverage ratio of the rear shock absorbers. The standard Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS) system instantly adjusts to changing driving conditions for greater precision and steering feel while improving fuel economy. Striking Exterior Design The design of the new Accent exhibits confidence and sophistication with sculpted body forms and smoothly contoured lines delivering a new interpretation of Hyundai’s signature design language. The car features Hyundai’s cascading grille, a visual signature integral to the company’s identity. The grille is flanked by wraparound headlights and available LED signature daytime running lights. Accent’s sweeping roof profile and sharp character lines run the length of the car. These character lines meet available slim LED wraparound taillights. Features such as 17-inch alloy wheels and side mirror LED turn signal indicators add to the upscale feel of the car. The car’s form is also functional, achieving balance between design and engineering for standout styling with aerodynamic improvements. The underside of the car is also sculpted for aerodynamics, and a new front-lip spoiler, together with a lower ride height, contributes to Accent’s efficient design. All of these attributes allow the 2018 Accent to slip through the wind with a 0.28 coefficient of drag. Compared with the last generation, the 2018 Accent is larger and has more interior room. Accent is wider by 1.2 inches, and the overall length has increased by 0.6 inches, yet its height remains unchanged, giving the car a more grounded stance. The wheelbase has also increased by 0.4 inches, pushing the wheels farther to the corners and improving interior roominess. Specification 2017 Accent Change 2018 Accent Overall Length (in.) 172.0 +0.6 172.6 Overall Width (in.) 66.9 +1.2 68.1 Overall Height (in.) 57.1 - 57.1 Wheelbase (in.) 101.2 +0.4 101.6 Modern Interior Design Accent’s interior continues the modern, confident, sophisticated look seen on the exterior. A driver-oriented layout with intuitive controls combines with improved interior roominess, high-quality materials and premium technology features to raise the standard for subcompacts. Premium, soft-touch materials in key points create an inviting and comfortable environment for the driver and passengers. A wide instrument panel prominently features a standard backup camera system with a 5-inch or optional 7-inch color TFT LCD display. Beneath the screen, the control panel is laid out in a horizontal design with buttons and controls logically grouped by function. The seat frame is engineered to be lightweight but extremely strong, to help keep occupants safe in collisions. For added comfort and convenience, passengers enjoy available heated front seats, while the standard rear seats fold with a 60/40 split. Accent also offers class-above total interior volume. Accent sedan passenger volume has grown to 103.9 cubic feet. With this figure, Accent is actually classified as a compact car, versus a subcompact car, according to the EPA. In fact, Accent has more interior and cargo volume than the Ford Fiesta and Toyota Yaris. 2018 Accent Interior Volume Interior Volume (cu. ft.) 2018 Accent 2017 Fiesta 2017 Yaris iA Passenger 90.2 85.1 85.9 Cargo 13.7 12.8 13.5 Total 103.9 97.9 99.4 Efficient Powertrain For 2018, the new Accent receives an updated powertrain tuned for better fuel efficiency and drivability. The updated 1.6-liter Gamma four-cylinder Gasoline Direct Injected (GDI) engine produces 130 horsepower and 119 lb.-ft. of torque. Compared with the previous-generation Accent, the engine’s powerband has improved, with increased low-end torque to make drivability easier. The 1.6-liter Gamma four-cylinder GDI engine is paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel efficiency has also been improved by an estimated 7 percent overall. In the engine, components such as low-friction piston rings, a variable fuel pressure module and upgraded software for the engine control module improve overall operation. Further, improvements to the return springs in the braking system have reduced drive friction. The automatic transmission has also been redesigned to reduce the unit’s overall weight by 4 pounds and improve operational efficiency. In addition, Accents with automatic transmissions include the company’s Drive Mode Select feature to adjust both powertrain performance and steering calibration, allowing the driver to customize the driving character by selecting two modes—Normal or Sport—by simply touching a button on the center console. Comprehensive Safety and Convenience Features The 2018 Accent features several improvements to the front side members and inner side sill for improved collision protection. The front crumple zones have been increased, front side airbags have been upgraded and reinforcements have been added to improve the car’s collision energy management performance, especially in small overlap crashes. A six-airbag system is standard, along with Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Traction Control and ABS. New for 2018 and for the segment, Accent offers a wide array of advanced safety technologies to provide another layer of protection for passengers. For example, Accent offers available Forward Collision-avoidance Assist that utilizes a front forward facing radar to detect a vehicle and warn the driver of a potential collision. If the driver does not react to avoid the impact, the system will apply emergency braking. Advanced Connectivity and Multimedia Systems Most 2018 Accent trims will feature technologies ahead of the subcompact competition that enhance driver confidence and convenience. For example, Accent offers a proximity key with push button start, so drivers never need to pull out a key from their pocket or purse. Accent offers available dual USB charging and auxiliary input jacks and available SiriusXM satellite radio. New for 2018, Accent has an available advanced infotainment system that includes a 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen system and rearview camera. The 7-inch display also has both Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ for seamless and intuitive operation of the most commonly used smartphone functions, including app-based navigation, streaming audio and voice-controlled search capabilities. Enhanced Hyundai Blue Link Remote Start and Blue Link Integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Home Hyundai Blue Link customers have performed more than 25 million remote starts since Blue Link its debuted in 2011. Although remote start is a great feature for hot weather, most take place in cold climates during January, February and March. In fact, Blue Link Remote Start with Climate Control is three times more popular in the winter. With this in mind, Hyundai engineers have enhanced the Remote Start with Climate Control feature to include control of the rear defroster and heated side mirrors into the Blue Link mobile app. For the ultimate level of convenience when it comes to remote-starting a car on a bitterly cold winter morning, Hyundai has its new Blue Link integrations for Amazon Alexa and Google Home. These integrations work by a customer simply asking an Alexa-enabled or Google Assistant–enabled device, like an Amazon Echo or Google Home, to start their car. The interaction actually sounds like this: “Alexa, tell Blue Link to start my car at 80 degrees” or: “Okay, Google, ask Blue Link to start my Accent and set the temperature to 72 degrees.” To send commands to Hyundai vehicles via Alexa or Google, users must enable the Blue Link integration in their Alexa or Google Home app, available on iOS and Android devices, and then link their existing Blue Link account within the Alexa or Google Home app. Voice commands will be sent to Hyundai vehicles only after Alexa or Google Home prompts owners for their Blue Link Personal Identification Number (PIN). -
Hyundai finally decided to spill the beans on the 2018 Accent for the U.S. by debuting it yesterday at the Orange County International Auto Show in Anaheim, California. Let's get to the most important news for the U.S.; the 2018 Accent will only be available as a sedan. Everywhere else will get a hatchback variant. Boo! Everything else pretty much is the same as our report when the Accent debuted at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto. The 2018 Accent is more upscale in its design with a larger grille, new headlights, optional 17-inch alloy wheels, and rear-end styling borrowed from the Elantra. The interior is nothing too special to look at, but Hyundai has equipped all models with a 5-inch touchscreen with a backup camera as standard equipment. A 7-inch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability is optional. Interior space has increased thanks to a slightly longer length and width. Power comes from a 1.6-liter four-cylinder producing 130 horsepower and 119 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual will come standard, with a six-speed automatic available as an option. Pricing hasn't been announced, but Hyundai says the 2018 Accent will arrive at dealers later this fall. Source: Hyundai Press Release is on Page 2 HYUNDAI INTRODUCES ALL-NEW 2018 ACCENT AT THE ORANGE COUNTY INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW Fifth-generation Hyundai Accent demonstrates Hyundai’s engineering expertise with improved driving dynamics and an efficient powertrain Upscale exterior design, sophisticated interior and signature Hyundai design cues are central to Accent’s striking appeal Advanced connectivity with available Android Auto™, Apple CarPlay™,Hyundai Blue Link and SiriusXM satellite radio Exceptional safety from the available Forward Collision-avoidance Assist Highlights for 2018 Accent Sophisticated Sedan Design Hyundai’s new cascading grille, expressive and upscale design Contemporary and intuitive interior Available premium exterior features: projector headlights with LED DRLs, power sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED taillights and available fog lights Performance and Improved Dynamics Eco-efficient 1.6-liter GDI Dual-CVVT 4-cylinder engine with standard 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic transmission 130 horsepower and 119 lb.-ft. of torque (estimated) Improved NVH and ride quality Architecture includes 54.5 percent Advanced High Strength Steel Improved Audio, Multimedia and Blue Link Standard 5-inch color touchscreen Available 7-inch display audio system with Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ Available Blue Link® Connected Services 3 years with standard complimentary service, including remote start Premium Comfort and Convenience Features Available segment first hands-free smart trunk release and dual USB charging Available heated front seats, proximity push button start and automatic temperature control Class-above total interior volume—a subcompact car with the roominess of a compact Exceptional Level of Safety Features Standard rearview camera with dynamic guidelines Available Forward Collision-avoidance Assist (FCA) Quality and reliability backed by America’s Best Warranty Anaheim, Calif., Sept. 28, 2017 – Hyundai Motor America debuts the all-new 2018 Accent at the 2017 Orange County International Auto Show. The 2018 Accent enters its fifth generation by building on the strengths of its predecessors with Hyundai’s modern engineering prowess. The result is a car with an expressive design, a high-tech interior, a more efficient powertrain, reduced cabin noise and remarkably improved driving dynamics. The company also infused its newest subcompact car with the latest safety and convenience features. The 2018 Accent will arrive in Hyundai dealerships in the fall of 2017. Advanced High Strength Steel at the Core The all-new Accent was developed to be the segment benchmark for driving dynamics and safety while delivering outstanding fuel efficiency and maintaining Hyundai’s unbeatable value position. Key to achieving those goals was the car’s use of Advanced High Strength Steel. Accent is composed of 54.5 percent Advanced High Strength Steel—up 13 percentage points from the fourth generation—from the company’s captive Hyundai Steel plant. In addition, Accent’s torsional rigidity improved by 32 percent. This new, rigid chassis improves noise isolation and overall driving dynamics. The application of Advanced High Strength Steel also improves collision energy management without adding weight, helping to reduce fuel consumption and deliver better driving feel. Improved ride comfort, handling and stability are achieved through key developments in the suspension. Accent’s steering feel has been refined with improvements to steering efficiency, while enhancements to handling and ride comfort have been made by raising the rear roll center and increasing the leverage ratio of the rear shock absorbers. The standard Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS) system instantly adjusts to changing driving conditions for greater precision and steering feel while improving fuel economy. Striking Exterior Design The design of the new Accent exhibits confidence and sophistication with sculpted body forms and smoothly contoured lines delivering a new interpretation of Hyundai’s signature design language. The car features Hyundai’s cascading grille, a visual signature integral to the company’s identity. The grille is flanked by wraparound headlights and available LED signature daytime running lights. Accent’s sweeping roof profile and sharp character lines run the length of the car. These character lines meet available slim LED wraparound taillights. Features such as 17-inch alloy wheels and side mirror LED turn signal indicators add to the upscale feel of the car. The car’s form is also functional, achieving balance between design and engineering for standout styling with aerodynamic improvements. The underside of the car is also sculpted for aerodynamics, and a new front-lip spoiler, together with a lower ride height, contributes to Accent’s efficient design. All of these attributes allow the 2018 Accent to slip through the wind with a 0.28 coefficient of drag. Compared with the last generation, the 2018 Accent is larger and has more interior room. Accent is wider by 1.2 inches, and the overall length has increased by 0.6 inches, yet its height remains unchanged, giving the car a more grounded stance. The wheelbase has also increased by 0.4 inches, pushing the wheels farther to the corners and improving interior roominess. Specification 2017 Accent Change 2018 Accent Overall Length (in.) 172.0 +0.6 172.6 Overall Width (in.) 66.9 +1.2 68.1 Overall Height (in.) 57.1 - 57.1 Wheelbase (in.) 101.2 +0.4 101.6 Modern Interior Design Accent’s interior continues the modern, confident, sophisticated look seen on the exterior. A driver-oriented layout with intuitive controls combines with improved interior roominess, high-quality materials and premium technology features to raise the standard for subcompacts. Premium, soft-touch materials in key points create an inviting and comfortable environment for the driver and passengers. A wide instrument panel prominently features a standard backup camera system with a 5-inch or optional 7-inch color TFT LCD display. Beneath the screen, the control panel is laid out in a horizontal design with buttons and controls logically grouped by function. The seat frame is engineered to be lightweight but extremely strong, to help keep occupants safe in collisions. For added comfort and convenience, passengers enjoy available heated front seats, while the standard rear seats fold with a 60/40 split. Accent also offers class-above total interior volume. Accent sedan passenger volume has grown to 103.9 cubic feet. With this figure, Accent is actually classified as a compact car, versus a subcompact car, according to the EPA. In fact, Accent has more interior and cargo volume than the Ford Fiesta and Toyota Yaris. 2018 Accent Interior Volume Interior Volume (cu. ft.) 2018 Accent 2017 Fiesta 2017 Yaris iA Passenger 90.2 85.1 85.9 Cargo 13.7 12.8 13.5 Total 103.9 97.9 99.4 Efficient Powertrain For 2018, the new Accent receives an updated powertrain tuned for better fuel efficiency and drivability. The updated 1.6-liter Gamma four-cylinder Gasoline Direct Injected (GDI) engine produces 130 horsepower and 119 lb.-ft. of torque. Compared with the previous-generation Accent, the engine’s powerband has improved, with increased low-end torque to make drivability easier. The 1.6-liter Gamma four-cylinder GDI engine is paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel efficiency has also been improved by an estimated 7 percent overall. In the engine, components such as low-friction piston rings, a variable fuel pressure module and upgraded software for the engine control module improve overall operation. Further, improvements to the return springs in the braking system have reduced drive friction. The automatic transmission has also been redesigned to reduce the unit’s overall weight by 4 pounds and improve operational efficiency. In addition, Accents with automatic transmissions include the company’s Drive Mode Select feature to adjust both powertrain performance and steering calibration, allowing the driver to customize the driving character by selecting two modes—Normal or Sport—by simply touching a button on the center console. Comprehensive Safety and Convenience Features The 2018 Accent features several improvements to the front side members and inner side sill for improved collision protection. The front crumple zones have been increased, front side airbags have been upgraded and reinforcements have been added to improve the car’s collision energy management performance, especially in small overlap crashes. A six-airbag system is standard, along with Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Traction Control and ABS. New for 2018 and for the segment, Accent offers a wide array of advanced safety technologies to provide another layer of protection for passengers. For example, Accent offers available Forward Collision-avoidance Assist that utilizes a front forward facing radar to detect a vehicle and warn the driver of a potential collision. If the driver does not react to avoid the impact, the system will apply emergency braking. Advanced Connectivity and Multimedia Systems Most 2018 Accent trims will feature technologies ahead of the subcompact competition that enhance driver confidence and convenience. For example, Accent offers a proximity key with push button start, so drivers never need to pull out a key from their pocket or purse. Accent offers available dual USB charging and auxiliary input jacks and available SiriusXM satellite radio. New for 2018, Accent has an available advanced infotainment system that includes a 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen system and rearview camera. The 7-inch display also has both Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ for seamless and intuitive operation of the most commonly used smartphone functions, including app-based navigation, streaming audio and voice-controlled search capabilities. Enhanced Hyundai Blue Link Remote Start and Blue Link Integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Home Hyundai Blue Link customers have performed more than 25 million remote starts since Blue Link its debuted in 2011. Although remote start is a great feature for hot weather, most take place in cold climates during January, February and March. In fact, Blue Link Remote Start with Climate Control is three times more popular in the winter. With this in mind, Hyundai engineers have enhanced the Remote Start with Climate Control feature to include control of the rear defroster and heated side mirrors into the Blue Link mobile app. For the ultimate level of convenience when it comes to remote-starting a car on a bitterly cold winter morning, Hyundai has its new Blue Link integrations for Amazon Alexa and Google Home. These integrations work by a customer simply asking an Alexa-enabled or Google Assistant–enabled device, like an Amazon Echo or Google Home, to start their car. The interaction actually sounds like this: “Alexa, tell Blue Link to start my car at 80 degrees” or: “Okay, Google, ask Blue Link to start my Accent and set the temperature to 72 degrees.” To send commands to Hyundai vehicles via Alexa or Google, users must enable the Blue Link integration in their Alexa or Google Home app, available on iOS and Android devices, and then link their existing Blue Link account within the Alexa or Google Home app. Voice commands will be sent to Hyundai vehicles only after Alexa or Google Home prompts owners for their Blue Link Personal Identification Number (PIN). View full article -
Hyundai chose the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, Ontario to debut the all new 2018 Accent. Why Toronto and not Chicago a week before? You only need to look at the sales numbers to find the reason why. In 2016, the Nissan Versa soundly beat the Hyundai Accent by a margin of 52,448 vehicles (132,214 for Versa vs. 79,766 for the Accent) in the U.S. Over in Canada, the Accent is the best selling model in the class with 19,198 models sold last year. The Honda Fit which was the second best-selling model in the class only moved 8,622 models. You might mistake the Accent sedan for the Elantra. This is due to the Accent's new front and rear end styling looking like its bigger brother. At least the overall profile lines up with the current Accent. Before you ask, a hatchback will debut at a later time. The interior is somewhat plain to look at, despite the red and black seat fabric as seen in the photos. A backup camera comes standard, while higher trims get a proximity key and automatic emergency braking. Under the hood is an updated version of the 1.6L four-cylinder powering the current Accent. Power figures are slightly down to 132 horsepower and 119 pound-feet of torque. The upsides according to Hyundai is that overall fuel economy is up seven percent and that low-rpm torque has been improved. Buyers will have the choice of a six-speed manual or automatic. Hyundai has also worked on making the Accent more rigid. Thanks to more high-strength steel being used throughout, Hyundai says the 2018 Accent is 32 percent stiffer. No word on pricing, but the Accent sedan will go on sale sometime in the third quarter. Source: Hyundai View full article
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Hyundai chose the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, Ontario to debut the all new 2018 Accent. Why Toronto and not Chicago a week before? You only need to look at the sales numbers to find the reason why. In 2016, the Nissan Versa soundly beat the Hyundai Accent by a margin of 52,448 vehicles (132,214 for Versa vs. 79,766 for the Accent) in the U.S. Over in Canada, the Accent is the best selling model in the class with 19,198 models sold last year. The Honda Fit which was the second best-selling model in the class only moved 8,622 models. You might mistake the Accent sedan for the Elantra. This is due to the Accent's new front and rear end styling looking like its bigger brother. At least the overall profile lines up with the current Accent. Before you ask, a hatchback will debut at a later time. The interior is somewhat plain to look at, despite the red and black seat fabric as seen in the photos. A backup camera comes standard, while higher trims get a proximity key and automatic emergency braking. Under the hood is an updated version of the 1.6L four-cylinder powering the current Accent. Power figures are slightly down to 132 horsepower and 119 pound-feet of torque. The upsides according to Hyundai is that overall fuel economy is up seven percent and that low-rpm torque has been improved. Buyers will have the choice of a six-speed manual or automatic. Hyundai has also worked on making the Accent more rigid. Thanks to more high-strength steel being used throughout, Hyundai says the 2018 Accent is 32 percent stiffer. No word on pricing, but the Accent sedan will go on sale sometime in the third quarter. Source: Hyundai -
At one time, the subcompact was seen as the penalty box in the automotive marketplace. The reasons for buying one were the low cost and high fuel economy. But in return, subcompacts were devoid of many comforts found in larger vehicles such as air conditioning, power windows, and automatic transmissions. Now subcompacts are seen as a real choice in the marketplace and automakers have had to step up to make their models feel like an actual vehicle. One of the automakers who has made this change was Hyundai. Their entrant in the subcompact marketplace, the Accent, was the poster child of the no frills, cheap commuting vehicle. But with the most recent model, Hyundai has moved it up the food chain to better compete with the likes of the Chevrolet Sonic, Ford Fiesta, and Honda Fit. But does the Accent belong in this playground, or is it just a pretender? There are two ways you can describe the Accent Hatchback’s design. One is that the model is quite boring and plain looking when compared to other subcompacts. The other way is to say the Accent Hatchback is sophisticated and matured. The Accent doesn’t have quite the flair of the fludic sculpture as other models, but does feature some sculpted curves along the doors, a distinctive character line running from the front fender to the rear, and a set of sixteen-inch alloy wheels that come standard on the SE model. Much like the exterior, the Accent Hatchback’s interior can be described as being plain or classy. Like most subcompacts, the Accent does feature its fair share of hard plastics. But the plastic is very solid and Hyundai used textured plastics on certain parts of the interior to make it feel somewhat premium. The center stack is well laid out and easy to glance at. My Accent SE tester came very well-equipped with Bluetooth, iPod and USB connections, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and satellite radio all as standard. One complaint I have with Hyundai and Kia vehicles is the lack of thigh support in the front seat when sitting in them for long periods. The Accent falls into this category as well. I don’t know if it's the way I have the seats adjusted or if there isn’t enough padding on the seat that causes this for me. Moving to the back, the Accent Hatchback does pretty well in this regard with a decent amount of head and legroom. Being 5’7”, I was very comfortable sitting in the back. Cargo space stands at 21.2 cubic feet with the seats up and 47.5 cubic feet which puts its in the mid-pack of the subcompact class. All Accents come equipped with a 1.6L DOHC four-cylinder producing 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. This is paired up to a six-speed automatic. The Accent does take a little bit of wringing to get to the sweet spot in the powertrain. But when you’re leaving a stop, it doesn’t feel like the vehicle is gasping for power. Hyundai made sure it was very easy to get up speed on city streets. On the fuel economy front, the Accent SE is rated by the EPA at 27 City/37 Highway/31 Combined. My week’s average landed around 30 MPG. The Accent’s ride quality feels like a bigger vehicle with the suspension doing an excellent job of minimizing impacts from bumps and potholes. Noise isolation is also pretty decent with wind and road noise kept to a minimum. Those who are thinking of taking the Accent on their favorite road will be slightly disappointed. The Accent doesn’t quite have the same handling characteristics as the Chevrolet Sonic as it leans a little bit more and doesn’t quite feel as solid. Steering is light, but has a decent amount of feel for those who feel on going a sporting drive. The 2014 Hyundai Accent SE shows that it belongs in this playground. While it might not have the looks or driving dynamics as many of the subcompact competitors, the Accent has some positives to it. It begins with a fair number of standard equipment, followed by a engine that delivers very good grunt and a ride that feels like a bigger vehicle. It’s a very compelling choice in the class. Disclaimer: Hyundai Provided the Accent SE, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2014 Make: Hyundai Model: Accent Hatchback Trim: SE Engine: 1.6L DOHC GDI Four-Cylinder Driveline: Six-Speed Automatic, Front-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 138 @ 6,300 Torque @ RPM: 123 @ 4,850 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 27/37/31 Curb Weight: 2,635 lbs Location of Manufacture: Ulsan, Korea Base Price: $17,395 As Tested Price: $18,315 (Includes $810.00 Destination Charge) Options: Carpeted Floor Mats - $110.00 William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article
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At one time, the subcompact was seen as the penalty box in the automotive marketplace. The reasons for buying one were the low cost and high fuel economy. But in return, subcompacts were devoid of many comforts found in larger vehicles such as air conditioning, power windows, and automatic transmissions. Now subcompacts are seen as a real choice in the marketplace and automakers have had to step up to make their models feel like an actual vehicle. One of the automakers who has made this change was Hyundai. Their entrant in the subcompact marketplace, the Accent, was the poster child of the no frills, cheap commuting vehicle. But with the most recent model, Hyundai has moved it up the food chain to better compete with the likes of the Chevrolet Sonic, Ford Fiesta, and Honda Fit. But does the Accent belong in this playground, or is it just a pretender? There are two ways you can describe the Accent Hatchback’s design. One is that the model is quite boring and plain looking when compared to other subcompacts. The other way is to say the Accent Hatchback is sophisticated and matured. The Accent doesn’t have quite the flair of the fludic sculpture as other models, but does feature some sculpted curves along the doors, a distinctive character line running from the front fender to the rear, and a set of sixteen-inch alloy wheels that come standard on the SE model. Much like the exterior, the Accent Hatchback’s interior can be described as being plain or classy. Like most subcompacts, the Accent does feature its fair share of hard plastics. But the plastic is very solid and Hyundai used textured plastics on certain parts of the interior to make it feel somewhat premium. The center stack is well laid out and easy to glance at. My Accent SE tester came very well-equipped with Bluetooth, iPod and USB connections, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and satellite radio all as standard. One complaint I have with Hyundai and Kia vehicles is the lack of thigh support in the front seat when sitting in them for long periods. The Accent falls into this category as well. I don’t know if it's the way I have the seats adjusted or if there isn’t enough padding on the seat that causes this for me. Moving to the back, the Accent Hatchback does pretty well in this regard with a decent amount of head and legroom. Being 5’7”, I was very comfortable sitting in the back. Cargo space stands at 21.2 cubic feet with the seats up and 47.5 cubic feet which puts its in the mid-pack of the subcompact class. All Accents come equipped with a 1.6L DOHC four-cylinder producing 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. This is paired up to a six-speed automatic. The Accent does take a little bit of wringing to get to the sweet spot in the powertrain. But when you’re leaving a stop, it doesn’t feel like the vehicle is gasping for power. Hyundai made sure it was very easy to get up speed on city streets. On the fuel economy front, the Accent SE is rated by the EPA at 27 City/37 Highway/31 Combined. My week’s average landed around 30 MPG. The Accent’s ride quality feels like a bigger vehicle with the suspension doing an excellent job of minimizing impacts from bumps and potholes. Noise isolation is also pretty decent with wind and road noise kept to a minimum. Those who are thinking of taking the Accent on their favorite road will be slightly disappointed. The Accent doesn’t quite have the same handling characteristics as the Chevrolet Sonic as it leans a little bit more and doesn’t quite feel as solid. Steering is light, but has a decent amount of feel for those who feel on going a sporting drive. The 2014 Hyundai Accent SE shows that it belongs in this playground. While it might not have the looks or driving dynamics as many of the subcompact competitors, the Accent has some positives to it. It begins with a fair number of standard equipment, followed by a engine that delivers very good grunt and a ride that feels like a bigger vehicle. It’s a very compelling choice in the class. Disclaimer: Hyundai Provided the Accent SE, Insurance, and One Tank of Gas Year: 2014 Make: Hyundai Model: Accent Hatchback Trim: SE Engine: 1.6L DOHC GDI Four-Cylinder Driveline: Six-Speed Automatic, Front-Wheel Drive Horsepower @ RPM: 138 @ 6,300 Torque @ RPM: 123 @ 4,850 Fuel Economy: City/Highway/Combined - 27/37/31 Curb Weight: 2,635 lbs Location of Manufacture: Ulsan, Korea Base Price: $17,395 As Tested Price: $18,315 (Includes $810.00 Destination Charge) Options: Carpeted Floor Mats - $110.00 William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.
