Hyundai Accent hatch: will it fill the spot?
Hyundai has done a good job of appealing to those of us on a strict budget and so it launched the Accent hatch to fill that spot between the i20 and 130. It’s up against the likes of the Toyota Auris, Chevrolet Sonic RS and Opel Astra so it really has its work cut for it.
It is similar to its i20 and i30 siblings, it is in fact 120 mm longer than the i20 and 130 mm shorter than the i30. When viewed from the front, the Accent Hatchback resembles its sedan sibling’s features and of course sports Hyundai’s family face with its hexagonal grill but at the rear the sedan’s boot has been replaced with a wide hatch door. It comes in seven colours, namely: White Crystal; Sleek Silver; Clean Blue; Ocean Blue; Veloster Red; Sonic Silver; and Phantom Black.
True to the Korean brands high standard specification list, the Accent hatch comes standard with air-conditioning, rear park sensors (the only thing setting it apart from its rivals), a latest-generation audio system with bluetooth and a multifunction steering wheel as well as 16-inch alloy wheels. If you opt for leather seats you will cough up an extra R8000.
Under the bonnet you will find the same Gamma 1,6-litre engine you find in the sedan range. There are two derivatives offered, both named Fluid, one is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and the other a 4-speed automatic transmission. Who would buy the latter you may ask? Even Hyundai don’t know! The best guess going round the launch was that it would be for MUCH older buyers. The manual has a claimed fuel consumption of 6,4 l/100km.
Thankfully I only drove the manual, which is nippy enough around town and it isn’t too disappointing on the open road although it does rev rather high so expect an engine drone on those long trips. I struggled to get a comfortable seating position and would have liked the steering column to be rake adjustable and not just height adjustable. The materials used in the cabin, however, feel of a high quality and the seats are comfortable.
Safety is covered with air bags for both the driver and passenger, as well as side and curtain airbags. Hyundai’s 5 year/150 000 km warranty and 5 year/90 000 km service plan come standard.
The Accent hatch manual will set you back R234 900 and the automatic R244 900. I am not sure I could justify spending that much on an Accent but Hyundai are hoping to sell 200-250 units monthly. I fear this may be a rather large task, especially when talking about the automatic. However, like Stanley Anderson, marketing director at Hyundai Automotive South Africa, says, “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.”
Time will tell.