Hyundai Accent

The Hyundai Accent might still manage to look gorgeous on the outside, thanks to its fluidic design philosophy. However, on the inside, the car has really begun to show its age. The overall cabin is nicely laid out with decent fit and finish for a car of this price. On the down-side, the design, as well as lack of features,s make the cabin look a bit dated. However, one does get an option to choose from three interior color options – black with beige, black with grey, and full black.

The three-spoke steering wheel with silver accents has been lifted off from the lesser-priced i20, and comes with buttons for audio and Bluetooth connectivity. The blue blacklit instrument console has a simple layout and provides all the information one needs while on the go.

The centre console does come with silver strips on both of sides and has a nice cascading theme. The 2-DIN music system and buttons for automatic climate control look a bit dated in today’s day and age, with the car missing out on a proper touchscreen infotainment system. The dashboard too has some nice characteristic cuts and creases on the top of it, which add some flair to the cabin.

In terms of space, the Hyundai Accent gets nice under thigh support, however, it lacks a bit in terms of legroom and headroom. Still, it can seat two passengers with ease, the space for the third occupant is a bit less than expected. In terms of features, the Hyundai Accent covers up all the basics, with keyless entry and push button start as well as electric sunroof being the only standout features.

The Hyundai Accent on sale in the UAE is the previous generation model, so it misses out on the swanky appeal of the all-new generation model sold worldwide. However, thanks to the fluidic design language, it still remains eye-pleasing but not dated, even after considering the fact that it is almost an eight-year-old design.

At the front, the Hyundai Accent has got a hexagonal front housing within which there is a small horizontal front grille with a chrome strip in between. The pull-back headlamps do get projector units with daytime running LEDs, which happen to be the only modern feature on exterior. The L-shaped fog lamps look aesthetic as well.

From the sides, the Hyundai Accent looks very aerodynamic with a smooth and noticeable curve flowing from the front fender until the rear tail lamp, making the car look athletic. The coupe-like roofline, as well as 16-inch diamond, cut alloy wheels allows the car to possesses a sporty appeal.

At the rear, the Hyundai Accent has begun to lose its appeal. However, the pullback LED tail lamps do add some drama to the simply styled rear of the car, which otherwise has a thin strip of chrome over the license plate place as the only other characteristic design element.

The Hyundai Accent comes with the industry standard MacPherson struts at the front and torsion beam supporting the rear. The overall ride comfort is pretty decent, as the suspension setup on a softer side. However, this takes a minor toll in its high-speed dynamics, which thanks to its light weighted steering is a boon for city driving. The high-speed driving, on the other hand, is not so engaging and is a bit bumpy at points.

Like in other markets, Hyundai has made the Accent available with three engine options here as well. Let’s talk about the petrol ones first. While the smaller 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol makes 100 PS of power and 135 Nm of torque, the larger 1.6-litre motor produces 124 PS of power and 158 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the sole diesel engine is a 1.6-litre four-cylinder oil burner which belts out 136 PS of power and 264 Nm of torque. All the three engines provide ample amount of power with good midrange and higher rev-range performance, and come mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission as standard, with the diesel mill getting an option of a 6-speed manual gearbox as well.

Considering the budget-oriented appeal of the Hyundai Accent, the car has been equipped with only the basic safety features and not the sophisticated electronic driving aids one takes for granted in cars from one segment above. The Accent gets front, side and curtain airbags, ABS, reverse parking sensors and cabin rearview mirror mounted reverse camera.

The Hyundai Accent sold in the UAE market might not match the novelty and sophistication of the all-new generation model sold in the global market. However, given the fact that it is nearly an eight year old design, it still manages to look smart and slightly flashy, thanks to its curvaceous appeal. However, the very age of the car can be sensed as one sits inside. As the cabin, even after being solidly put, misses out on many modern features and showcases with a dated design. All the three engine options provide solid performance, and while the car might not be an enthusiast’s delight with its soft-set suspension, it still offers decent comfort levels which are appreciable by a common customer.