Never thought I’d see this move out from my wishlist, and that I’d actually be writing a review for it!
I got this car on April 10th 2005. Since it’s so new-I’ll update this review as time passes.
Looks: The color red SOO suits this car! My advice to anyone going in for it would be to pick red. The docked rear end that sets it apart from the regular Accent (it’s a notchback, or 5 door, after all) gives it a lean and mean appearance.
Interiors:The interiors are the same as a standard Accent-not much change here. The front seats are very comfortable, and for a 6’6’’ guy like me, can be pushed back for more space (No one can sit behind me, though!). The steering wheel’s height is adjustable for more space. Now there are seatbelts for the rear passengers as well
Airconditioning is fantastic-chills the car very quickly (more so if you have dark tinted windows). Engine noise is kept to a minimum, except when idling, or in the first or second gear, where the clatter of the diesel is a bit noticeable.
Mileage so far has been about 15 kmpl with the AC on, in city traffic. Again-time will tell.
Performance: Here the car is quite a stunner. Try flooring the accelerator on an empty stretch and you could get whiplash injury if the seatbelts are not on. You forget you are driving a diesel car, and can quickly pass other traffic even without downshifting to 3rd gear. The car handles beautifully. I’ve driven a Zen and a Santro before this, so was apprehensive about handling a bigger car. But it manoeuvers beautifully.
Extras Here unfortunately, the car is a poor cousin of the petrol version. It does NOT have any of the following, which the petrol Viva does-fog lamps, side trim, ABS, alloy wheels...
Here’s what it does have: 4 factory fitted Kenwood speakers, illuminated cigarette lighter, power antenna/steering/windows, internally adjustable side mirrors, day/night rear view mirror (really helps cut down the blinding glare of headlights from behind) illuminated boot (maybe the standard Accent also has this), and 3 seatbelts for the rear passengers. I’ve also got a chrome plated grille installed for 3k extra, rather than the standard full black one. The petrol Viva again, comes with a full red grille. But the chrome looks better anyday!
Theft protection system Hyundai has its own theft prevention system that can be installed optionally-rather than go for Autocop or other 3rd party devices. We got one for free from the dealer.
Dealer extras: This dealer gave us mats, a discount on the Blaupunkt Bahamas MP3 stereo (8k instead of 11) and body colored side trim, for the door handles.
All in all, this car combines great sporty looks and performance with a high tech CRDi engine that does not have any of the problems of a regular diesel engine.