HYUNDAI ACCENT ADDS VALUE EDITION TO THE LINE UP

• The J.D. Power Initial Quality Study Segment Winner continues to offer tremendous features and pricing

SUPERIOR TOWNSHIP, Mich., Dec. 2, 2016 – A Value Edition comes to the already economically priced, feature-laden Accent for the 2017 model year. At just $16,450, the Value Edition costs but $705 more than the base Accent with 6-speed automatic transmission, yet includes several desirable features. Now the Accent crams even more content into its small-on-the-outside, commodious-on-the-inside, IQS-segment-winning shell.

2017 Hyundai Accent Value Edition includes:

◾16-inch machine finish alloy wheels with P195/60R16 tires

◾Rear disc brakes

◾Steering wheel mounted audio controls

◾Cruise control

◾Bluetooth hands-free phone system

◾Sliding armrest storage box

PEPPY POWERPLANT

An all-aluminum, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, called Gamma, propels the Accent. It produces 137 peak horsepower at 6300 rpm and 123 lb-ft of torque at 4850 rpm. The Gamma makes use of several advanced technologies like Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI), Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts, and a variable length intake manifold. To reduce lifetime operation costs and increase reliability, the Gamma engine features a maintenance-free silent roller timing-chain. The Accent comes with either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. With the manual, the Accent achieves an EPA-estimated 27 city, 37 highway, and 31 combined mpg.

COMPACT YET COMMODIOUS

Despite similar exterior dimensions to many of today's traditional subcompacts, the EPA classifies the Accent as a compact sedan, rather than subcompact, due to its over 103 cubic-feet of interior volume as a sedan and 111 cubic-feet as a hatchback. The five-door also offers more cargo behind the rear seats than a Honda Fit.

Hyundai sprinkled convenient storage spaces throughout the cabin, including larger bottle holders in the front doors and a storage tray at the base of the center console. An available sliding armrest adds even more storage options. The Accent's rear seats split 60/40 and fold for increased cargo flexibility, making it a handy IKEA™ hauler as well.

SAFETY

Six airbags help protect occupants in the event of a collision: two front airbags, as well as driver and passenger side and curtain airbags, which protect both front and rear passengers. The Accent's standard front-seat active head restraints help prevent whiplash by automatically reducing the space between a front occupant's head and the restraint during certain rear collisions. All this is in addition to a cadre of standard passive safety features like Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control (TCS), and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), which integrates control of the ESC and motor-driven power steering (MDPS) to provide handling assistance in slippery conditions and emergency maneuvers. The system delivers counter-steering when required to assist the driver and keep the vehicle stable.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 830 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle limited warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance. Hyundai Blue Link Connected Care provides owners of Hyundai models equipped with the Blue Link telematics system with proactive safety and car care services complimentary for one year with enrollment. These services include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostic Alert, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and In-Vehicle Service Scheduling.

by Hyundai

Production of the Hyundai Accent began in 1995 and served as a replacement for the Hyundai Excel, though in some markets it was called the Excel. In France it was called the Hyundai Pony. The car became an instant success in some markets, becoming the third best-selling vehicle in Australia in 1996 and 1998.

The car had a standard five-speed manual gearbox and optional four-speed automatic. The standard engine was a 1.5-liter four-cylinder unit which produced 92 horsepower. A slightly more powerful version of the 1.5-liter engine was available, which boosted power to 105. The car was built on a 54.9-inch wheelbase and measured 161.5-inches in length. In the United Kingdom, the car was available in sedan, hatchback, and coupe configuration. Fuel mileage was excellent, gaining about 33 miles-per-gallon.

In 2000, the Accent was redesigned with slightly larger proportions and given a more modern and curvy body. Another facelift occurred in 2003 with another major redesign in 2006. This Second Generation of the Accent was available in four-door sedan and hatchback configuration, with a 2-door hatchback also available. There were a few engines to select from, all displaced 1.5-liters. The SOHC 12-valve four-cylinder version produced 92 horsepower and the 16-valve DOHC version produced over 100.

In the North American market, the Accent was available in GL, GLS, and GT trim levels. The 1.5-liter engine was all that was offered until 2003, when the 1.6-liter unit became available. The five-speed manual was still standard with the four-speed automatic offered as option. The cars rested on a wheelbase that measured 96.1-inches.

At the 2005 New York International Auto Show, the next generation of the Accent was displayed to the public. The GLS Version, the only trim level available in the US, featured a larger interior, air conditioning, six airbags, power steering, six-speaker CD stereo, four-wheel disc antilock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, and tilt steering. The price tag was listed at just under $13,000. A premium sports package included 15-inch alloy wheels, power windows, heated mirrors, and remote door locks. The price for this package was $1,500.

Shortly after the release of the third-generation Accent, the three-door hatchback became available and offered in GS and SE trim levels.

The Accent has earned the title of third-best selling subcompact in the United States, with the top two honors going to the Chevrolet Aveo and the Toyota Yaris.

by Dan Vaughan