2012 Hyundai Accent Hatchback and Sedan
Hyundai has constructed its notoriety by building autos that are reasonable, useful, and even a la mode—and the Accent is no special case to that run the show. Accessible as a four-entryway car or a five-entryway hatchback, the Accent feels more upscale than the opposition. The standard 137-hp 1.6-liter four-barrel can be matched with a peppy six-speed manual or a slow six-speed programmed transmission; either one procures extraordinary mileage. To wrap things up: its 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain guarantee.
We're nothing if not intensive. In surveying the 2012 Hyundai Accent, we decided to test not one, not two, but rather three distinct variations: a hatchback with the manual transmission, a car with the programmed, and to get the full picture, a portal with the auto. Yes, we could have tried that fourth body-and-transmission stage, yet that would've been senseless.
Prior to the outcomes are laid out, here's a players' summary. For 2012, the Accent hatchback goes from three to five entryways. The vehicle is presently the lineup's worth pioneer, with a base cost of $13,205 for a manual. That base auto wears the GLS identification (as do all cars) and abandons aerating and cooling, force windows or mirrors, or even a radio—it has four speakers, however nothing to sustain them music. Nobody's purchasing that showroom-activity model. Including those missing pieces runs $1750 (it's known as the Comfort bundle; we'd call it the "Absolute minimum" bundle), yet the auto still rides on 14-inch steel wheels. For $2750, you get that hardware in addition to a programmed transmission. Our programmed test vehicle was completely stacked, including the $1300 Premium bundle: keyless section, body-shading entryway handles on the outside and chrome pulls within, piano-dark inside trim, more pleasant material seats, guiding wheel-mounted sound controls, Bluetooth, journey control, haze lights, and 16-inch aluminum wheels. See what I mean? Intensive.
Hatchback models come in two evaluations: GS and SE. The GS—$15,355 for a manual and $16,555 for the programmed—is prepared to a level like the GLS with the Comfort bundle. We tried a couple of SE models, which incorporate everything from the car with the Premium bundle, in addition to a back spoiler, cowhide for the controlling haggle handle, and "game tuned" guiding. The SE begins at $16,555, and an excellent more gets you the programmed. Every one of the three test Accents were wantonly optioned with an iPod link ($35) and covered floor mats ($95).
The Strongest Accent
The 2012 Accent is fueled by a direct-infused 1.6-liter four-barrel that makes 138 hp and 123 lb-ft of torque. The manual and programmed transmissions both have six paces. The stick has longish tosses and is joined by a dead, long-travel grasp pedal; it'll be simple for anybody to move yet doesn't to such an extent as insight at the area of its contact point. Regardless of those negative marks, the manual is a great deal more enjoyable to communicate with, permitting the driver to get the most out of the little motor. The programmed auto feels as though it were feeling the loss of a couple of its 138 steeds.
That groping was supported at the test track, where the manual lid hit 60 mph in 8.0 seconds, 1.9 faster than the auto-prepared seal and 1.6 superior to the programmed car. The manual commanded in each quickening test however top-gear, following our technique leaves a manual in its most astounding apparatus while automatics are permitted to downshift as they see fit. What's more, to do what needs to be done, the manual showed signs of improvement watched fuel mileage: 33 mpg versus 26 for both programmed autos. Each of the 2012 Accents have EPA evaluations of 30 mpg city and 40 mpg roadway.
It can without much of a stretch be extrapolated that a vehicle with the manual would be about as fast and proficient. Be that as it may, it wouldn't look anyplace as pleasant or have the capacity to fit as much payload. Anyway, that covers our vote in favor of transmission.
The Game Where No One Wins
Not that this is an opposition, but rather scoring the guiding frameworks was a test all its own. The game tuned controlling in the SE hatchback? We're almost certain it was playing Hide the Feedback. It's very much weighted off kilter, yet continue turning the wheel, and the weight vanishes and after that returns. The nonsporty controlling we tested in the car has a satisfactory haul with a more straight form. The framework is not really stellar, however it beats the confounded guiding in numerous different Hyundais, similar to the previously stated SE and the Sonata.
The suspension could likewise utilize some work. The Accent's springs are delicate, which, alongside the 2012 auto's 2.8-inch-longer wheelbase, gives a comfortable ride on the interstate, yet the non-abrasiveness adds to body come in corners. What's more, there's an absence of wheel control over unpleasant asphalt that can prompt some brutality. For the sort of driving Accent purchasers are liable to do, the bargained ride and taking care of ought to be worthy, however there are better dynamic players in this class, similar to the Honda Fit and the new Chevy Sonic.
Inside refinement was a blended pack. Every one of the three autos have calm lodges, with the motor barely capable of being heard out of gear. The stylistic layout has been livened up from last year's; configuration stream down from the Elantra and Sonata is clear and welcome. Be that as it may, the economy objectives of the Accent demonstrat to themselves with a great deal of hard plastic, including a sharp edge where the driver's left elbow would need to rest, and the vehicle's plastic guiding wheel felt especially low-lease. The format is firm—if somewhat occupied with its numerous shades of plastic—yet we wish for some delicate touch focuses some place.
The Other Obvious Comparison
There is yet another little Korean choice that offer a more upscale feel, however. It's known as the Rio, and Kia makes it. It happens to ride on the same stage as the Accent and share the Hyundai's powertrain. The Rio offers highlights that are occupied on the Accent, similar to calfskin seats and route. In any case, the Accent holds two points of interest over the Rio: more extensive accessibility of the manual transmission and more space in the freight zone. The Rio portal penances around 33% of the Accent's stuff space for the sake of style.
The Accent is a decent, effective midpack section in the developing little-auto portion. Furthermore, as other new Hyundais, it's a great deal superior to the auto it replaces. The case is really clear for the manual, and insofar as you're not searching for a stripped variant, the trapdoor and the car cost about the same with ordinary gear. Our decision in the lineup is along these lines the manual-transmission bring forth, an auto that as of late completed fourth in a six-auto examination test. It's an exhaustive change, however whatever is left of the portion has ventured up its amuseme.
