The Future Looks Brighter When it Speaks With an Accent
Very good autos are sometimes underrated and no one knows why. It could be that the car's styling lacks that magic ingredient, or simply that it failed to ignite enthusiasm among the automobile journalist crowd, a notoriously fickle group if there ever was one. Such a car is Hyundai's Accent, a sub-compact (meaning small) economy model. Priced below the competition and yet tough and reliable, the Accent never made much of an impression on the North American market.
Things are about to change, my friends, with the coming of the 2011 model.
First, let me explain that I've had some experience with Accents. It began three series ago when I drove one in Canadian Car of the Year tests, including several laps on a very twisty race track. Except for running a little wide and into the grass on a couple of corners (leading to some rude marks from my female road test partner, aimed at me, not the car) I was surprised at how well it steered, braked, and cornered. Rather mundane in appearance and a tad underpowered, that Accent was never going to set any sales records but it was a wake-up call to anyone looking ahead.
My second Accent experience lasted considerably longer inasmuch as I bought a slightly used second-series GTi hatchback (above) equipped with such exotica as a sunroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, alloy wheels, and a moderately upgraded suspension. It also came with an abundance of deco trim on the sides which I might have removed if a couple of lady friends hadn't complimented me on my good taste. I mean… who was I to argue with the wiser sex? This Accent is no longer with me as I had a chance to buy a seldom-used Focus ZX5 at a bargain price but I really enjoyed that little car. Fun to drive and easy on gas.
Now for the really big news. Hyundai has just revealed an all-new 2011 Accent at the Beijing Auto Show (top) and it's a sweetheart. No longer looking humble and cheap, it features the same fluidic design language as the new Sonata. Same curved coupe-like greenhouse, similar crease rising up the sides. Those who've seen the interior say it has a more attractive, higher-quality feel than the current model. A new-generation Gamma engine with multiport fuel injection is said to deliver 120 hp. Hyundai says the new Accent was developed especially for the Chinese market but a North American version will soon follow.
Incidentally the Accent is called the Verna in Asia, which would be too close to Toyota's Venza and Nissan's Versa for the US and Canada. Whatever the name, this Hyundai is sure to be velcomed. Oops, sorry… it's my accent, y'know.
[2003 Accent Photo: Philip Powell]
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