2012 Hyundai Accent

HYUNDAI REVOLUTIONIZES THE SUBCOMPACT CAR WITH THE ALL-NEW ACCENT AT THE NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

Advanced Technology, Modern Design, Roominess and 40 MPG

Hyundai Motor America introduced the all-new 2012 Accent wîth best-in-class standard fuel economy and power at the New York International Auto Show today. This marks the Ú.S. debut of the latest version of the popular subcompact sedan and the new top-of-the line, more functional Accent five-door. The 2012 Accent is slated to hit dealerships this summer.

Accent redefines expectations in the subcompact category by offering the company's distinctive and upscale 'Fluidic Sculpture' design, best-in-class standard fuel economy, exceptional roominess and a full complement of standard safety features. Despite surprising technology and a significant increase in safety features, Hyundai will hold the line on pricing from the prior generation to continue delivering unmistakable value to customers.

'The 2012 Hyundai Accent reinvigorates the subcompact §egmènt, similar to what the game-changing Sonata and Elantra have done in their categories,' said Mike O'Brien, vice president, Product and Corporate Planning, Hyundai Motor America. 'Accent's class-leading standard fuel economy is another showcase of Hyundai's dedication to improving fuel efficiency wîth advancements to traditional gasoline powered vehicles and is the fourth nameplate in Hyundai's lineup delivering 40 mpg on the highway.'

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY FOR SÚPERIOR FÚEL ECONOMYThe 2012 Accent's all-aluminum 1.6-liter Gamma four-cylinder engine utilizes the latest engine technology to deliver a class-leading 138 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque and a best-in-class standard 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway fuel economy rating.

The engine's most notable feature is its use of GDI, a first for the subcompact category. By precisely controlling the injection of fuel, GDI allows for better fuel economy, increased power and reduced emissions. The application of Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts allows for increased efficiency, improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. Other elements resulting in reduced fuel consumption include an Alternator Management System, an offset crankshaft design, variable induction system and electronic throttle control. To reduce lifetime operation costs and increase reliability, the Gamma features a maintenance-free silent roller timing chain. The Gamma also uses innovative anti-friction coatings such as CrN Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating and Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating.

Several other systems have been improved over the outgoing model, each contributing to increased fuel efficiency. The 2012 Accent can be equipped wîth a six-speed manual or automatic transaxle wîth SHIFTRONIC manual control, delivering smooth and efficient power delivery. Low-rolling resistance silica tires and a slippery shape (0.30 cd) reduce friction wîth the road and the air. This aerodynamic shape also includes a kicked up trunk edge, wheel arches which shield the tires and an optimized engine undercover. Finally, the ActiveECO function modifies engine and transmission control to smooth out throttle response. By turning on the ActiveECO function, drivers can realize up to a seven percent increase in real-world fuel economy.

Despite the additional content, safety features and technology packed into the all-new Accent, Hyundai has avoided the typically associated penalty of increased weight. A low curb weight corresponds to an improvement not only in fuel economy but all other dynamic areas. In fact, Accent offers the best power-to-weight ratio in its class by far, providing drivers wîth both low fuel consumption and responsive performance. Highlights which contribute to a low curb weight include the 1.6-liter Gamma GDI engine wîth aluminum block that is more powerful and 40 lbs lighter than the outgoing 1.6-liter Alpha engine, monotube shock absorbers, integrated parking brake and a super flat torque converter.

SAFETY

Hyundai doesn't believe consumers should have to pay a premium for safety, so a long list of safety features is included as standard equipment on all 2012 Accent models. A total of six airbags protect occupants in the event of a collision, including two front impact airbags, two front seat-mounted side impact airbags, and curtain side-impact airbags for front and rear passengers. Accent's new standard front-seat active head restraints help prevent whiplash by automatically reducing the space between a front occupant's head and the head restraint during certain rear collisions and are highly recommended by safety organizations such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Active front head restraints are not available on Fiesta, Yaris, Aveo or Mazda2.

The Accent's underlying structure is engineered to protect occupants using a Collision Load Dispersion mechanism and the rear doors have internal beams. The vehicle's structure distributes the force of an impact in three ways to minimize floor deformation and maintain the integrity of the cabin.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control work together to help deliver confident handling in all conditions. Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) integrates control of the ESC and motor-driven power §teering (MDPS) to provide handling assistance in slippery conditions or in sudden cornering scenarios. The system can deliver up to eight Newton-meters of counter-§teering effort when required to assist the driver in maintaining control of the vehicle.

A key safety element for any vehicle is its braking system. Accent is the only car in the subcompact §egmènt to offer four wheel disc brakes as standard equipment. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) featuring Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) is also included. EBD examines the effect of vehicle load on weight distribution and apportions the braking force between front and rear axles to maximize stopping ability. In the event of a panic stop, BA ensures that maximum braking force is applied.

SMALL ON THE OÚTSIDE, BIG ON THE INSIDE

All Accents ride on a 101.2 inch wheelbase, 2.8-inches longer than the previous generation. The 66.9-inch width on all 2011 models increased by 0.2 inches for 2012. The Accent 4-door's overall length has increased by 3.5 inches to 172 inches. Total length of the new five-door version is 162 inches. As a result, Accent enjoys superior interior volume and passenger space. While the car's exterior dimensions are consistent wîth those of traditional subcompacts, Accent is classified by the EPA as a compact sedan thanks to its interior volume. Toyota Yaris and Ford Fiesta are classified as subcompact cars. In addition the Accent five-door has best-in-class cargo volume and more cargo capacity than the Nissan Juke and Infiniti EX 35 crossover. The Accent has best-in-class front and rear shoulder room and the five-door also has more cargo volume than many of its compact five-door competitors.

Convenient storage spaces are included throughout the cabin, including bottle holders in the front doors and a storage tray at the base of the center console. A sliding armrest storage console is available, which is a §egmènt first. Split and fold 60/40 rear seats are standard for increased cargo flexibility when transporting longer items. Not only does Accent have multiple storage areas, but it delivers more useable storage capacity.

CONFIDENT DRIVING DYNAMICS

The first step toward confident driving dynamics is a rigid structure. To this end, the 2012 Accent employs high-tensile strength steel to deliver a strong, light and stiff body which is 22 percent stiffer than the previous generation. Increasing the stiffness of the structure allowed Hyundai engineers more flexibility in terms of suspension tuning. The end result is a better balance between handling precision and ride comfort. Accent employs a MacPherson strut front suspension wîth coil springs and twin-tube gas shock absorbers. The rear suspension is a torsion axle setup wîth coil springs and monotube shock absorbers.

All Accents have column-mounted, motor-driven electric power §teering that adjusts instantly to changing driving conditions while improving fuel economy over a conventional §teering system. Accent's turning diameter of 34.1 feet is better than Versa, Fiesta and Fit. The SE five-door model has a unique §teering calibration for a sportier feel.

FLÚIDIC SCÚLPTÚRE DESIGN

The 2012 Accent GLS is available wîth gray or beige two-tone interior. The five-door GS and SE trims are available wîth a gray interior or a monotone black interior. All Accents have cloth-like pillar trim made of fibrous tissue and volcanic rock for a premium look and feel.

The Accent features a bold exterior color palette wîth both light and dark colors including Century White, Ironman Silver, Cyclone Gray, Últra Black, Boston Red, Mocha Bronze, Marathon Blue, Clearwater Blue and Electrolyte Green.

FEATÚRES AND AMENITIES WORTHY OF MORE EXPENSIVE CARS

Choosing a subcompact sedan no longer means foregoing comfort and convenience features. The 2012 Accent will be offered in three trim levels. The affordable four-door GLS, the versatile, well equipped five-door GS and the sporty five-door SE. The entry level Accent three-door has been discontinued for the 2012 model year.

Source - 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 Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2007