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:

    Good driving practices
    • Never take the vehicle out of gear and coast down a hill. This is extremely hazardous. Always leave the vehicle in gear. • Do not "ride" the brakes. This can cause them to overheat and ...

    Bluetooth hands-free (if equipped)
    You can use the phone wirelessly by using the Bluetooth. Detailed information for the Bluetooth hands-free is described in the “audio” in this chapter or in the manual supplied separately. ...

    Starting
    Starting WARNING: Never run the engine in a closed or poorly ventilated area any longer than is needed to move your car in or out of the area. The carbon monoxide gas emitted is odorless and c ...