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2007 Hyundai Accent 3-Door SE Road Test

Hatch of the Day

Enthusiasm, has never been particularly high for subcompact cars. Purchasing one has always been likened to buying an appliance, something useful but hardly pulse-rising, such as a refrigerator or dryer. But recently, however, things have been getting a little more interesting in the little car segment. Small is big again, and luckily for us, automakers have kept in shape by training abroad. Hyundai, as a participant has always been involved in making small cars; thats what its most famous for. Though vehicles like the Sonata and Santa Fe have turned it into the success story of the first half of the new decade, its with the Accent that things are set to pick up the pace even further and hold strong momentum.

The new Accent has been turning

A pair of sharp looking Accent hatchbacks. Sport model pictured on left, Premium pictured on the right. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

quite a few heads, as its quickly becoming the subcompact vehicle of choice for the masses who want simple transportation that wont require any limbs for payment. As such, it was with great pride and enthusiasm that Hyundai introduced the new Accent 3-Door SE, the Accent with more style, more sport, and verve than any before it. Very clearly, you can see the sport factor: unlike Nissan, Honda or Chevrolet, the Accent Hatchback

Available only in three-door. But thats okay, cause we like things sporty around here. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

is only available in a three-door body style. You wont be able to get anything else either, as Hyundai doesnt have any plans to introduce a five-door hatchback in the near future. One might assume thats what its fraternal twin, the Kia Rio5 hatchback is for.

In the metal, the Accent hatchback is an extremely convincing proposition. Todays micro compacts have morphed into scrunched, cartoon-eyed machines, stretched on the Y-plane, and standing on their tippy-toes. Great if youre trying to

The Accents shape is certain to please those who find the new breed of tall hatches less appetizing. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

maximize the number of gymnasts youre attempting to wedge inside, but the design is so far eschewed from standard convention that you cant help but scratch your head and wonder. Instead, the Accent manages to provide excellent interior space in a much more familiar shape, with a design thats distinctively European, fleshed out with a bulkier shape, fronting a sizeable hood with chunky headlamps and details that arent at all dainty. Check out the swooping crease through the bodys midsection, and that dramatically arched tail for strong, visual confirmation.

This

This time around, the three-door hatch doesnt have the miniature decklid. All cars feature a rear spoiler. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

latest Accent really strikes home on real hatchback roots, with a kinked rear window and spoiler, a clever extension of the curved roof line. When viewed directly from the back, it seems a tad less well-proportioned than I remember it being in the photos; the rear glass is unusually small in terms of width and height and when puckered between the haunched rear flanks, you get a bit of a Crossfire-lite vibe. None of the compromises you might have expected were made, with excellent rear visibility thanks to diminutive-sized rear shingle head restraints, and a third rear seatbelt that doesnt dangle from the roof.
Pop

Advanced engine is quiet. Variable valve timing helps make this (just) the most powerful engine in its class. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

the heavy hood, and youll find the most powerful engine in the subcompact class, delivering 110 horsepower and 106 lb-ft of torque. But theres still much to be said about the Accents sole Alpha-series powerplant: its just as advanced as any of its rivals, featuring CVVT continuously variable valve timing, DOHC and four valves per cylinder technology. No, not groundbreaking stuff, but very much with the times; and for some sure to surprise, no less with utmost composure and refinement.

A five-speed manual is standard, but its nothing to write home about. It may have tight-knit ratios, but the shift linkage feels like its made from rope and the clutch has the same weight and feel as the gas pedal.

New interior is not only well-built, but stylish too, and organized. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

The optional four-speed automatic is better, and with longer gearing, its able to cruise more efficiently and quietly: at 60 mph, the engine turns at 500 fewer revs. Both cars are good at minimizing NVH levels, although things get a bit more vocal as revs climb beyond 4,000 rpm.

The interior in the old Accent was one of the prominent reasons why the car was branded as being bargain basement. It had plenty to do with the abundant use of hard, plastics that K.Od with a one-two assault on your senses, with blinding glare, poor feel and overbearing petroleum distillate odors. Hyundais sudden turn for the better yields results that are infinitely more appealing. The dash, for instance isnt modeled after a cliff face; its modern and curvy with the stereo and HVAC controls canted towards

Hatchbacks deep load space offers 15.9 cu-ft of cargo space. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

the driver for easy use. The seats offer true comfort, with good lateral support and a fold-down drivers armrest, and there are plenty of bins and storage containers to stow the clutter that subcompacts magically seem to collect. Though the materials on the whole are better, the rougher textured stuff on the door and around the lower parts of the center console, were easily scratched by my less than lethal fingernail.

Because the Accent hatch is a giant in the subcompact segment, some 8.6 inches longer than the Yaris three-door hatchback, its only direct competitor, its sufficiently roomy to carry four full-sized people on board for a considerable amount of time, and five in a pinch. Interior volume is some 11-percent greater than in the Yaris, not to mention the fact that its considered a compact by the EPA for interior volume. Makes sense; its

Accent is both comfortable as well as engaging to drive. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

also got more interior volume than a Civic Coupe. Granted, headroom may be a more pressing issue due to the sloping hatch, especially in the Sport model which includes a sunroof, but thatll only be problematic should you extend over six feet. Trunk space also bests the Toyota, offering 15.9 cu-ft of cargo volume in a deep, wide bay, which expands once the seatbacks get folded. The rear seats dont recline or slide as they do on the Yaris, but a 60/40 split folding back is standard.

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