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Hyundai Accent Overview
The Hyundai Accent models available in South Africa are the GLS HS (Manual and Automatic), as well as the GLS STD, which is a slightly lower spec model, and the 3 door Hatch back model.Some differences between the STD and the HS are that the STD doesn’t have ABS brakes, and it also does not have a passenger side airbag. Its outside mirrors are also not electrical, like the GLS HS model.

All of these models come in a 1.6L engine size.

Interior
Interior layout of the control panel is good, with an overall impression of quality, although it is nothing really original or glitzy. One reviewer likes the vertical top-to bottom stacked layout and the two-tone effect.

Interior space is roomy, with the passenger seats higher than the front seats. The boot size is also roomy at 352L.

Exterior
The outside styling is attractive, although not exciting. The mirrors, bumpers and door handles are now colour coded with the rest of the car which is an upgrade from previous models and this contributes to a more ‘classy’ look.

The hatch looks slightly different in the front with a different grill

Performance and Handling
Hyundai’s four-cylinder, 1.6-litre DOHC engine fitted with Continuously Variable Valve Timing technology CVVT has been designed to improve torque and this makes it responsive. The engine does seem to be noisy if pushed hard though.

The braking system is efficient especially because the GLS HS model has anti-lock brakes and Electronic Brake Distribution which improves stability in hard braking situations by balancing brake force front to rear. Please keep in mind that the STD model does not have ABS brakes.

Safety
The braking system will do much for accident avoidance. The HS model seems to have two airbags (passenger and driver) while the STD model only has an airbag on the driver side (the model available in the USA for 2008 comes standard with 6 airbags!)

Both the STD and HS models come with crumple zones in the front and the rear.

PROS

Great value as an entry-level car
Good safety ratings due to air bags, side impact bars, crumple zones and anti-lock brakes
Good quality ratings by JD Power - see http://www.jdpower.com/autos/hyundai/accent/2008/sedan

CONS

Noisy engine
Dull (but inoffensive) exterior styling
Back seat is cramped for two adults, let alone three - although the opinion on this varies!

Price range comparisons
The Accent can be compared to the Honda Civic (although the Civic starts with a larger engine spec), the Mazda3 and especially the Toyota Corolla.
The Accent starts at around R125 000 for the lower spec GLS STD model, going up to R147 000 for the GLS HS Automatic transmission. The GLS HS Manual transmission fis neatly in the middle at around R138 000.

Prices as compared to other cars in the same target market:
Honda Civic 1.8L- starts at R173 000 up to R210 000
Toyota Corolla 1.6L - range from R160 000 to R182 000
Mazda3 1.6 - starts at R170 000 to R190 000