Used 2013 Hyundai Accent

Fresh from its complete makeover last year, the 2013 Hyundai Accent clearly displays the Korean car manufacturer’s ability to inject seductive styling and innovative technology into an affordable, fuel efficient and fun-to-drive package. Slotted to do battle with the Honda Fit, Chevrolet Sonic and Ford Fiesta, the Accent’s affordable arsenal includes bright exterior paint choices, a high-powered audio system, a full suite of standard safety equipment including six airbags, and a roomy interior with the most cargo space of any sub-compact car. If the stylish 2-tone interior, smooth ride and 37-mpg highway fuel economy rating doesn’t seal the deal, the Accent’s standard 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty likely will.

During our time in the 2013 Accent, our driving route including a good mix of highway and rural roads. To our surprise and delight, the Accent’s onboard fuel-economy indicator rarely dipped below 40 mpg. Even in around town touring, we regularly saw fuel economy in the 30-to-34-mpg range. The Accent’s fuel-sipping engine isn’t shy when it comes to delivering power, however, and it does so without much fuss or commotion. While we found little to like about the Accent’s rubbery feeling manual transmission, its 6-speed automatic quickly won us over, delivering smooth and precise shifts and excellent fuel economy. Seat comfort, sometimes a weak point in Hyundai cars, is exceptionally good in the Accent. Sadly, the same cannot be said for the Accent’s driving dynamics, which lack the precise steering and responsive suspension found on the Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit.

Although it doesn’t have the same the funky, futuristic feel as the Honda Fit and Ford Fiesta, the Hyundai Accent does have a decidedly refined interior for a car in its class. Using bold shapes and semi-metallic finishes, the Accent’s looks on the inside complement its looks on the outside rather handsomely. We especially like the backlit buttons and knobs.

Using the same "fluidic sculpture" design language incorporated in other models in Hyundai’s lineup, the 2013 Accent wears dynamic and sculptural lines that give the car an upscale look. Wraparound headlights and taillights, a high beltline and sculpted hood creases that flank the signature grille up front accentuate the car’s aerodynamic look, giving it a sleek profile. Depending on the trim, the Accent has either 14-inch or 16-inch wheels as standard.

1.6-LITER GAMMA ENGINE
The direct-injection gasoline engine found in the Hyundai Accent provides more horsepower and better fuel economy than those found in the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit and Mazda2? We’ll take it!

FLUIDIC SCULPTURE STYLING
While it isn’t exactly a feature, we really like the how the 2013 Hyundai Accent looks. The wavy, futuristic design sets the car apart from its competitors and even further apart from how it used to look.

The 4-door Accent is available in the GLS trim level and the 5-door is labeled GS for the base trim and SE for the sporty and more highly-equipped version. Regardless of the trim level, all Accents come standard with a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, a 6-speed manual transmission, air conditioning, 172-watt 6-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3/Satellite radio with USB/iPod integration, heated side mirrors, and 14-inch wheels with wheel covers. The higher-trim SE 5-door adds to this list with more even more equipment, including steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, Bluetooth, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 16-inch alloy wheels, and a roof spoiler.

The only options available for the 2013 Hyundai Accent can be found bundled into two packages. The GLS automatic Premium package adds rear disc brakes, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, premium cloth seats, piano black accents, cruise control, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity with voice recognition, fog lights, and 16-inch alloy wheels. The SE with the automatic transmission can be equipped with a power sunroof package.

The 2013 Hyundai Accent is powered by a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 138 horsepower and achieving up to 37 mpg on the highway. Hyundai used an aluminum design for this engine, as opposed to its predecessor’s cast-iron block, in order to save weight and incorporated gasoline direct injection (GDI), which is mostly responsible for the bumps in power and fuel economy.

1.6-liter inline-4
138 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
123 lb-ft of torque @ 4,850 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 28/37 mpg