Hyundai has twice punctuated its recent success with exclamation marks when it comes to family cars. Now, it's going for the accent mark.
How? Following sales home runs with revamps of its Sonata midsize and Elantra compact sedans, Hyundai used its now-familiar formula to remake its entry-level subcompact Accent by:
•Making it a bit bigger to be roomier inside.
•Adding features more commonly seen in larger and more expensive cars.
•Using high-tech powertrain upgrades to increase gas mileage, making the new Accent capable of 40 miles a gallon on the highway.
•Amping up its looks in the distinctive new swoopy Hyundai style.
It's the recipe the South Korean automaker used to turn its formerly bland, forgettable Sonata and Elantra into hits.
Now Accent, just arriving at dealers, could shake up the subcompact segment populated by rivals such as the popular Honda Fit and new Ford Fiesta, as well as the Toyota Yaris. Coming soon are a redone Nissan Versa and all-newChevrolet Sonic.
"It raises the bar," says George Peterson, president of consulting firm AutoPacific, of the Accent.
The automatic-transmission model starts at $15,195, and shipping costs add $760 to the price of each. Accent also will offer a five-door hatchback version starting at $14,595 plus shipping.
The new Accent represents a sort of coming of age for Hyundai, which has gravitated away from the low end of the market — and selling mostly on cheaper price — as its image has improved.
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