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Hyundai Accent 1.6 CDX

Modern small cars aren't all they used to be... In fact, they're a whole lot more. Take the latest evolution of Hyundai's Accent as an example. Although the budget motor costs the same as a high-spec Citroen C3 or Ford Fiesta, you'll find it's nearly as big as a Ford Focus.

By Chris Thorp

January 2003

Modern small cars aren't all they used to be... In fact, they're a whole lot more. Take the latest evolution of Hyundai's Accent as an example. Although the budget motor costs the same as a high-spec Citroen C3 or Ford Fiesta, you'll find it's nearly as big as a Ford Focus.

But while the Korean car sits at the top end of the dimensions chart, it's never quite made the grade in terms of sales, reliability or quality. A mid-life makeover could see all that change, however, with a Coupί¿½-style front end and more chiselled lines aimed at a new breed of younger buyers in the UK.

While the Accent still won't draw admiring glances from pedestrians, the revamped face is certainly a great improvement. The nose looks awkward from some angles, but the more pronounced rear adds character. A boot spoiler is included as standard on the CDX model driven here, but it seems like an afterthought. Alloy wheels and ABS are now standard across the range.

Move inside and little has changed. That means a dated cabin with cheap plastics wherever you look. New trim on the centre console does lift the superbly equipped interior, but against the car's latest rivals, such as the new VW Polo, this is nowhere near enough.

That said, top-spec models - priced ΂£10,995 - come with air-conditioning and electric mirrors, while all versions get power windows front and rear. There's plenty of space, too, which should impress those in the back.

Joining the existing 1.3-litre entry-level petrol and 1.5 common-rail diesel powerplants is a new petrol 1.6 that debuted in the Accent's baby brother, the Getz. This feels disappointing at first, its coarse engine note penetrating the cabin, but once up and running, performance is punchy and economy impressive. The 0-60mph dash takes a competitive 10.3 seconds and the 118mph top speed is more than enough for our roads. Official figures suggest a credible 45.6mpg is possible, and 165g/km CO2 emissions undercut most rivals.

The Accent is an adequate motorway cruiser, with a smooth ride and relaxed engine note, but getting up to speed is hard work due to the sticky gearchange. The handling is controlled, but again it's uninspiring compared to modern rivals.

Check out the price, though, and you begin to understand the Accent. With the lower-spec model now deleted from the range, the cheapest version costs ΂£8,695. That includes Hyundai's unbeatable five-year unlimited mileage warranty, plus three years' RAC breakdown cover.

If you want a true supermini, SEAT's Ibiza has a more modern feel, while for those who need maximum space per pound, Suzuki's Liana can give the new Accent a run for its money. A well equipped five-door Liana 1.6 is ΂£10,995 - although it can't match the Accent for performance or economy. On balance, we'd settle for less space and go for a more modern, mainstream supermini.

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FIRST OPINION

    The Accent appeals to those people who want a new car with more space and equipment than a conventional supermini, but at a bargain price. Yet despite the improved styling and comprehensive standard kit, as well as the new 1.6's strong cruising ability, the Hyundai still can't square up to its rivals in terms of desirability.
 

AT A GLANCE

    Revised Accent out in February
    Pitched as larger alternative to Getz; three-door no longer offered
     
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