Hyundai Accent

Manufacturer	Hyundai Motor Company
Production	1994–present
Predecessor	Hyundai Excel
Class	Subcompact car
Layout	FF layout

The Hyundai Accent (Korean: 현대 엑센트), or Hyundai Verna (현대 베르나) in South Korea, is a subcompact car produced by Hyundai. In Australia, the first generation models carried over the Hyundai Excel name used by the Accent's predecessor. The Accent was replaced in 2000 by the Hyundai Verna in South Korea, although most international markets retained the "Accent" name. The Hyundai Verna is marketed in the U.S. as the Hyundai Accent.

The Accent is produced for the Chinese market by Beijing Hyundai Co., a joint venture with Beijing Automotive Industry Corp. For Russian market it is assembled by TagAZ plant in Taganrog. In Mexico, the Accent is marketed by Chrysler as the Dodge Attitude, previously Verna by Dodge. In Venezuela, Chrysler marketed them as Dodge Brisa until 2006. The Brisa was assembled by Mitsubishi Motors at its plant in Barcelona, Venezuela. Since 2002, the Accent had been the longest-running small family car sold in North America. In Puerto Rico, it has been sold as the Hyundai Brio.

In 2008, Hyundai Accent was named the most dependable sub-compact car by J.D. Power and Associates.^[1]

First generation (X3; 1995–1999)[link]

First generation (X3)

Also called	Hyundai Accent Verna (Venezuela) Hyundai Excel Hyundai Pony Bimantara Cakra (Indonesia) Kia Qianlima (China)[2][3][4] Dodge Brisa (Venezuela)
Production	1994–1999 (South Korea) 1995–2006 (Egypt)
Assembly	Ulsan, South Korea Cairo, Egypt (Ghabbour Group)[5] İzmit, Turkey (Hyundai Assan)[6] Gaborone, Botswana (TMBC)[7] Barcelona, Anzoátegui, Venezuela
Body style	4-door sedan 3-door hatchback 5-door hatchback 2-door coupe
Engine	1.3 L I4 1.5 L I4 1.6 L I4
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	2,400 mm (94.5 in)
Length	Hatchback: 4,100 mm (161.4 in) Sedan: 162.1 in (4,117 mm)
Width	1,620 mm (63.8 in)
Height	1,395 mm (54.9 in)

The Hyundai Accent (X3) was introduced as a replacement for the Excel for the 1995 model year. It continued to be called Dodge Brisa in Venezuela or Hyundai Excel in some markets, such as the Netherlands, Belgium and Australia. In France, it was called the Hyundai Pony.

In Australia, the X3 proved so popular (due to its low price and reliability^{[citation needed]}) that it was the third best-selling vehicle in the country in both 1996 and 1998. In the latter year, it achieved more than 44,000 sales (a 5.5% share of the total market), a record figure at the time, for an imported car. Between 1994 and 2000, some 200,000 X3s were sold in Australia, making it arguably the most successful imported vehicle in the country's history.

Also in Australia, from 11/97 onwards, these model were fitted standard with a DOHC 1.5L. The G4FK was a replacement for the tired G4EK SOHC. The new engine produced 74 kW (101 PS; 99 hp) at 6000 rpm and a max torque of 134 N·m (99 lb·ft) at 4000 rpm. This engine was available in America in the Accent GT.^{[citation needed]}

The Accent was sold in saloon (sedan), hatchback, and coupé form in the UK, with a choice of three engines for each: a 1.3 12v (85 hp), 1.5 12v (92 hp) and a 1.5 16v (105 hp) petrol. There was no diesel option (until the 2003 redesign). A GSi spec car was the top-specification Accent.

The MVi-spec coupé version won particular praise for its handling agility in the UK. Although the Accent was cheap to buy and insure, its engines were quite thirsty; the 1.5-litre returned 33 mpg_-imp (8.6 L/100 km; 27 mpg_-US) average according to list figures.

Though manuals exist for Accents before and after 1999, a manual for 1999 Hyundai Accent has not been published. Additionally, owners of the 1999 model were informed by their dealers that the power output of the 1.5 L engine was in fact rated at 88 horsepower (66 kW).^{[citation needed]}

Safety[link]

The 1998 Hyundai Accent was crash-tested by the European New Car Assessment Programme and showed rather poor performance, scoring only 4 points out of 16 for frontal impact.^[8] The passenger compartment became unstable in the crash test.^[8] It was determined that there was an unacceptable high risk of chest injury during side impact crash, as a result, the car would not meet the minimum legal requirment in 1999.^[8] The Swedish insurance company, Folksam, rates the 1st-gen Accent as one of the safest cars in its weight class.^[9]

• 

  1994–1998 Hyundai Excel Sprint 3-door, Australia

• 

  1994–1998 Hyundai Excel LX sedan, Australia

• 

  1994–1998 Hyundai Excel LX sedan, Australia

• 

  1996 Hyundai Accent 3-door, Canada

• 

  1997–1999 Hyundai Accent hatchback, US

• 

  1998–2000 Hyundai Excel GLX sedan, Australia

Second generation (LC; 2000–2005)[link]

Second generation (LC)

Also called	Dodge Verna Giad Accent (Sudan) Hyundai Accent Admire Hyundai Accent Verna Hyundai Brio Hyundai Avega Hyundai Verna Hyundai Verna Viva
Production	1999–2005 continues in Russia, Indonesia, and India
Assembly	Ulsan, South Korea Kerman, Iran Cairo, Egypt Chennai, India Taganrog, Russia (TagAZ)[10] İzmit, Turkey (Hyundai Assan)[6] Khartoum, Sudan (Giad)[11]
Body style	4-door sedan 3-door hatchback 5-door hatchback
Engine	1.6 L I4 (2003–06) 1.5 L I4 (2000–02) 1.5 L I4 (2003, Canada) 1.6 L I4 (2002–03)
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	2,440 mm (96.1 in)
Length	1999–2002 Sedan:4,235 mm (166.7 in) 2002–2005 Sedan:4,260 mm (167.7 in) 1999–2002 3-Door Hatchback: 4,215 mm (165.9 in) 1999–2002 3-Door Hatchback: 4,215 mm (165.9 in) 2002–2005 5-Door Hatchback:4,215 mm (165.9 in) 2002–2005 5-Door Hatchback:4,215 mm (165.9 in)
Width	1999–2002:1,670 mm (65.7 in) 2002–2005:1,680 mm (66.1 in)
Height	1,395 mm (54.9 in)

The redesigned 2000 Accent (LC) sported a more angular body and increased dimensions. It received a minor facelift in 2003, and was given the model code LC2. When the Accent sedan underwent a 2006 redesign, the hatchback continued on sale during 2006 only in Canada, since the hatchback skipped the 2006 model year for the United States. But for Korea, it was the first model with the new nameplate: Verna.

The Accent got new 1.5-litre 12-valve SOHC and 16-valve DOHC engines: the 1.3 continued unchanged. A 1.6-litre replaced the 1.5 engine for 2000. This Accent was also the first to get a diesel version, with a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder direct injection turbodiesel, which was badged CRDi.

Trim levels were GSi, CDX and MVi: this was standard on most export versions, although some European markets had their own designations with names like DynamicVersion etc. Some markets used LS and GLS.

In North America the Accent was available in GL, GLS and GT trim levels only, with the 1.5-litre engine at first, then the 1.6-litre engine from 2002. The GT version was similar to the MVi version marketed in Europe and Oceania, although the body kit was not as overtly hot hatch styled.

During 2003 in Canada, the hatchback was offered as a GS or GSi with a 1.5L or 1.6L engine, respectively.

It is still sold in Indonesia (as Hyundai Avega, 5-door, with 1.5L engine), India and Russia (produced by TagAZ) as the Hyundai Accent side-by-side with the 3rd generation model which is sold as the Hyundai Verna. It was launched in India in October 1999 and is still in production there.

Engines:

• 1.5 L 12-valve SOHC Alpha I4, 92 hp (69 kW) @5500 rpmand 97 lb·ft (132 Nm) @2900 rpm**0–100 km/h: 12.0 sec., top speed: 181 km/h (112 mph)
• 1.5 L 16-valve DOHC Alpha I4, 101 hp (75 kW) and 98 lb·ft (133 Nm)
  • 0–100 km/h: 11.6 sec., top speed: 185 km/h (115 mph)
• 1.6 L 16-valve DOHC Alpha I4, 104 hp (78 kW) and 106 lb·ft (144 Nm)
  • 0–100 km/h: 10.9 sec., top speed: 189 km/h (117 mph)
• 1.5 L CRDi Alpha I3, 108 hp (78 kW) and 106 lb·ft (144 Nm)
  • 0–100 km/h: 11.8 sec., top speed: 179 km/h (111 mph)

Safety[link]

Pre-2003 model (a 3-door hatchback) was crash tested by Australian Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) under the rules as adopted by Euro NCAP. It scored 10.76 out of 16 points for frontal offset impact and 10.96 out of 16 in the side impact test.^[12]

The same un-restyled model, a 4-door sedan (which is still in production in Russia and Egypt) had been crash tested by Russian magazine Autoreview in 2005.^[13] Test was carried out to the Euro NCAP regulations. Despite the lack of airbags (which are not available in the cheapest version of Accent on the Russian market) it scored 9.9 of 16 for frontal impact.^[14]

The 2003 restyled model was tested by ANCAP, too. The 3-door hatchback scored 9.19 of 16 points for frontal impact and 9.76 out of 16 in the side impact crash test.^[15]

• 

  2000–2002 Hyundai Accent GL sedan (US)

• 

  2000–2003 Hyundai Accent GL 3-door (Australia)

• 

  2000–2003 Hyundai Accent GL 5-door (Australia)

• 

  2004 Hyundai Accent 3-door (US)

Third generation (MC; 2006–2011)[link]

Third generation (MC)

Also called	Hyundai Accent Era Hyundai Brio Hyundai Avega Hyundai Verna Beijing-Hyundai Accent Dodge Attitude
Production	2005–2011
Assembly	İzmit, Turkey (Hyundai Assan)[16] Ulsan, South Korea Beijing, China Chennai, India Ayala Ave., Makati City, Philippines Cherkasy, Ukraine
Body style	4-door sedan 3-door hatchback
Engine	1.4 L I4 94hp 1.6 L Alpha II I4 110hp 1.5 L I4 CRDi
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	2500 mm (98.4 in)
Length	Hatchback: 4045 mm (159.2 in) Sedan: 4280 mm (168.5 in) Verna Transform Sedan: 4300 mm (169.3 in)
Width	1695 mm (66.7 in)
Height	1470 mm (57.9 in)
Related	Kia Rio

Hyundai introduced a new-generation Accent (MC) at the 2005 New York International Auto Show. A new exterior, larger interior, and CVVT engine are the notable features.

A single trim level, GLS, is available in the United States for the sedan. This sedan includes 6 airbags, air conditioning, power steering with tilt, with optional four-wheel disc antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, and a 6-speaker CD stereo. A premium sport package includes air conditioning, 15 inch alloy wheels, power windows and heated mirrors, and remote power door locks. An automatic transmission is also available.

Hyundai began selling the 3-door hatchback in the United States during the spring 2006 as a 2007 model year vehicle. The 3-door is available in two trims – GS and SE. The GS is equipped much like the GLS sedan, with some equipment deleted for a base price of US$10,415. The SE replaces the former Accent GT, offering a sport-tuned suspension, 16 in. alloy wheels, and other sporting features, along with available dealer-installed performance parts such as a cold-air intake and suspension stress bar. The SE is sold as the Verna Sport in Korea. The Hyundai Accent SR is exclusive to Canada and only 500 have been made, this version is like the Accent SE, but in addition has the fender flares, front lip, rear lip, and exhaust tip. Also included with the SR version is the Clarion sound system with, 4channel Amplifier with 400 Watts, 7 speaker Audio System, with 10-inch (250 mm) Subwoofer in a custom made box. Dash also has a Carbon Fiber Trim Kit added to it. For the 2010 model year a "Blue" trim level has been introduced for the Accent with a base price of only US$9,970.^[17] The Accent Blue is only available as a 3-door hatchback with a manual transmission, the sole option being air-conditioning which adds $1,000 to the price.

The Accent is presently the third-bestselling subcompact car in the United States, trailing after its rivals the Chevrolet Aveo and Toyota Yaris.^{[citation needed]} In 2010, Forbes named the Accent amongst the ten worst cars for depreciation.^[18]

In Europe, this model was heavily promoted by the motoring press, and even Hyundai themselves, as a "stopgap" model – that it was intended merely to plug the gap in Hyundai's range until a brand new small family car was launched in 2007. The new car, the Hyundai i30, replaced both the Accent and the larger Hyundai Elantra. The name change helped to distance the new model from the budget reputation of the Accent, and also to highlight that the new car can truly compete in the small family hatchback sector – something the Accent was slightly too small to do, and the Elantra too large.^{[citation needed]} The Accent continued to be sold in the U.S. in 2008 with an instrument panel overhaul and standard rear cupholders in the SE model.^{[citation needed]}

Engines:

• 1.4 L I4, 95 PS (70 kW; 94 hp) and 127 N·m (94 lb·ft)
• 1.6 L CVVT Alpha II I4, 112 PS (82 kW; 110 hp) and 145 N·m (107 lb·ft)
• 1.5 L D I4 turbodiesel, 110 PS (81 kW; 108 hp) and 235 N·m (173 lb·ft), fitted with common rail direct injection and variable geometry turbocharger

In Mexico, this is marketed as the Dodge Attitude: trim levels are 1.4 GL and 1.6 GLS. Hyundai is only involved at the commercial level in Mexico.

In India, it is marketed as Hyundai Verna. Previous generation is also under production and that is marketed as Accent.

In Egypt it's sold as Hyundai new accent (1.6 GLS only) and the previous model is still locally produced & sold as Hyundai Verna (1.6 GL and GLS trims)

In 2008, Hyundai Accent received the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles among compact multi-activity vehicles in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Vehicle Dependability StudySM. Study based on responses from over 52,000 original owners of 2005 model-year vehicles, measuring more than 250 models. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of owners surveyed in January to April 2008.^[1]

Safety[link]

In 2006, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Accent received an Acceptable overall score in the frontal crash test and a Poor overall score for in the side impact test without its optional side airbags. It didn't perform well even when equipped with side airbags, performance of the car's structure is marginal there would likely be injuries to internal organs, ribs and pelvis.^[19][20][21] In 2007, 2006 year model of Hyundai Accent had been tested by ANCAP in June 2007. It scored 3 star in the Occupant Protection, and 2 star in Pedestrian Protection Rating.^[22]

In 2009, According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Safety Rating,^[23]

• Frontal Crash

Driver:

Passenger:

• Side Rating

Front Seat:

Rear Seat:

• 

  Hyundai Accent SR (sold only in Canada for 2007)

• 2007-09 Dodge Attitude.jpg

  2007–2009 Dodge Attitude (Mexico)

• 

  2010 Hyundai Accent Blue hatchback (US)

• 

  Hyundai Verna Transform

Hybrid[link]

Hyundai debuted a demonstration version of a hybrid (MC/JB) Accent^[24] at the 2005 Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China. It uses a 90 hp (67 kW), 1.4 L engine with continuously variable valve timing and a 16 hp (11.9 kW) electric motor to achieve 44% better fuel economy. Though originally scheduled for production release in the 2006 model year, introduction of the production version has been delayed indefinitely, along with the Kia Rio hybrid.^{[citation needed]}

The hybrid Accent is expected to be introduced at the same time as a hybrid version of the Kia Rio, the Kia twin of the Accent. A concept model of the Kia Rio hybrid was shown at the 2007 Geneva Auto Show.^{[citation needed]}

Fourth generation (RB; 2010–present)[link]

Fourth generation

Also called	Hyundai Accent Blue Hyundai Accent WIT (Hatchback, South Korea) Hyundai Solaris Hyundai Verna Hyundai Grand Avega (Hatchback) Dodge Attitude (Mexico)[25] Hyundai i25 Accent (Colombia)[26]
Production	2010–present
Model years	2012–present
Body style	4-door sedan 5-door hatchback
Engine	1.4L Gamma I4 petrol 1.6L Gamma I4 petrol 1.6L Gamma II GDI I4 petrol 1.4L CRDI I4 U-Line diesel 1.6L CRDI I4 U-Line diesel
Transmission	5-speed manual 6-speed manual 4-speed automatic 6-speed automatic
Wheelbase	2,570 mm (101.2 in)
Length	4,115 mm (162.0 in) (hatchback) 4,370 mm (172.0 in) (sedan)
Width	1,705 mm (67.1 in)
Height	1,455 mm (57.3 in)
Related	Hyundai i20 Hyundai ix20 Kia Soul Kia Rio (UB) Kia K2

Hyundai released the Korean version of the Accent (RB series) on November 2010. The new model is offered with the same 1.6 liter engine and 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual as the fifth-generation (MD) Elantra. The car reverted to the "Accent" name as used in the X3 series.^[27] The hatchback version, called Accent WIT, replaces the Getz/Click in South Korea.

In China, Beijing Hyundai released the China-exclusive model of this model under the "Verna" name on August 23, 2010.^[28]

In January 2011, the sedan had its North American debut and the hatchback had its world debut at the Montreal Auto Show.^[29]

There are two new engines matched with the new Verna including a 1.4 with 106 horsepower (79 kW), and a 1.6 with 138 hp (103 kW). Both featuring the latest technology in variable valve timing (1.4 "VVT") and direct fuel injection (1.6 "GDI").

In September 2010, Hyundai unveiled its Russian assembly line and presented the "Hyundai Solaris" a production-ready local version of the four-door fourth generation Accent. Hyundai reported that production will commence in January 2011.^[30] The Accent badge remains reserved for the second-generation Accents still produced in Taganrog on TagAZ plant. Hyundai Solaris available with 1.4 (107 hp) and 1.6 (123 hp) petrol engines, with 5-speed MT or 4-speed AT^[31].

In May 2011, Hyundai launched the Verna in India with four engine options including 1.4 litre petrol and diesel engines as well as 1.6 litre petrol and diesel engines. The second-generation (LC) continues to be sold in India as the Hyundai Accent with the latest RB version carrying the Verna brand. At the time of launch, the new Verna RB features safety and comfort options that were previously unavailable in the Indian market at this price point including the option of 6 airbags.^[32]

The Diesel variant has attracted more attention in India because of its fuel economy - as a result the response in India was overwhelming and Hyundai could not handle all the orders. There are delays expected with 2–3 month waits in most locations and up to 5 month waits in others.

Safety[link]

The 2012 Hyundai Accent was tested by the IIHS and received a "Good" rating in the frontal offset test, an "Acceptable" rating in the side impact test, and a "Good" rating in the roof strength test. It also received a "Good" rating in the rear crash protection (head restraint) test.^[33]

The 2012 Hyundai Accent was tested by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and received the following:^[34]

• Overall Rating:
• Frontal Crash:
• Side Crash: *
• Rollover:

The Hyundai Verna was crash-tested by China NCAP in 2011 and scored the maximum possible 5 stars.^[35]

2012 Hyundai Accent SE hatchback (US)

Motorsport[link]

WRC[link]

Kenneth Eriksson in an Accent WRC at the 2001 Rally Finland

Hyundai's Accent World Rally Car competed in an official capacity, spawning three generations, in the World Rally Championship from 2000 to 2003. After development and testing in 1999, the Hyundai World Rally Team and Motor Sport Developments (MSD) debuted the Accent WRC at the 2000 Swedish Rally.^[36] The second evolution, Accent WRC2, featured revised aerodynamics, active front differential, longer suspension travel and improved suspension top mounts, although most of the attention was directed at improving reliability. Like its predecessor's, the car's best result in a WRC event remained a fourth place.^[37] The Accent WRC3, featuring new dampers and engine internals among other changes, debuted at the 2002 Tour de Corse.^[38] Due to budget constraints, the car's development was virtually halted during the 2003 season. In September, Hyundai announced its withdrawal from the WRC.^[39]

The car, though, in such capable hands across its lifespan as the four-time world champion Juha Kankkunen, ex-Subaru rally-winning and former Group A champion Kenneth Eriksson and former British Rally Champion Alister McRae, albeit the former two in the twilight of their careers, was reasonably competitive at times and showed some promise. Belgian Freddy Loix and 1991 Rally Catalunya winner Armin Schwarz were among the other drivers so long synonymous with life in the works-fettled Accents.^{[citation needed]}

Junior Formula series[link]

In India, Hyundai is the sole engine supplier for Formula LGB Hyundai, built by the Chain and Sprocket giant LGB. The single make series is promoted at grassroots level acting as a launch pad for future Formula One hopefuls. The Accent engine is supplied in Stock form albeit after some engine control unit modifications.^{[citation needed]}

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Hyundai Accent

• Official Hyundai Accent US website
• Official 2007 Hyundai Accent Hatchback Microsite