Modern new, refined accent in 2012

Although Hyundai Motor has made significant progress in improving car quality, design and technology, it can also be said that the car market has come to this Korean company. Especially in the United States, new car customers are more willing to explore various value-added vehicles that do not skip standard functions. As the Hyundai brand gradually realizes that it is more than just a low-cost car supplier, the launch of cars such as Genesis, Equus and Elantra has shown observers what we really expect from this car manufacturer. Reinventing their entire vehicle lineup, one of the remaining products of the old modern regime is the entry-level Accent. Some people think that their small cars are the weakest link in the enthusiastic new model series, and the brand new 2012 Hyundai Accent will really increase the strength of the chain.

Riding on a wheelbase 2.8 inches longer than the previous subcompact model, a GS or SE trimmed five-door and a GLS level four-door body style will inaugurate the 2012 Hyundai Accent. As many could expect, the Hyundai Veloster unveiled earlier provided a strong hint to the future Accent. Comparably, 2012 Hyundai Accent’s styling expresses itself in a more polite manner than the aggression of the Veloster. Smaller front grille openings and the additional available fog lamps on the SE and GLS models are defining differences between Hyundai’s new entry scale. As the headlamp housings flow gracefully up the front quarter panels, the side of the 2012 Hyundai Accent wears sharp contours. Wheel sizes between 14 to 16 inches will be found as part of factory preparations for the new Accent where four-wheel disc brakes and anti-lock braking will be equipped fleet wide on the 2012 model year vehicle. Tire pressure monitoring system, electronic stability control and Brake Assist are all standard safety items for the 2012 Hyundai Accent.

While the 2012 Hyundai Accent was released with all specifications and details at the New York Auto Show, the more mature subcompact had been making appearance along the recent international auto show tour for 2011. Personally, I was introduced to the 2012 Hyundai Accent at the 2011 Canadian International Auto Show. Able to get a good look at the upcoming five-door hatchback model (and informed about the planned four-door model), the remaining details were still sketchy on the new Accent.

Within the surface area of the enlarged frame, modernization of the 2012 Hyundai Accent sees the inclusion of a cutting-edge small car powertrain. Starting with a 1.6 liter inline-4 engine, the Accent will move with the perk of 28 new horsepower over the previous Hyundai subcompact car. Totalling to 138 horsepower, Hyundai’s 1.6 liter Gamma engine involves gasoline direct injection and dual continuously variable valve timing. A definitely more sportier powerplant is complemented by an advanced assortment of gearboxes. While the outgoing Hyundai Accent made do with an aging five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmission choice, the 2012 car features the two transmission types with 6 speeds. Insuring improved power delivery while driving, fuel economy is also enhanced. The new Hyundai Accent five-door promises runs of 34 miles per gallon with the manual gearbox and 33 miles per gallon when equipped to a 6-speed automatic. A Hyundai buyer of the 2012 model year Accent will receive at least a 3 mile per gallon improvement over the 2011 car.

2012 Hyundai Accent’s larger wheelbase does not necessarily translate to additional passenger volume but both the four and five door models are welcoming as well as comfortable with a new interior layout for up to 5 passengers. However, cargo space is increased to class-topping quantity over other five-door compact competition for 2011. Inside all 2012 Hyundai Accents is 6 airbags, power door locks and 60/40 split rear seating. Bluetooth will also be introduced to the Accent in 2012 bringing it in line for almost every modern vehicle.

So far, no price has been confirmed for the 2012 Hyundai Accent models but expect some of the lowest new car prices for the model year. Unlike the introduction of the previous Accent, Hyundai’s 2012 car is entering into an automotive dogfight over the subcompact vehicle category. The Ford Fiesta and the upcoming Chevrolet Sonic are only a few new entrants increasing the stakes in the North American compact car segment. It will be up to the 2012 Hyundai Accent to properly register the language of current American motorists.

Information source: Hyundai Motor America Photo source: Chris Nagy, Hyundai Motor America