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The editors at TheCarConnection.com have driven both the hatchback and sedan versions of the Hyundai Accent, and share their expert opinions and observations here in this Bottom Line. And to help give you the most information possible on the 2010 Hyundai Accent, we've gathered a survey of comments from other reviewers.
Likes:
- Stylish interior
- Good on gas
- Sedan has decent backseat room
Dislikes:
- Engine noise
- Unpleasant transmissions
- Sluggish acceleration
- Bluetooth isn't available
- Steering wheel doesn't telescope
The Accent remains the smallest and most affordable model in Hyundai's U.S. lineup. It's offered as either a two-door hatchback or four-door sedan. For the second consecutive year, the Accent is the cheapest passenger car in the United States, with a base price of just $9,970 not including destination.
Visually, the Accent isn't very remarkable. While the sedan model is quite short and stubby from the outside, it's better styled on the inside, with Hyundai's expected oval themes. The three-door hatchback is the clear winner from the outside, with a cohesive shape that looks more sophisticated from a distance.
On either model, there's a 110-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood, driving the front wheels. The Accent does just fine in city driving with either the manual or automatic, but at highway speeds, passing involves some careful calculation. But with fuel economy ratings as good as 27 mpg city, 36 highway (31 combined), the 2010 Hyundai Accent makes up for that lack of performance with low day-to-day running costs. Fuel economy picks up across the model line this year due to a range of improvements to the engine, a smart alternator, low-rolling-resistance tires, and aerodynamic updates; the new Accent Blue also includes taller gear ratios in a very frugal base model.
While you shouldn't expect a lot of driving fun from the 2010 Hyundai Accent, it's one of the nimbler-feeling small cars, thanks to a well-tuned suspension. SE versions seem a bit sportier overall. Brakes feel better than what you might expect for a vehicle of this price, but other tactile elements aren't quite there; the manual shift linkage is imprecise, ride quality deteriorates with a full load, and engine noise can be a problem on the highway.
