2005 Hyundai Accent Review

Specifications

Youve Really Never Seen a Hyundai like This Before

“Youve never seen a Hyundai like this before.” As often as quoting a tagline for a commercial is cliché in the world of journalism, I couldnt resist adding this one, simply because I - or you, for that matter - really havent seen a Hyundai like this before. The Accent SR Concept adds a whole new dimension to the recently updated Accent, and justifiably has been causing commotion in Frankfurt and across the world. It should make Hyundai rather proud.

Enthusiasm, particularly for subcompact economy-minded hatchbacks is never very high, although with todays fuel prices, passing by the pumps while less thrifty vehicles line up to make yet another deposit in the OPEC war chest might make you feel pretty patriotic; but there are quite a few reasons why the Accent SR Concept is rising to the top of many peoples “must see” list at this years auto show circuit. For one, the car that its based on, the upcoming Accent sedan, is about as appealing as a bowl of unfrosted (whole wheat) Wheaties. I find it difficult to get excited about the Accent sedan, even if it does offer a class-leading airbag count, excellent reliability and variable valve timing on its minutely-sized four cylinder engine.

Instead, the SR Concept is a foreshadowing of things to come. We unfortunately got the short end of the stick with the debut of the sedan in Detroit earlier this year, but Europeans will get a tasty treat at this years Frankfurt motor show; the Accent SR features a yet-to-be seen three-door body style of the car, and boy does it ever change the viewing perspective. The SR is smaller than the sedan by a fair margin, measuring in at 158.9 inches in length, 68.7 inches in width, and 57.9 inches in height. Without its bulging biceps and triple-E sized shoes, the Accent Sedan is also narrower. Overall dimensions, by comparison are 168.6 inches, 66.7 inches, 57.9 inches for length, width and height respectively.

But what really makes the difference for the SR is the styling tweaks that Hyundai has given it. If it werent for the slightly odd looking front grille with indented Hyundai logo, it could very well be a completely new vehicle. Completely new headlamps that are slimmer around the sides with black bezels, feature blue high-intensity discharge bulbs that give the nose a leaner look, while low-mounted LED cornering lamps add pizzazz. The hatchback style which Hyundai pursued is more traditional than before; gone is the faux trunk and the notchback look in favor of a regular tailgate. A similar theme is also used for the tail lamps - clear lenses, black bezels, bright colored bulbs.

My boy racer side, that I often suppress, is calling out to me with this car. I cant resist its heavily flared fenders, creased haunches, and a skirt package thats actually functional. That scoop on the rear rocker panel actually feeds cool air to the rear brakes, while the rooftop spoiler should help to keep the cars tail glued to the ground. The wheels on the Accent SR are detailed split, five-spoke 18-inch alloy rims wrapped in 225/40R 18 rubber. Finished off with a coat of cool white paint, the SR is about as clean as OEM tuner cars come. Its sharp lines give it a look thats right at home in Frankfurt, and wouldnt seem out of place standing next to Fords very orange Focus ST. Goodness, has Hyundai ever come far!

Even more impressive is the fine detail that has gone into creating the interior. The general shapes present are recognizable, but everythings touch sensitive, and brightly illuminated. Awesome! The center console has been reworked and upholstered for jaw-dropping reverence. The interior has a two-toned theme of light and dark low-sheen gray plastics, accented with high-gloss black trim. Twist the key and everything comes to life, from the Star-Trek blue gauges, blue ambient lighting to all that trim, which illuminates to show touch-sensitive buttons. Controls for the power windows, mirrors, heated seats, climate control, cruise control and many other functions are retrofitted to include a massive 8-inch LCD display with three USB 2.0 plugs for peripherals.

While the Playstation generation that this vehicle is aimed at is more interested in appearances, unadulterated performance and the admittedly cool brushed alloy trim, the Accent SR also appeals to a more sensible side. ABS, ESP stability control and a full set of airbags including front, side and curtain-type, have been fitted to the concept, ensuring that what lurks beneath its hood can be contained. If Hyundai could just translate the detail, innovation and expensive-feeling materials of the SR concept into production, it would be a smash hit, no doubt.

Mechanically, it appears that the Accent SR is a twin to the Kia Sport concept which was shown at the Paris Motor Show in 2004. Both cars ride on a 98.4 inch wheelbase, with MacPherson Struts up front, torsion beam suspension in rear and are powered through the front wheels. Seemingly borrowed from the Sport is the powertrain, consisting of a 2.0-liter inline-four thats been turbocharged to liberate an undisclosed amount of horsepower. Given the Kia Sports output of 200-hp, its most likely the same. Unfortunately, a new gearbox wasnt developed, as the engine is still mated to a five-speed automatic. Major coincidence? No, given both cars target a similar demographic, but either way its got the power and the performance to satisfy young speed-frenzied drivers - just need to drop an aftermarket six-speed manual in between the front seats to make it perfect.

Believe it or not, the Accent SR actually stands a chance of becoming a reality, even though Hyundai claims that the car isnt scheduled to be mass produced. With Hyundais possibly moving the Tiburon up market, or at least a decision to build a more powerful personal coupe on a larger chassis with rear wheel drive has been made, there is a clear open road for a pocket-rocket style compact. If Hyundai could bring something similar to the Accent SR to market within a reasonable amount of time, brands from all over the world would really need to reconsider their sport compact offerings.