Hyundai Accent - Old but still Gold. Review on Hyundai Accent GLE

I was looking for a good car to buy. Being put up in a crowded city (chennai), my thought process was to get a car that has capability beyond city limits. My requirement was good acceleration, comfort, handling and reliability.

I started looking from hatch-back segment where I tried the all new Alto K, WagonR Blue Eye, Ritz, Swift, Indica, Ford Figo, beat, spark, i10 and finally the i20. Some or the other way I was not satisfied with them and not able to justify myself for the money I invest. Ignoring the rear leg room comfort, Swift was the only hatch back which was close to my expectation but still it has a waiting period of 5 months hence I dont wanted it.

I started thinking differently, Why not Hyundai Accent? (Despite they say its obsolete, out of race and old looking). When I felt the car in the showroom and taken a test drive, I was very much impressed with its performance. It satisfied all my desires. I booked it right away and got it delivered last week.

Lets start the review of the car now.

Engine and Acceleration:-

My Accent is loaded with 1.5L petrol engine that churns out 95 BHP calmly. Its higher than any hatch backs and revs fully like a turbo-jet engine. I feel a slight drop in power after enabling AC but still have lot of energy to push. An interesting thing is, After closing the windows and AC ON, I didn't feel either noise or vibration of the running engine. As soon as the signal turns green, A Slight press in the throttle and rest back...thats it...few secs later I see myself far far ahead..and watch those city hatch backs dying to gain momentum..The power delivery is consistent and effective in all rpms (though I never tested till redline). There is not even a little strain in engine even after running long hours. Its a marvel from Hyundai.

Transmission:-

The gear box is a top notch. No false gears, No slippages No noises...As smooth as a knife in Butter.

The ratios are also perfectly aligned. The Power delivery is incredible. No wrist pain even afer long city drives.

Handling:-

Accent has fantastic maneouvering capabilities, smarter than any similar segment cars and hatch backs. I could easily flick through heavy traffic., could perform very sharp turns in a sec. The steering response is amazing, its very smooth to rotate and almost zero effort is felt. My friends added that its difficult to drive a sedan in city, but this car defied all their comments.

Comfort:-

I felt little inconvinience while getting inside the car, as i'm 6 feet tall. But once I settle down, its like heaven. There is more space for the individuals. The front passengers can stretch back confidently without affecting the rear. Its like a luxurious lounge. The space and legroom inside this car is awesome. The luggage room is huge...Could accomodate your half house inside. One of the remarkable thing is there is no noise or vibration inside. The suspension is the best in its class.

The Airconditioning chills quick and very pleasant. All one touch buttons, power windows, keyless entry, central locking, Engine Immobiliser...What else we need for its price?

Looks:-

Best in its class. Old but yet gold design is defanitely a punch. I love the silver grill finish and superb metallic paint.

Build Quality:-

Picture Perfect. The quality of plastics are very good. Seats, switches and interiors makes no noise or vibration irrespective of speeds. The paint quality is amazing. Glitters like a jewel.

Reliability:-

Solid Build car...I admire its stability even in bad roads. I pushed till 80 KMPH (though its not recommended to rush during running-in period), the engine response, steering control are amazing at any given speeds so far. I didnt go for ABS, but still the braking is very effective, I could stop it very sharp in Highways as well as fluctuating traffics. I have taken my friend's accent till 140 kmph. Its stable even at that speed. Infact it was one of my considerations to go for this car.

Fuel Economy:-

The mileage figures are as expected. 10 KMPL in city and 12 KMPL in Highways. Its not bad though..i have a lot of power and comfort...for which I can compromise.

I believe, its better to have a car that returns 10 KMPL and pushes you behind the barriers than having a car that returns 16, 17, 19 KMPL but dies for power.

No Kidding.

Value For Money:-

Great. I paid 5.75 Lakhs on-road after discounts...The car is fully loaded with features and has better power, comfort, space, handling, quality and satisfaction than any other hatch backs similar to this price tag. Sedan is always a sedan. No compromise...no kidding...To me its a great deal for the price offered.

Verdict:-

Accent is a power packed proven machine...with lot of fun inside. Any other cars with similar offerings would cost more than 30% of its price tag. Its a perfect tourer. One can realize its full power only during highway travel. I'm hearing everywhere that Hyundai Accent will be phased out soon. If the information is true, then I would say Hyundai is doing a big blunder. They are going to loose one of the excellent product lines...If I have the power of Hyundai CEO, I would discontinue i20 and Verna Transform instead which is far far inferior in looks with unaffordable price. My advise to Hyundai is start revamping accent and come up with some good solutions rather discontinuing it.  No car can beat Accent in its class.

Guys, I would recommend you to buy this car rather buying costly hatch backs. I bet this will beat any other hatch backs in terms of power, price and punch.