text: Accent Hatchback Model Range | Hyundai World South Africa
  Attractive new Accent hatchback hits a spot in Hyundai model range
  Attractive new Accent hatchback hits a spot in Hyundai model range	Published - 03/04/2014
  A very 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 for it.
  Powered by a 1,6 litre petrol engine and available with a choice of a six-speed automatic or a four-speed automatic gearbox, the Hyundai Accent hatchback is bound to gain ground quickly in the competitive B-segment of the South African market.
  "The Accent hatchback fits in very well in the local Hyundai range between the i20 and i30 hatchbacks – not only in terms of price, but also when it comes to interior space for passengers as well as luggage storage," says Stanley Anderson, marketing director at Hyundai Automotive South Africa.
  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 a very economical four-cylinder 1,6 litre Gamma engine which is transverse mounted to drive the compact yet roomy Accent Hatchback through the front wheels.
  The petrol-injection engine, with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT), has a displacement of 1 591 cc and delivers maximum power of 91 kW at 6 300 r/min. and peak torque of 156 Nm @ 4 200 r/min. Its CO2 emissions were measured at 152 g/km for the manual derivative, and 161 g/km for the Accent Hatchback with the automatic transmission.
  A combined fuel consumption figure 6,4 litres/100 km was recorded in the manual Accent Hatchback, while the automatic derivative delivered average fuel consumption of 6,8 litres/100 km.
  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 makes the Accent Hatchback look even more modern and stylish. The body coloured outside door handles provide a refined, uninterrupted look.
  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.
  Spacious interior with a host of convenience features
  The Hyundai Accent Hatchback offers its occupants a roomy interior with a long lost of convenience features that come as standard equipment in both derivatives. They include steering wheel remote controls that let the driver control the audio system without moving one's hands from the wheel; 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 super vision cluster is clear and readable and provides a sense of sophistication, while the steering wheel can tilt up or down to create the best possible driving position, aided by height-adjustment for the driver's seat. The seat covers are from a high-quality and durable
  The 4-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.
  Several storage places have been built into the Accent Hatchback's cabin. Apart from the spacious glove compartment, odds and ends can be hidden away in a storage console under the centre armrest that forms part of a slide-adjustable lid to maximize driver comfort.
  A 60:40-split rear seat back makes it possible to extend the standard luggage area of 370 litres.
  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.
  Improved gear shift feeling for the manual six-speed transmission, which is regulated with the help of a hydraulically controlled clutch. The gear ratios are well spaced to provide spirited acceleration with frugal fuel consumption in the overdrive sixth gear.
  The four-speed automatic transmission features a flat-type torque converter with a variable line pressure control disc-type return spring. These innovations ensure reduced gear noise and smooth gear changes.
  McPherson struts at the front and a coupled torsion beam axle at the rear ensures a comfortable suspension that is firm enough to provide excellent road holding and articulation, even on rough surfaces. Lateral load compensation springs offer reduced friction resistance on the struts, improving the ride and optimizing the suspension to ensure comfortable driving. The use of springs that are independent of the modified shock absorbers allow more efficient use of the interior space at the rear.
  A Motor Drive Power Steering system delivers a sharp response when the steering wheel is turned, with accurate handling. It also makes the Hyundai Accent Hatchback a car that is easy to maneuver and park in city traffic.
  High-tensile strength steel plates were used in the chassis construction of the Accent Hatchback for increased resilience in the event of a collision. This also creates a ring-type structure in the centre pillar that provides more strength and protection against side impact.
  Driver and passenger airbags, complemented by side and curtain airbags and seatbelt pretensioners for the driver and front passenger's 3-point safety belts, provide further passive safety for the driver and other occupants of the Accent Hatchback. The rear bench has two 3-point safety belts with a lap belt in the middle seat.
  Active safety Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) take care of active safety, should the driver of the Accent Hatchback land in a spot of bother on the road.
  The Accent Hatchback scored a five star safety rating in the Australian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP).
  The prices of the two Accent hatchback derivatives are:
  The Hyundai Accent Hatchback comes in seven colours: White Crystal; Sleek Silver; Clean Blue; Ocean Blue; Veloster Red; Sonic Silver; and Phantom Black.
  Hyundai's 5 year/150 000 km warranty, 5 year/90 000 km service plan and 5 year/150 000 km roadside assistance is part of the Accent Hatchback package. Service intervals are 15 000 km.