Hyundai Accent

It's not only the build which has been brought into line with the rest of the firm's increasingly impressive range either - the motor has a fresh look, too, with elements of the new Coupί¿½.

There are big improvements to the trim, which is much better than the woeful fit and finish of the outgoing car, but buyers are still stuck with either a grey or beige colour scheme, albeit with new upholstery styles. Aluminium inserts in the dash and doors lift the otherwise dull interior, and create a classier look. However, it's not only its appearance that makes the new Accent a nicer place to be - there's more room and handy cubbies, too.

Drivers are also treated to a trip computer, which has the useful miles-until-fill-up feature - quite a step up for a car in this class. It's refinement that has always been the car's Achilles heel, though, so it's in this area that the firm has concentrated its efforts in a bid to improve the ride and cut noise.

Engine mounts are now more substantial, which not only improves the overall rigidity, but also reduces vibrations through the cabin. The car we tried had the Korean-market 1.5-litre engine, and there is a noticeable reduction in the amount of noise and shake reaching the cockpit, particularly when cruising along. The powerplant is also keen to rev, even above 5,000rpm.

Suspension revisions have made the Hyundai quieter and feel more stable at speed, too, ensuring motorway driving is now far less stressful. But the steering is still way behind European rivals, with a lack of feel. So do all these changes make the Accent a viable alternative to more mainstream peers? Despite being a vast improvement, it will take more than a revamp to bring this car up to scratch. Andits biggest problem comes from within the company. The Getz supermini, on sale in October, represents a huge leap forward in Hyundai design, and makes the new Accent look dated immediately.