BIGGER CHANGES INSIDE AND ON THE ROAD

The Accent’s interior is much simpler than the Fiesta, lacking the SYNC integration and offering fewer buttons and more intuitive controls. Hyundai insists that the interior is a “premium” offering due to its “piano black” trim smattered around the cockpit, and we honestly can’t help but shrug our shoulders. We doubt any consumer will really care at this price point, but materials are light years away from the low rent crap in the previous car, and everything appears well put together.

Where the car really comes close to “premium” status is on the road. Everything is quiet, with wind and engine noises carefully insulated from the cabin, while the ride is smooth and well composed. Hyundai fitted monotube shocks to the 2012 Accent, which are more expensive than the typical twin-tube design, but the extra money shows when the Accent hops over expansion joints or cracked pavement with virtually no fuss, whereas other competitors would let you know that you just hit a bad stretch of road. The Accent’s steering does lack the heft that makes the Fiesta feel like a “driver’s car”, though you’re never in doubt regarding what the front tires are doing. Given that the Accent uses an electric power steering system, remedying this matter would only take a few software changes.

    See also:

    Underwhelming Turbo Four-Cylinder
    The Genesis coupe is offered with a standard turbocharged four-cylinder or an optional V-6, and this is one of those times when it's worth the extra money to choose the optional engine. I drove bo ...

    Removing and storing the spare tire
    Turn the tire hold-down wing bolt counterclockwise. Store the tire in the reverse order of removal. To prevent the spare tire and tools from “rattling” while the vehicle is in motion, store them ...

    ESC operation
    ESC ON condition • When the ignition is turned ON, ESC and ESC OFF indicator lights illuminate for approximately 3 seconds, then ESC is turned on. • Press the ESC OFF button for at least half a se ...