Hyundai’s 1.2 billion dollar car has done exceedingly well in our market...in fact sales of Accent are second only to Ikon in the mid-size segment. Now Hyundai ups the stakes with the launch of the GLX version with some useful features.
Looks-Exterior and interior
The GLX comes with body coloured door handles and rear view mirrors, 5-spoke alloy wheels, rear spoiler with built in LED lights and a anti-theft device. All these features add to the already good looks of this car. The Accent is the most modern mid-sizer and the clear head lamps, fog lights and unique for India ’’smiley grille’’ enhance its contemporary looks. Build quality has improved dramatically specially after the launch of the GLX version. The changes to the interior in this version go to provide the owner with comfort levels that only a few luxury segment cars give. There is a leather covered tilt steering, height adjustable drivers seat, dead pedal for the left foot and a great to hold leather covered gear knob. Seats provide good support to passengers. There is a cup holder that retracts into the central console and comes out when pushed as if its hydraulically aided (there is one for the rear seats too!!) lockable glove box etc etc. (the list is endless!!) Though the front is comfy it can get a bit cramped in the rear. As always the Airconditioning is good.
Safety
Safety features include side impact beams, 3 stage collapsable steering, side crumple zones and anti-submarine seats.
Performance
The 1495 c.c. Alpha engine belts out a good 93bhp@5500 rpm with a torque of 123Nm@3500rpm. There is good sound dampening material used in the car thus giving the car fantastic NVH characteristics. However, the disappoint sets in when you start driving the car. The engine struggles to get into the meaty range.The Alpha engine is inherently sluggish and as I said getting the engine spinning is tricky. Gear shifting is also tricky.I have noticed that the shifting should be done at a slightly higher rpm than recommended by the manufacturer if you want the car to keep moving smoothly or else be prepared to lose your cool waiting for the engine to start moving the car. Gear shift is a bit notchy but precise. Shifting into reverse will require a firm push specially in the mornings. The engine is quite sedate and this is not a fun to drive car like the Ikon. Frankly, I feel it’s a typical Hyundai product. Good quality from the outside and inside and disappointing where it matters.You could be forgiven for falling asleep at steering wheel waiting for the engine to wind up!.The clutch remains the weak link in this car.
Suspension
The suspension used to be on the soft side on earlier Accents but now it has been changed and you would’nt find the car’s bottom scrapping mother earth when its fully loaded with passengers (even if the passenger includes your mother-in-law!!).However, it does still tend to bottom out with a full load of passengers and luggage in it.
Ride Quality
The alloy wheels on the GLX version do their part in providing poise and grip to the car which helps reassure you specially when you are driving at a high speed.This car is easy to drive but the second gear is the weak link as the car refuses to move as fast as I would like it to.
The ride quality is pretty good (aided to a large extent by the alloy wheels) and so is the handling. Body roll is pronounced but the Accent does now wallow much and is now much more sure footed.The steering is light and great for slow city speeds but it does feel vague at high speeds. Accent comes with decent brakes and brake feel is good.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is not among its strong points. A lot of people don’t buy the cielo and nexia because of their low fuel efficiency but the Accent is not better. It averages 8 to 9 kmpl in the city with AC on and just about 12 to 13 kmpl on the highway.
The Accent is a car that will do almost everything well but will not excel in any department. its a quiet workhorse which will not give you any reason to complain. This car will appeal more to a normal guy who goes to office in the morning and takes his family on a holiday sometimes and who does’nt mind going on a long drive in comfort too.
Dealer service is another strong point in the Accent’s favour and even the spares are not too costly.
Buy it only if Performance is not a criteria for you.