Hyundai's sub-compact Accent hatch and sedan continue into 2017 unchanged. It is a design that has remained largely the same since the 2012 model year, with the exception of some mild styling changes for 2015. That said, it continues to offer acceleration that rivals the Honda Fit and Chevrolet Sonic for fastest in class, even if it can't match the fuel economy of the Fit or Toyota Yaris.
The Accent ranks near the top of the class for cargo space, and comes with a great deal of standard features. The 1.6L four-cylinder engine is also one of the few in the class with direct injection, which helps it to make 138 hp and 123 lb-ft of torque. Notably absent from the aging interior is an audio system with a colour screen or navigation system. Same goes for the lack of rear-view camera, a feature available on many of its more recently updated rivals. Ride and handling is not an Accent strong suit, but for the urban driving this car is likely to see, the suspension is more than adequate.
The 2017 Hyundai Accent is available in five trims, all of which can be had with either the sedan or five-door hatch body styles. In the hatchback, you can get L trim, which is six-speed manual only, LE, which is six-speed automatic only, GL and GLS which both have a choice of transmissions, or SE which is automatic only. The sedan comes in L with a manual, and then LE, GL, SE, and GLS as automatics only.
Accent L has 14-inch steel wheels, disc brakes at all corners, a four-speaker stereo with USB and auxiliary inputs and MP3 support. It has visor mirrors for both front seats, driver's armrest, and driver seat height adjustment. LE adds air conditioning and remote start to that.
GL adds folding rear seats, satellite radio, Bluetooth phone control, cloth door trim, an improved center console with armrest, heated front seats, keyless entry, power and heated mirrors, power windows, and a telescoping steering wheel adjustment.
SE adds 16-inch alloys, fog lights, and a power sunroof. Top trim GLS adds automatic climate control, automatic lights, matte chrome trim, a leather steering wheel and shift knob, and projector headlights.
Manual transmission Accents are rated to achieve 8.7 L/100 km city, 6.3 highway, and 8.9/6.3 with the automatic.
