Hyundai Accent hatchback hits the city streets

THIS attractive hatchback with an excellent list of specifications that offers real value has been added to the local Hyundai passenger car range. The addition of this five-door Accent has also filled a spot in Hyundai’s range that has long been reserved. And the first one has not had a chance to gather a speckle of dust while on display at Hyundai Polokwane’s showroom floor before the first customer became the proud new owner of this stunning Korean hatchback.

Powered by a 1,6-litre petrol engine and available with a choice of a six-speed manual or a four-speed automatic gearbox, the Accent hatchback is bound to gain ground quickly in the competitive B-segment of the South African market, says the Korean car manufacturer.

Two derivatives, the 1.6 Fluid manual with a six-speed gearbox and the 1.6 Fluid with a four-speed automatic transmission will be on Hyundai dealers’ showroom floors in South Africa from this week. Both derivatives get their power from the very economical four-cylinder 1,6-litre Gamma engine which is transversely mounted to drive the compact yet roomy Accent Hatchback through the front wheels.

This petrol-injection engine with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) delivers maximum power of 91kW at 6 300rpm and a peak torque of 156Nm at 4 200rpm. Its CO² emissions were measured at 152g/km for the manual derivative and 161g/km for the Accent Hatchback with the automatic transmission.

A combined fuel consumption figure 6,4 litres/100km was recorded in the manual Accent Hatchback, while the automatic derivative delivered average fuel consumption of 6,8 litres/100km.

When viewed from the front, the Accent Hatchback resembles the attractive features of its sedan sibling with headlamps that curve into the body and a two-piece black bezel design that adds a touch of high tech luxury.

The sporty fog lamps, which are standard equipment blend with the stylish looks of the body shell that reflects Hyundai’s fluid sculpture design language. The hexagonal grill, Hyundai’s family face, has rounded edges which make the Accent Hatchback look even more modern and stylish.

At the rear the sedan’s spacious boot is replaced with a wide hatch door that reveals an equally roomy luggage area covered by a parcel tray for security. Rear combination lamps blend with the sides of the Accent Hatchback in a modern, dynamic style, making the Accent look wider.

Large rear reflectors incorporated into the bumper add to the modern style and provide extra safety and visibility. The raised edges of the rear hatch door contribute to the sensual aesthetics and provide better aerodynamics at speed.

The exterior picture is rounded off by attractive alloy wheels with 195/50R16 tyres. The spare wheel, located under the floor of the luggage area is also a full-size alloy wheel.

The Accent Hatchback offers its occupants a roomy interior with a long lost of convenience features that come as standard equipment in both derivatives. This include the steering wheel remote controls, electric side mirror and automatic up/down window controls that are integrated in the driver’s armrest and easily accessible iPod/USB/Aux ports in the centre console that allow multimedia devices to be connected and played through the audio system. Integrated Bluetooth functionality enables the driver and passengers to make phone calls and stream music wirelessly though the audio system.

The four-speed manual air-conditioning system controls are ergonomically designed, easy to operate and are robust enough to create a cool interior in the hot African climate.

An important and very helpful convenience feature is the rear Park Assist System with a bleeping warning sound. The key for the Accent Hatchback incorporates a central door locking system with a separate button to unlock the rear hatch door.

A Motor Drive Power Steering system delivers a sharp response when the steering wheel is turned with accurate handling. It also makes the Accent Hatchback a car that is easy to manoeuvre and park in city traffic.

Driver and passenger airbags, complemented by side and curtain airbags and seatbelt pretensioners for the driver and front passenger’s three-point safety belts, provide passive safety for the driver and other occupants of the Accent Hatchback. The rear bench has two three-point safety belts with a lap belt in the middle seat.

Active safety like Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) take care of safety. The Accent Hatchback scored a five-star safety rating in the Australian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP).

Prices and warranty

Accent Hatch 1.6 Fluid (manual) – R 234 900.

Accent Hatch 1.6 Fluid (auto) – R 244 900.

Hyundai’s five-year/150 000km warranty, five-year/90 000km service plan and five-year/150 000km roadside assistance are part of the Accent Hatchback package. Service intervals are every 15 000km.

Hyundai Polokwane is situated at 102 Tagore Street in Nirvana and their contact number is (015) 292 9300.

Hyundai Polokwane’s trading hours are Monday to Friday from 08:00 until 17:00 and on Saturdays from 08:00 until 13:00.