2003 Hyundai Accent Road Test

2003 Hyundai Accent Road Test

Hyundai Accent tops in subcompact group

By Bill Roebuck

It may surprise you to learn that the Hyundai Accent is the best selling subcompact model in Canada this year. A look at the price and the included features explains why. The Accent GL -- the lowest priced model in this group -- comes with a four-speed automatic transmission, a CD player, a large glovebox and a power package (locks, windows and mirrors).

The Accent received a minor facelift for 2003, with a redesigned grille, hood, bumpers, lights and deck lid. It also gets features such as automatic headlight shutoff, gas shocks, cupholders and a digital odometer, all with no price increase.

Power comes from 1.6-litre engine producing 104 hp (up from 1.5 L and 96 hp last year), and it's rated second in fuel economy in this group.

Inside, the seats are comfortable, there's good legroom and headroom up front, and the roomy trunk holds 334 L of gear. The rear seats fold almost flat for extra storage space. But seating in the back is tight -- although there are three seatbelts, we could fit only two adults in the back, and legroom was very cramped.

The Accent's acceleration and braking figures are mid range for this group -- about the same as the Suzuki Aerio -- although its engine is buzzy on hard acceleration. However, for the price, the Accent offers many solid features.

* Price as tested: $14,795

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