Eric's Autos: Reviewing the 2012 Hyundai Accent
AC not standard in base sedan. Not as quick as turbo Chevy Sonic, which also matches Accent's 40 MPG highway performance. Corporate cousin Kia Rio sedan is a bit snarkier-looking, sportier handling, gets the same 40 MPG - and only costs slightly more ($13,400) to start.
UNDER THE HOOD
The '12 Accent has an all-new 1.6 liter, direct-injected four rated at 138 hp - a class leading figure matched only by the Chevy Sonic (also 138 hp).
But the Sonic's standard 1.8 liter, 138 hp engine can't match the Accent's standard 40 MPG highway economy. The Chevy falls short at 35 MPG. You can get 40 MPG in the Sonic, but not without springing for the higher cost optional 1.4 liter turbo, which means buying the higher cost LT ($15,065 for the sedan) or LTZ ($16,665) trim and then paying extra on top of that for the turbo 1.4 engine.
It's a similar story with the Fiesta. It, too, is capable of 40 MPG - if you buy the extra-cost Super Fuel Economy (SFE) package. The Fiesta's also packing only 120 hp - and without the SFE package, gives you 29 city, 38 highway. That's good - but only good enough for second place.
If you check out other competitors, including the new Mazda3 SkyActiv, you'll discover more of the same. They're all good - but the Accent is better - for less.
The Accent's standard transmission is a six-speed manual (a few competitors, including the more expensive Sonic, only give you a five-speed) with a six-speed automatic optional. Here again, pick of the litter - for the dollar and for less than the dollar.
Acceleration is also good for the segment - though not the best. Zero to 60 with the manual transmission takes about 9.7 seconds. Both the Fiesta and the turbo 1.4 Sonic are just slightly quicker.
ON THE ROAD
I am old enough (mid 40s) to remember when economy cars were miserable cars. Pathetic looking, obviously shoddy and dangerously slow on top of that. If you are in your 20s or have never driven something like an early '80s Chevette or a Plymouth Champ you have no frame of reference to appreciate just how good you have it today.
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