I have a passion for driving and have tried my hands on almost all cars that an average middle class indian family can afford. I have been driving for last 6 years clocking more than 25000 kms myself. Most of them were adventurous long drives.
In March ’08, I decided to buy my own car all by myself. At the age of 24 with some savings, I was too confused to buy a car. Which Car to buy? Whether to go for looks or for Power?? Or for Fuel efficiency or comfort?? I was in a doldrum situation and I landed at Mouth shut to find the reviews of all cars which are favorite in Indian market for the moment.
My budget was close to 6.5-7 lacs. I had a test drive on all cars in that range i.e. fiesta, Swift, Accent, Logan and finally decided to buy Accent. The car is satisfactory to my needs. It has got enough space, its comfortable and suitable for lond drives. I get an avg of 14km/l on highway ( driving in proper condition with avg RPM at around 100kmph) and in city it gives 11-12 comfortably. Given the condition that you are using brakes not very frequently. The interiors are good with wooden garnish ( unlike swift where you feel too much of plasticy inside). Accelaration is good. I have tried a top speed of 160km/hr on Mumbai-Pune expressway. The car is rock steady at a speed of 150. AC is superb.
Now regarding the cons. One of the problem that the car has, is the space near the accelarator. I guess some support is required at the particular position as driving for long hours creates spasm in your right thighs. The clearance is not so good, precaution is required while crossing the speed brakers. The technology is old and central locking, fog window etc are not available. I have experienced couple of strange situations i.e. sudden mal-function of wipers during rain!!!! Lookwise also, the car is way out of the league compared to likes of Verna, City etc. Hyundai may stop the production in few years.
Coming back to services. Well, Hyundai has a netowrk of authorised service centre across the city. So that is helpful.
My personal recommendation:
If you are not too tight bout your budget then go for Verna, City etc.
If Compared to Ford fiesta, Swift, Logan... then Accent has an upper hand.