Hyundai Accent Sport review: Performance, specs, features & more!
Considering a budget-friendly car? While the Hyundai Accent is no longer sold new in Australia, you can find a good deal on a used one at CARS24. It was known for being affordable, offering good features and fuel efficiency, and came in sedan and hatchback styles. In 2024, used Hyundai Accent prices range from just under $10,000 to $16,000, making it a great option for budget-conscious car buyers.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Fuel-efficient engine
- Compact size and nimble handling
Cons:
- Modest engine performance
- Basic interior materials
- Tight rear-seat legroom
Hitting the road since 1994, the Hyundai Accent has carved a niche for itself in the automotive world. Stepping up to replace the Excel, a model known for less-than-stellar quality, the Accent quickly won over new car buyers. It offered a modern design at a budget-friendly price, along with various trim levels, engines, and transmissions to suit diverse needs. But with so many options on the market, how does the Accent stack up today, especially considering it's no longer available brand new? Let's find out!
| Variants | Price range (2019) | Fuel type | Fuel Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Accent Sport Sedan | $11,300-$15,800 * | Petrol | 6.6 L/100km |
| Hyundai Accent Sport Hatch | $9,350 - $13,450* | Petrol | 6.3 L/100km |
*Indicative used car prices
Exteriors
The Hyundai Accent's exterior prioritises practicality over style
Styling elements
The sloping roofline of the Hyundai Accent gives it a stylish, coupe-like silhouette and a chrome grille adds elegance to the front. The rounded, curvy headlights blend seamlessly with the body, and integrated fog lamps in the bumper improve visibility in low-light situations. Body-coloured door handles maintain a smooth look along the side, and aero-blade wipers offer better visibility and a safety advantage with their streamlined design. Round the back, the Accent hatchback sports vertically oriented taillights, falling from the end of the roof-integrated spoiler to the chunky rear bumper.
Accent's design generally leans towards a practical and modern appearance (for the year it was introduced), but it certainly looks dated against the current crop of cars on the road.
Colour options
Hyundai used to offer six stunning exterior colours to choose from. These include Chalk White (P6W Metallic), Lake Silver (SS7 Mica/Metallic), Phantom Black (MZH Mica), Thunder Bolt (TUY Solid), Pulse Red (Y2R Mica/Metallic), and Blue Lagoon (Z3U Mica/Metallic).
Wheel design
The Hyundai accent comes with elegantly styled 16" alloy wheels. These wheels offer a sleek and modern look even today, complementing the overall aesthetic.
Interiors
The Hyundai Accent's interior design focuses on functionality and practicality, making it a reliable daily commuter. Although it may not have luxurious materials or large digital displays, it provides drivers and passengers with a cosy and well-organised environment.
Interior layout and space
The dashboard layout has a waterfall-style design, flowing downwards towards the centre. It avoids unnecessary clutter, featuring buttons and controls arranged intuitively for easy access. This creates ample space for the front occupants. While rear-seat legroom might be tight for taller passengers on long journeys, the cabin provides enough space for comfortable daily commutes. The Hyundai Accent hatchback and the Hyundai Accent sedan offer 1014 mm of headroom in the front and 959 mm in the rear, along with 1062 mm of front legroom and 846 mm in the rear, while providing 1364 mm of front shoulder room and 1356 mm in the rear, and 1304 mm of front hip room and 1198 mm in the rear.
Comfort and ergonomics
The Hyundai Accent offers black woven cloth upholstery for the seats, which is comfortable and practical. It comes with black woven cloth upholstery for the seats, which are comfortable and practical. However, despite its modern exterior design, the interior falls short. Given that the car has not been produced since 2019, it already appeared somewhat underwhelming regarding its interior design back then. While the cabin space was impressive for its class, the Accent lacked the premium features and upscale trim in some other city cars, such as leather seats. It is comfortable, but do not expect any fancy frills.
Plenty of storage solutions throughout the cabin, including cupholders, door pockets and various compartments, help keep your belongings within easy reach.
Boot
The Hyundai Accent hatchback model features a spacious cargo area with a VDA capacity of 370 litres, suitable for accommodating various items and luggage. However, the high-loading lip can make it a bit of a hassle to load your bags into the deep boot. If you need to carry more stuff or even just pack in larger items, consider the Accent sedan, which offers a larger cargo capacity of 465 litres.
Technology and infotainment
The Hyundai Accent offers a range of features designed to enhance your driving experience and keep you connected.
Infotainment & connectivity
The car features a 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The instrument cluster with a trip computer informs you about essential driving information like speed, fuel level, and trip details. While it might not be the most advanced system on the market, it allows you to control the audio system and access functionalities like AM/FM radio, AUX/USB audio input, and Bluetooth® audio streaming for playing music from your phone. You can also connect your phone via Bluetooth® for hands-free calling, adding a layer of convenience and safety while driving. It's important to note that Apple CarPlay™ compatibility isn't mentioned in the list, so this feature might not be available in this specific model.
Comfort & convenience
The interior boasts sport-style upholstery and a premium steering wheel and gear knob, adding a touch of athletic flair to the cabin. The driver's seat features height adjustability for enhanced comfort behind the wheel. The front centre console offers a 12V power outlet, perfect for keeping your devices charged on the move. In terms of convenience, you'll enjoy the ease of power windows for all windows, front and rear. The driver's window even comes with a one-touch up/down function with an anti-pinching safety feature for added peace of mind. You can electronically adjust the exterior mirrors, making it easier to find the perfect setting for different driving scenarios.
It only gets manual air conditioning with plastic knobs, but it’s fairly effective in maintaining a comfortable cabin temperature. Finally, the heated rear windshield provides a welcome convenience during cold weather, helping to defrost the window for improved visibility quickly.
Sound System
The audio system is far from impressive, but the four-speaker setup does an acceptable job for cabin entertainment.
Performance and engine
The Hyundai Accent focuses on fuel efficiency and practicality rather than performance or exciting driving.
Engine specifications
The Hyundai Accent Sport has a 4-cylinder 1.6-litre aspirated petrol engine, delivering 103 kW and 167 Nm of torque. This engine is configured for efficiency and smooth driving, making it suitable for city commuting and highway driving.
| Variants | Engine | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Accent Sport Sedan | 4cyl 1.6L Aspirated Petrol | 103 kW | 167 Nm |
| Hyundai Accent Sport Hatch | 4cyl 1.6L Aspirated Petrol | 103 kW | 167 Nm |
Transmission
The Accent Sport hatch and sedan models offer flexibility with the choice of a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. City users with heavy traffic commuting might prefer the latter, although it does make it a tad more expensive.
Handling
The Accent is designed for comfortable cruising rather than sporty handling. The suspension soaks up most bumps and road imperfections. While it might not be the most exciting car for taking corners, it prioritises a comfortable driving experience for everyday use.
Fuel efficiency
The Hyundai Accent makes a strong case for itself in terms of fuel economy. With 6.6 litres per 100 km, this translates to significant savings at the pump, especially for those who drive frequently for the work commute or simply to run errands around town. While the Accent itself might not be as frugal as some new car models with hybrid technologies, its fuel efficiency remains a desirable feature as a far more affordable used car option. However, do keep in mind that fuel efficiency will be impacted by the make year as well. If you're looking for a car with similar gas-saving capabilities, you can explore CARS24’s range of options.
Braking system
The brakes for the 1.6 GDi model feature a dual-diagonal, split-circuit system with power assistance, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and a Brake Assist System (BAS) to enhance braking performance. At the front, ventilated discs measure 256 mm in diameter and 22 mm in thickness, ensuring efficient heat dissipation during braking. Meanwhile, solid discs at the rear have dimensions of 262 mm in diameter and 10 mm in thickness, providing reliable stopping power for safe driving in various conditions. To reiterate, the braking capabilities of the car will depend on the age of the parts and the make year too.
Safety features
While the Hyundai Accent has been discontinued at this point, it can still be a safe choice depending on the model year. Remember, you'll be limited to used cars, and earlier models might lack basic safety features as per modern standards. The overall condition of the car also plays a big role. To ensure safety, prioritise a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic before deciding. If top-of-the-line safety features are your biggest concern, you should explore other options with high ratings from ANCAP. Ultimately, the choice depends on your needs. It could be a reasonable pick if you want affordability and fuel efficiency and are willing to focus on a newer, used Hyundai Accent with a thorough inspection.
Some of these safety features include:
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake Assist System (BAS)
- Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Traction Control System (TCS)
- Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
- Front airbags for driver & front passenger
- Side (thorax) airbags for driver & front passenger
- Side curtain airbags for 1st & 2nd rows
- Impact sensing auto door unlock
- Rear door child safety locks
- Pretensioners, load limiters & height adjustable upper mounts on front seat belts
- Seat belt reminder for front & rear seatbelts
- Height adjustable front head restraints
- Height adjustable rear head restraints
- ISOFIX child restraint anchors (rear outboard seats)
- Top tether child restraint anchors (rear) - 3 anchors
- Active lock / unlock operation
- Central locking
- Engine immobiliser
While the Hyundai Accent is no longer in production, it boasted a commendable 5-star ANCAP safety rating in Australia for models introduced after August 2011. This rating applies to both sedan and hatchback variants.
Ownership experience
Based on what some of the Hyundai owners have said, the ownership experience of the Hyundai Accent appears largely positive. Many users have reported reliable performance over several years, with minimal issues requiring repair. Maintenance costs are often highlighted as affordable, and routine servicing is straightforward. Owners have found the Accent a dependable choice for daily commuting and occasional long-distance trips, noting its efficiency and ease of handling. The car's build quality and durability have been praised, indicating that it holds up well over time. Feedback suggests that the Hyundai Accent offers good value for money, making it a practical and reliable option in its segment.
Major strengths
- Reliable daily driver with minimal maintenance issues
- Affordable to purchase and maintain
- Efficient fuel economy, suitable for commuting
- Comfortable interior for its class
- Good build quality and durability
- Easy to handle and manoeuvre in urban settings
- Decent cargo space for a subcompact car
- Comprehensive warranty coverage
Major drawbacks
- Limited power and acceleration, especially on highways
- Basic interior features compared to higher-end models
- Road noise may be noticeable at higher speeds
- Rear seat space may be tight for taller passengers
- Limited advanced safety features in older models
- Resale value can depreciate faster than some competitors
Maintenance costs and Warranty information
Routine maintenance for a Hyundai Accent in Australia typically costs between $229 for basic services and can escalate to $400 or higher for major services when conducted at authorised dealerships. Hyundai offers a comforting 5-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty on all their vehicles, giving owners peace regarding potential repair expenses during the warranty coverage.
Verdict
The discontinued Hyundai Accent might still be a budget-friendly option if affordability and good gas mileage are your top priorities. While you'll be limited to used models and might miss out on the latest tech and safety features, the Accent offers a reliable ride, comfortable interior space (especially in the sedan), and easy handling in city environments. However, remember the Accent's lack of power, basic interior features, and potential for road noise. You might be happier exploring newer car options if you crave more power, advanced safety tech, or a modern feel.
Reference
Considering a budget-friendly car? While the Hyundai Accent is no longer sold new in Australia, you can find a good deal on a used one at CARS24. It was known for being affordable, offering good features and fuel efficiency, and came in sedan and hatchback styles. In 2024, used Hyundai Accent prices range from just under $10,000 to $16,000, making it a great option for budget-conscious car buyers.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Fuel-efficient engine
- Compact size and nimble handling
Cons:
- Modest engine performance
- Basic interior materials
- Tight rear-seat legroom
Hitting the road since 1994, the Hyundai Accent has carved a niche for itself in the automotive world. Stepping up to replace the Excel, a model known for less-than-stellar quality, the Accent quickly won over new car buyers. It offered a modern design at a budget-friendly price, along with various trim levels, engines, and transmissions to suit diverse needs. But with so many options on the market, how does the Accent stack up today, especially considering it's no longer available brand new? Let's find out!
| Variants | Price range (2019) | Fuel type | Fuel Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Accent Sport Sedan | $11,300-$15,800 * | Petrol | 6.6 L/100km |
| Hyundai Accent Sport Hatch | $9,350 - $13,450* | Petrol | 6.3 L/100km |
*Indicative used car prices
Exteriors
The Hyundai Accent's exterior prioritises practicality over style
Styling elements
The sloping roofline of the Hyundai Accent gives it a stylish, coupe-like silhouette and a chrome grille adds elegance to the front. The rounded, curvy headlights blend seamlessly with the body, and integrated fog lamps in the bumper improve visibility in low-light situations. Body-coloured door handles maintain a smooth look along the side, and aero-blade wipers offer better visibility and a safety advantage with their streamlined design. Round the back, the Accent hatchback sports vertically oriented taillights, falling from the end of the roof-integrated spoiler to the chunky rear bumper.
Accent's design generally leans towards a practical and modern appearance (for the year it was introduced), but it certainly looks dated against the current crop of cars on the road.
Colour options
Hyundai used to offer six stunning exterior colours to choose from. These include Chalk White (P6W Metallic), Lake Silver (SS7 Mica/Metallic), Phantom Black (MZH Mica), Thunder Bolt (TUY Solid), Pulse Red (Y2R Mica/Metallic), and Blue Lagoon (Z3U Mica/Metallic).
Wheel design
The Hyundai accent comes with elegantly styled 16" alloy wheels. These wheels offer a sleek and modern look even today, complementing the overall aesthetic.
Interiors
The Hyundai Accent's interior design focuses on functionality and practicality, making it a reliable daily commuter. Although it may not have luxurious materials or large digital displays, it provides drivers and passengers with a cosy and well-organised environment.
Interior layout and space
The dashboard layout has a waterfall-style design, flowing downwards towards the centre. It avoids unnecessary clutter, featuring buttons and controls arranged intuitively for easy access. This creates ample space for the front occupants. While rear-seat legroom might be tight for taller passengers on long journeys, the cabin provides enough space for comfortable daily commutes. The Hyundai Accent hatchback and the Hyundai Accent sedan offer 1014 mm of headroom in the front and 959 mm in the rear, along with 1062 mm of front legroom and 846 mm in the rear, while providing 1364 mm of front shoulder room and 1356 mm in the rear, and 1304 mm of front hip room and 1198 mm in the rear.
Comfort and ergonomics
The Hyundai Accent offers black woven cloth upholstery for the seats, which is comfortable and practical. It comes with black woven cloth upholstery for the seats, which are comfortable and practical. However, despite its modern exterior design, the interior falls short. Given that the car has not been produced since 2019, it already appeared somewhat underwhelming regarding its interior design back then. While the cabin space was impressive for its class, the Accent lacked the premium features and upscale trim in some other city cars, such as leather seats. It is comfortable, but do not expect any fancy frills.
Plenty of storage solutions throughout the cabin, including cupholders, door pockets and various compartments, help keep your belongings within easy reach.
Boot
The Hyundai Accent hatchback model features a spacious cargo area with a VDA capacity of 370 litres, suitable for accommodating various items and luggage. However, the high-loading lip can make it a bit of a hassle to load your bags into the deep boot. If you need to carry more stuff or even just pack in larger items, consider the Accent sedan, which offers a larger cargo capacity of 465 litres.
Technology and infotainment
The Hyundai Accent offers a range of features designed to enhance your driving experience and keep you connected.
Infotainment & connectivity
The car features a 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The instrument cluster with a trip computer informs you about essential driving information like speed, fuel level, and trip details. While it might not be the most advanced system on the market, it allows you to control the audio system and access functionalities like AM/FM radio, AUX/USB audio input, and Bluetooth® audio streaming for playing music from your phone. You can also connect your phone via Bluetooth® for hands-free calling, adding a layer of convenience and safety while driving. It's important to note that Apple CarPlay™ compatibility isn't mentioned in the list, so this feature might not be available in this specific model.
Comfort & convenience
The interior boasts sport-style upholstery and a premium steering wheel and gear knob, adding a touch of athletic flair to the cabin. The driver's seat features height adjustability for enhanced comfort behind the wheel. The front centre console offers a 12V power outlet, perfect for keeping your devices charged on the move. In terms of convenience, you'll enjoy the ease of power windows for all windows, front and rear. The driver's window even comes with a one-touch up/down function with an anti-pinching safety feature for added peace of mind. You can electronically adjust the exterior mirrors, making it easier to find the perfect setting for different driving scenarios.
It only gets manual air conditioning with plastic knobs, but it’s fairly effective in maintaining a comfortable cabin temperature. Finally, the heated rear windshield provides a welcome convenience during cold weather, helping to defrost the window for improved visibility quickly.
Sound System
The audio system is far from impressive, but the four-speaker setup does an acceptable job for cabin entertainment.
Performance and engine
The Hyundai Accent focuses on fuel efficiency and practicality rather than performance or exciting driving.
Engine specifications
The Hyundai Accent Sport has a 4-cylinder 1.6-litre aspirated petrol engine, delivering 103 kW and 167 Nm of torque. This engine is configured for efficiency and smooth driving, making it suitable for city commuting and highway driving.
| Variants | Engine | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Accent Sport Sedan | 4cyl 1.6L Aspirated Petrol | 103 kW | 167 Nm |
| Hyundai Accent Sport Hatch | 4cyl 1.6L Aspirated Petrol | 103 kW | 167 Nm |
Transmission
The Accent Sport hatch and sedan models offer flexibility with the choice of a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. City users with heavy traffic commuting might prefer the latter, although it does make it a tad more expensive.
Handling
The Accent is designed for comfortable cruising rather than sporty handling. The suspension soaks up most bumps and road imperfections. While it might not be the most exciting car for taking corners, it prioritises a comfortable driving experience for everyday use.
Fuel efficiency
The Hyundai Accent makes a strong case for itself in terms of fuel economy. With 6.6 litres per 100 km, this translates to significant savings at the pump, especially for those who drive frequently for the work commute or simply to run errands around town. While the Accent itself might not be as frugal as some new car models with hybrid technologies, its fuel efficiency remains a desirable feature as a far more affordable used car option. However, do keep in mind that fuel efficiency will be impacted by the make year as well. If you're looking for a car with similar gas-saving capabilities, you can explore CARS24’s range of options.
Braking system
The brakes for the 1.6 GDi model feature a dual-diagonal, split-circuit system with power assistance, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and a Brake Assist System (BAS) to enhance braking performance. At the front, ventilated discs measure 256 mm in diameter and 22 mm in thickness, ensuring efficient heat dissipation during braking. Meanwhile, solid discs at the rear have dimensions of 262 mm in diameter and 10 mm in thickness, providing reliable stopping power for safe driving in various conditions. To reiterate, the braking capabilities of the car will depend on the age of the parts and the make year too.
Safety features
While the Hyundai Accent has been discontinued at this point, it can still be a safe choice depending on the model year. Remember, you'll be limited to used cars, and earlier models might lack basic safety features as per modern standards. The overall condition of the car also plays a big role. To ensure safety, prioritise a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic before deciding. If top-of-the-line safety features are your biggest concern, you should explore other options with high ratings from ANCAP. Ultimately, the choice depends on your needs. It could be a reasonable pick if you want affordability and fuel efficiency and are willing to focus on a newer, used Hyundai Accent with a thorough inspection.
Some of these safety features include:
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake Assist System (BAS)
- Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Traction Control System (TCS)
- Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
- Front airbags for driver & front passenger
- Side (thorax) airbags for driver & front passenger
- Side curtain airbags for 1st & 2nd rows
- Impact sensing auto door unlock
- Rear door child safety locks
- Pretensioners, load limiters & height adjustable upper mounts on front seat belts
- Seat belt reminder for front & rear seatbelts
- Height adjustable front head restraints
- Height adjustable rear head restraints
- ISOFIX child restraint anchors (rear outboard seats)
- Top tether child restraint anchors (rear) - 3 anchors
- Active lock / unlock operation
- Central locking
- Engine immobiliser
While the Hyundai Accent is no longer in production, it boasted a commendable 5-star ANCAP safety rating in Australia for models introduced after August 2011. This rating applies to both sedan and hatchback variants.
Ownership experience
Based on what some of the Hyundai owners have said, the ownership experience of the Hyundai Accent appears largely positive. Many users have reported reliable performance over several years, with minimal issues requiring repair. Maintenance costs are often highlighted as affordable, and routine servicing is straightforward. Owners have found the Accent a dependable choice for daily commuting and occasional long-distance trips, noting its efficiency and ease of handling. The car's build quality and durability have been praised, indicating that it holds up well over time. Feedback suggests that the Hyundai Accent offers good value for money, making it a practical and reliable option in its segment.
Major strengths
- Reliable daily driver with minimal maintenance issues
- Affordable to purchase and maintain
- Efficient fuel economy, suitable for commuting
- Comfortable interior for its class
- Good build quality and durability
- Easy to handle and manoeuvre in urban settings
- Decent cargo space for a subcompact car
- Comprehensive warranty coverage
Major drawbacks
- Limited power and acceleration, especially on highways
- Basic interior features compared to higher-end models
- Road noise may be noticeable at higher speeds
- Rear seat space may be tight for taller passengers
- Limited advanced safety features in older models
- Resale value can depreciate faster than some competitors
Maintenance costs and Warranty information
Routine maintenance for a Hyundai Accent in Australia typically costs between $229 for basic services and can escalate to $400 or higher for major services when conducted at authorised dealerships. Hyundai offers a comforting 5-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty on all their vehicles, giving owners peace regarding potential repair expenses during the warranty coverage.
Verdict
The discontinued Hyundai Accent might still be a budget-friendly option if affordability and good gas mileage are your top priorities. While you'll be limited to used models and might miss out on the latest tech and safety features, the Accent offers a reliable ride, comfortable interior space (especially in the sedan), and easy handling in city environments. However, remember the Accent's lack of power, basic interior features, and potential for road noise. You might be happier exploring newer car options if you crave more power, advanced safety tech, or a modern feel.
