Nearly two decades ago, the Hyundai Accent was offered as a replacement for the Excel model in numerous overseas markets. It drew a mixed response.
The Hyundai Accent, Advanced Compact Car of Epoch-making New Technology, is a subcompact 4-door sedan manufactured and marketed by Hyundai, a Korean automotive manufacturer. In 2008, Hyundai Accent was awarded the most reliable subcompact vehicle by J.D. Power and Associates.
History of the Hyundai Accent
Hyundai Accent First Generation (X3; 1994–1999)
In 1994, the Excel was replaced by the Hyundai Accent (X3), which went on sale for the 1995 model year. In Venezuela, it was known as the Dodge Brisa, while in the Netherlands, Belgium, Indonesia, and Australia, it was known as the Hyundai Excel. The pre-facelift model was named the Bimantara Cakra in Indonesia, while the Kia Qianlima was its name in China. The Hyundai Accent debuted in 1995 and was immediately marketed as a low-cost subcompact. The Accent's popularity was primarily based on its practicality and low-year-to-year cost of ownership. Hyundai installed a little 1.5L four-cylinder engine in the Accent, which was available as a three-door hatchback or a four-door sedan. Dual airbags and a cassette player were standard equipment on the Hyundai subcompact for the 1998 model year, making it a safe and practical choice.
Second Generation Hyundai Accent (LC; 1999–2005)
In 1999, Hyundai debuted the second-generation Accent. Compared to the previous model, it was a huge advance, and the sedan variant became a significant selling point. The second generation of the Accent debuted at a time when Hyundai was still relatively new to the automobile industry. The Korean manufacturer learned from its past models that it could only compete if it could deliver more amenities at the same price. The Accent was given a mild makeover in 2000, with a longer look and a more complex grille up front. Reworked 2000 Hyundai Accents had a 1.5L engine that produced 92 horsepower and averaged 32 miles per gallon. The GS hatchback and GL sedan now have a 104-horsepower 1.6L engine, which was previously only available in the GL sedan. The Accent's three-door hatchback received a new GT package for 2004.
Third Generation Hyundai Accent (MC; 2005–2010)
At the 2005 New York International Auto Show, Hyundai unveiled a new-generation Accent (MC). The most significant additions are the CVVT engine and a redesigned look and interior. Hyundai's Accent was indeed one of the best-selling models by 2006, by which time the company had established itself in nearly every market. Hyundai designed the four-door sedan model for families who wanted more but couldn't buy it. It wasn't a fancy automobile, but it wasn't expensive either, due to its low price. To top it all off, the Korean company's sales department benefited from its reputation as a reputable source of products.
A leather-wrapped steering wheel and aluminum alloy wheels were standard equipment on the 2005 Accent GT. Newly-revamped Hyundai Accents were introduced in 2006 and once again extended. The 2006 Hyundai Accent was only available as a sedan, with a new 1.6L engine with CVVT (Continuously Variable Valve Timing) and a 98.4-inch wheelbase. The Hyundai Accent three-door hatchback made a triumphant comeback to the American market in 2007.
Fourth Generation Hyundai Accent (RB/RC; 2010–2017)
The Verna, Hyundai's fourth-generation Accent, made its international debut at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show as the Verna. The Accent was one of the few new automobiles available in the United States in 2011 that customers could acquire for less than $10,000. A 1.6L four-cylinder engine, 138 horsepower, direct-injected, is now available in the Accent for the 2012 model year as part of a new look for the subcompact. Customers seem to like Accent. Through May, Accent's overall sales were up 51% from the same time in 2011. Due to a 66.2% decrease in fleet mix, Accent retail sales increased by 139%. Several prestigious honors and awards have been bestowed upon Accent's product success since its debut in April 2011 by the automotive media and industry professionals.
Fifth Generation Hyundai Accent (HC/YC; 2017–Present)
Hyundai launched the Verna version of the fifth-generation Accent in China in late 2016. Sales started in February of the following year, shortly after the commencement of production. There has been a Solaris model available in Russia and other CIS countries since March 2017. The carmaker released the Verna model in India in August 2017. In the United States, it went on sale in December 2017. It is offered in sedan and hatchback configurations, but exclusively in Canada, Mexico, and China, like in the previous version. Due to competition, the fifth-generation Accent will not be marketed in South Korea in 2019. Instead, the crossover Venue will take its place. The Accent was phased out in Australia as well, with the Venue taking over as the entry-level model due to the absence of supplies from South Korea. Hyundai also unveiled the fifth-generation Accent model at the Orange County International Auto Show. There was a noticeable rise in the car's size and utility. Hyundai's steel factories produced extra high-strength steel for the Accent. Only 22 lbs (11 kg) of additional weight was necessary due to the unibody's 32 percent stronger body and extensive usage of HSS, which required less steel.
Price
If you are interested in buying a Hyundai Accent, you have to prepare at least ₱790,000 ($14,931) for the base model and a maximum of ₱1,038,000 ($19,618) for the top-spec model.
- Hyundai Accent 1.4 GL MT (w/o Airbags) - ₱790,000 ($14,931)
- Hyundai Accent 1.4 GL MT (w/ Airbags) - ₱838,000 ($15,838)
- Hyundai Accent 1.4 GL AT (w/o Airbags) - ₱838,000 ($15,838)
- Hyundai Accent 1.4 GL AT (w/ Airbags) - ₱890,000 ($16,821)
- Hyundai Accent 1.6 CRDi MT - ₱910,000 ($17,199)
- Hyundai Accent 1.6 CRDi AT - ₱1,038,000 ($19,618)
Features
Interior Features of the Hyundai Accent
The interior was up-to-date and luxurious for its time. Hyundai used analog round dials for the instrument cluster. The center console featured a standard 5" TFT display for the vehicle's infotainment system. A 7-inch version was available as an option. The carmaker included a backup camera as standard equipment as an additional bonus. A vanity mirror for the driver and passenger, rear headrests, central door locks, and seatback pockets are included in the Hyundai Accent's interior features.
Exterior Features of the Hyundai Accent
Despite its good looks, the Hyundai Accent 4-door is an excellent vehicle for avoiding anyone's attention when driving around town. 15-inch steel wheels with plastic wraps and a chrome grille are standard on the base model. The 15-inch alloy wheels, auto lighting control, fog lights, chrome window belt moldings, and heated exterior mirrors are all standard on the SEL model. The Limited four-door sedan has 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, a power tilt and slide sunroof, and a hands-free trunk.
Standard Features
- Adjustable Cloth Seats
- Single-Zone Air Conditioning
- Cruise Control
- Steering-Wheel-Mounted Audio Controls
- An Anti-theft Immobilizer
- Remote Keyless Entry
- Rearview Camera
- A Passenger-Side Seatback Pocket
- A Driver's Side Auto-up Window
- Dual USB Charging
- LED Headlights and Tail Lights
- A Power Sunroof
- Heated Front Seats
- Single-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- A Proximity Key With Push-Button Start
- Forward-Collision Avoidance
Infotainment Features
- Bluetooth Hands-Free System
- An Am/FM/CD/MP3-Capable Audio System
- A Five-Inch Color Screen
- A Four-Speaker Sound System
- A USB and Auxiliary Input Jack
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (top models)
- Seven-Inch Touchscreen Display
- SiriusXM Satellite Radio
- Six-Speaker Audio System
- Dual USB Charging Ports
Specs and Performance of the Hyundai Accent
You can expect the same no-nonsense automobile, superb value for money, and decent protection and fuel efficiency levels with the Hyundai Accent in the United States in 2022. A no-nonsense subcompact car that will surprise instead of being satisfying is the Accent's starting price of $14,931. The Accent isn't the most thrilling vehicle to drive on the highway.
Release Date
Hyundai released the first-generation Accent model in 1994 and replaced the previous Excel model. The model went on sale for the 1995 model year. The fifth-generation, latest Accent model, was released at the Orange County International Auto Show and in China in 2017.