2012 Hyundai Accent Official Photos and Info

Hyundai started selling cars here in America in 1985. Its first U.S. product, a $4995 hatchback paradoxically named the Excel, was most noteworthy for being the cheapest new car on the market. Of course, it was an absolute turd of a car, and its price wasn’t the only cheap thing about it. A quarter-century later, Hyundai still sells America’s cheapest set of wheels, although at $10,735, the 2011 Accent is a little more than twice the price of the Excel—and at least twice as nice. Come summer, Hyundai will replace its smallest model with the considerably improved 2012 Accent that’s making its debut at the 2011 New York auto show. And from what we’ve seen so far, this Accent might actually excel at something beyond affordability.
Has Ford Seen This Yet?
If you see a little—okay, more than a little—of the Ford Fiesta's “Kinetic” form vocabulary in the Hyundai Accent’s “Fluidic Sculpture” styling, you’re not alone. The Accent’s large headlamps, sweeping body-side ridge, and high-set taillamps do look good, imparting a more exciting look than that of the current car. And it would probably look darn futuristic if Ford hadn’t put such similar elements on its Fiesta two years ago; call this the Hyundai Fête. Also like the Fiesta, the 2012 Accent looks somewhat better as a hatchback than a sedan. To be fair, the Accent resembles other Hyundais as much as it does the Fiesta, including the sleek Sonata, the new 2011 Elantra, and the Tucson.
Inside, the 2012 Accent’s interior furnishings now align with those in most other new Hyundais, with modern décor offered in black, gray, and beige. Hyundai characterizes the Accent as having “class above” interior space because it’s EPA-classified as a compact while having a subcompact footprint, and further claims class-leading cargo space for the five-door models.
Between the Accent’s two body styles (a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback; the entry-level, three-door Accent is discontinued for 2012) are three unique trim levels: GS and sport-flavored SE trims are hatchback-only, while Accent sedans come only in GLS guise. The GS hatch serves as Hyundai’s low-baller, and is decently equipped with a six-speed manual, air conditioning, keyless entry, power windows and mirrors, and six speakers for the stereo. The SE hatch adds niceties like cruise control, Bluetooth, upgraded cloth upholstery, 16-inch alloys, fog lamps, and a rear spoiler. The GLS sedan rolls on puny 14s like the GS hatch and comes with a six-speed manual as standard, power door locks, and a four-speaker sound system. The Comfort package adds air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, and an upgraded audio system. Regardless of trim level, all Accents are loaded up with safety equipment, including front, front-side, and front and rear side-curtain airbags; four-wheel disc brakes; and stability control.
Gamma Arrives
Making its debut under the Accent’s hood is Hyundai’s new direct-injection, 1.6-liter “Gamma” four-cylinder engine, which makes 138 hp at 6300 rpm and 123 lb-ft of torque at 4850 rpm—up a huge 28 hp and 17 lb-ft compared with the current 1.6-liter Accent mill. Electric power steering conspires with low-rolling-resistance tires and six-speed manual (standard across the range) or automatic transmissions (optional) to help the 2012 Accent hit the magic 40-mpg mark in highway fuel economy, according to Hyundai; it should get 30 mpg in the city. It also helps that Hyundai kept the Accent’s claimed curb weight to around 2400 pounds regardless of body style.
Still the Cheapest, but Don’t Call it Cheap
Hyundai says that it will hold 2012 Accent prices to 2011 levels—a feat aided by the use of a carry-over platform—which means that the Accent could remain America’s cheapest car at under $11K. That is, if none of the Korean maker’s competitors undercut that price before the Accent arrives this summer. Still, even if something does “out-cheap” the littlest Hyundai in price, it’s not likely to match the Accent’s impressive power, feathery weight, and available features. In the new 2012 Accent, Hyundai should have an inexpensive car it can be proud to sell—for cheap.