Used 2015 Hyundai Accent

The Accent is Hyundai’s least expensive car, but it’s also welcome proof of how far the automaker has come in a few short years. Once relegated to "econobox" status, today’s Accent looks and feels more substantial than its sub-$16,000 starting price might suggest. Available as a sedan or 5-door hatchback, the 2015 Hyundai Accent offers value, efficiency and easy operation. It’s not as fun to drive as subcompact rivals like the Ford Fiesta or Mazda2, nor quite as versatile as the Honda Fit, but in addition to its polite road manners, the Accent boasts Hyundai’s class-leading warranty that includes a generous 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain guarantee.

For the most part, today’s economy cars are no longer "penalty boxes," and that’s certainly true for the Hyundai Accent. Whether driving on congested inner-city streets or an open highway, Hyundai’s lowest-priced car left us feeling content. The Accent’s frugal 4-cylinder isn’t stingy when it comes to power, but we were disappointed by the rubbery and vague 6-speed manual transmission. We instead recommend the 6-speed automatic that provides smooth and precise shifts without any significant loss in fuel economy. The Hyundai Accent’s seats are comfortable and supportive, but rear-seat legroom is tight. If the Accent has a weak spot, it’s in driving dynamics, or lack thereof. We weren’t expecting VW GTI-like maneuvers, but in a matchup with the Ford Fiesta or Mazda2, the Accent was far more at home on the highway than the twisty roads that beckon those more dynamic rivals.

The 2015 Hyundai Accent’s 5-passenger interior layout isn’t all that exciting, but it is functional. Controls for audio, climate and phone connectivity are easy to locate and use. The backlit buttons and knobs are a nice touch and especially useful at night. Sedan versions of the Accent have a 13.7-cubic-foot trunk and 60/40-split folding rear seats to accommodate larger items. But the real cargo-carrying hero in this lineup is the Accent hatchback, which offers 47.5 cubic feet of capacity with the seats folded – nearly as much as a small SUV.

Using the same "fluidic sculpture" design language incorporated into other newer Hyundai models, the 2015 Accent hatchback and sedan stand out with dynamic and sculptural lines that give this subcompact an upscale look. A newly styled grille, headlights and taillights help keep Hyundai’s subcompact looking fresh, especially in 5-door hatchback form. Accent Sport 5-door models look the most appealing with satin chrome door handles, rear spoiler, fog lights and side mirrors with integrated turn signals. Speaking of mirrors, the driver’s side blind-spot mirror aids visibility.

GENEROUS WARRANTY
One of the most appealing aspects of all new Hyundai models is a feature you hope to never use: the warranty. But if you do, there’s no beating this one, which includes five-years/60,000-miles basic coverage and 10 years/100,000 miles for powertrain components like the engine and transmission.

STANDARD 172-WATT AUDIO SYSTEM
The 2015 Accent comes with a 172-watt, 6-speaker audio system featuring SiriusXM satellite radio and USB/iPod and auxiliary ports. Optional is Bluetooth connectivity that allows music streaming.

The Hyundai Accent is available in three trims: the sedan-only GLS, and the GS and Sport hatchbacks. All come with air conditioning, power windows and door locks, 172-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3/satellite radio with USB/iPod integration, 6-way adjustable driver’s seat, folding rear seats and heated outside mirrors. The top-line Accent Sport is the best dressed of the bunch, with standard tilt and telescoping steering wheel, automatic headlights, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, 16-inch wheels and sport-tuned steering, leather-covered shift knob and steering wheel, and high-gloss interior accents. In addition to that generous warranty, new Hyundais come with five years/unlimited miles of 24-hour roadside assistance.

All 2015 Accent trims can be had with a 6-speed automatic transmission in lieu of the 6-speed manual. Most other major extras are bundled into packages. If buying the Accent sedan, we recommend spending the extra $600 on the Popular Equipment Package that includes cruise control, Bluetooth, telescoping steering wheel and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. A Style Package adds upgraded cloth interior, fog lights, rear disc brakes, 16-inch alloy wheels and projector headlights with LED accents. Both packages are tied to Accent sedans with automatic transmissions. The top-line Accent Sport hatchback with automatic transmission can be had with a power sunroof.

All 2015 Hyundai Accent models use a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with gasoline direct injection (GDI) that translates to satisfying throttle response. Offering 137 horsepower and up to 38 mpg, this little engine puts out a good blend of power and efficiency. All Accent models are front-wheel drive and use a standard 6-speed manual transmission or the more recommendable and popular 6-speed automatic transmission with Hyundai’s Shiftronic manual control.

1.6-liter inline-4
137 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
123 lb-ft of torque @ 4,850 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 27/38 mpg (manual), 26/37 mpg (automatic)