2010 Hyundai Accent

Press release

How did Hyundai improve Accent’s EPA fuel economy for 2010 without adding thousands of dollars to the price like a hybrid does? The answer is the introduction of the high mileage “Blue” edition and smart engineering to all Accent models. Accent’s fuel efficiency is improved by up to nine percent, reaching as high as 36 miles per gallon on the highway which is better than Honda Fit and Nissan Versa.

ACCENT BLUE AND FUEL ECONOMY ADVANCEMENTS

All 2010 Accents receive lower friction engine components, aerodynamic improvements, lower-rolling-resistance silica tires, a “smart” alternator management system and other enhancements all aimed at reducing fuel consumption. The Accent Blue receives the same treatment plus revised transmission gear ratios and lowered ride height to achieve even greater fuel efficiency. In fact, the Blue edition is the lowest priced Accent, starting around $10,000. It also has the highest highway fuel economy with 36 miles per gallon and the highest combined fuel economy of 31 miles per gallon, achieving one of the highest MPG-per-dollar ratios in the industry. This new high mileage Accent will be identified with unique “Blue” badging.

To help Accent drivers get the most out of their cars Hyundai has added an economy indicator. The “eco indicator” on automatic transmission models is a green ECO light to indicate when the driver is achieving good fuel economy. Manual transmission models have a EcoShift indicator to inform drivers of the optimal time to shift. 

NEW EQUIPMENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2010

Steering wheel audio controls, blue back-lit gauges and an iPod/USB jack also make debuts on Accent. Now when an iPod is connected to the iPod/USB port, located in the front storage area, not only does it play music through the vehicle’s six-speaker audio system, but also charges the iPod. The iPod/USB input also allows the driver to access tracks with the new steering wheel audio controls. This new system also enables both driver and passengers to easily view song/artist/title information and control the music from the audio head unit rather than from the iPod itself.

INTERIOR SPACE AND UNEXPECTED FEATURES

Interior space and unexpected features keep Accent a class above the competition. The Accent has more total interior volume than either the Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic – both cars that are a vehicle class above Accent and priced thousands of dollars more. Unexpected features include a B&M Racing® sport shifter and XM Satellite Radio® with three months of free service. The Accent SE’s standard B&M shifter adds shorter throw-lengths and more precision performance-tuned driving dynamics and Accent is still the only car in its class to offer XM Satellite Radio with three months of free service as standard equipment with the vehicle’s audio system.

Offered in a four-door sedan (the Accent GLS) and three-door models (the Accent Blue, GS and SE), Accent continues to offer a high level of standard safety, power and economy in its class.

ADVANCED SAFETY FEATURES

In a bold stroke in this price-sensitive market segment, Hyundai has outfitted the Accent with state-of-the-art standard safety technologies highlighted by six airbags, including dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags covering both rows of seating. The combination of side and curtain airbags, which help protect the head and body during side impacts, can reduce fatalities by more than 45 percent according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). All Accents come equipped with front seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters, which are designed to tighten the seatbelt in the event of a collision. This safety package helped the Accent GLS four-door receive a five-star frontal crash safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) is optional on the GS and GLS and standard on the SE.

REFINED AND CONFIDENT DESIGN

Hyundai designers gave the Accent GLS a distinctive look within its market segment. Upscale details like a chrome-accented grille combine with bold tail lights and strong character lines to deliver a standout presence. The roof-mounted flexible micro-antenna not only looks good, but also provides improved radio and satellite reception.

Externally, the three-door Accents reflect Hyundai’s sleek, confident design direction. Up front, the Blue, GS and SE feature an aggressive bodycolor grille with fog lights standard on the SE. Accent SE’s high-performance P205/45R16 tires and lightweight five-spoke 16-inch aluminum wheels provide a big dose of street credibility. A long wheelbase and higher seating position increase the spacious feeling of the interior. A rear spoiler and rear defroster are standard on all Accent three-door models with the GS and SE adding a standard rear wiper.

LARGE INTERIOR

The Accent’s smart design pays comfort dividends inside, with more total interior volume than either the Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic – both cars that are a vehicle class above Accent. The Accent four-door sedan has a total interior volume of 104.6 cubic feet, offering an unexpectedly spacious feel which bests the larger Civic sedan by 1.7 cubic feet. In addition, Accent four-door has more passenger volume than Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris and Chevrolet Aveo. Accent three-door also delivers class-leading interior volume in the three-door segment. Its total interior volume of 108.1 cubic feet makes it roomer than the Civic Coupe by 12.9 cubic feet. Front passengers enjoy class-leading legroom and rear passengers enjoy a class-leading 53.1 inches of shoulder room. Accent three-door’s cargo space is 15.9 cubic feet, a total of 6.6 cubic feet larger than the Yaris three-door.

Accent’s interior finish, attention to detail and color options have reset expectations in its market segment. There’s a handsome two-tone interior color scheme with either a gray or beige theme, or a sporty, black monotone interior that is available on Accent three-door. Analog instrumentation keeps the driver informed, while power steering, a tilt steering wheel and a six-way adjustable driver’s seat with fold-down armrest ensure long-haul comfort. Convenient storage areas are placed throughout the interior, including bins in the front and rear center console and glove compartment. GLS and SE add a passenger side seatback pocket and bottle holders in each door. Door storage pockets are standard on all trims, as are two more cupholders in front and another pair in the fold-down rear center armrest of the GLS. All Accents have a 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback making it easy to load large objects, or to mix cargo and passengers for maximum flexibility.

Hyundai has traditionally delivered high feature content for the money, and the Accent is no exception. Standard features are comprehensive, including two-speed variable intermittent wipers, adjustable head restraints for all seating positions, cabin air filtration, rear window defroster, tachometer, rear coat hook, digital clock, two 12-volt outlets and a remote hood release.

For audiophiles, the available 172-watt AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system includes auxiliary iPod/USB inputs, large-format display with easy-to-use controls and a total of six speakers positioned throughout the interior. While XM Satellite Radio is either optional or not available on most competitors, it comes standard with all Accent audio systems.

CLEAN, FUEL EFFICIENT ENGINE

The Accent is powered by a 1.6-liter DOHC in-line four cylinder engine that features four valves per cylinder with CVVT (Continuously Variable Valve Timing). The DOHC and CVVT combination gives the engine a very broad powerband, coupled with high fuel efficiency and low emissions.

With better breathing from the CVVT system, performance peaks at 110 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and torque is 106 lb.-ft. at 4,500 rpm. At 110 horsepower, Accent makes more horsepower than Yaris and Aveo. Fuel economy is equally impressive, achieving 36 mpg regardless of transmission choice. With a manual transmission, the Accent Blue’s EPA mileage is 27 mpg City and 36 mpg Highway. With the optional four-speed automatic transmission, the Accent’s 2010 EPA rating is 27 mpg City and 36 mpg Highway besting Versa and Fit on the highway.

Besides the added performance it provides, CVVT also helps the engine operate more cleanly, and the Accent is certified as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV). Part of the Alpha engine family, the Accent’s powerplant is a durable and technologically advanced unit that features a rigid cast-iron block and lightweight aluminum cylinder head. Engineered for the long haul, the Alpha is backed by a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.

TWO TRANSMISSION CHOICES

For engaging performance, the Accent comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission geared for quicker acceleration and a sporty personality. For added performance, the B&M Racing shifter provides shorter throw-lengths and more precision to Accent SE’s fun-to-drive nature. Also available is an optional four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and lock-up torque converter to maximize fuel economy at highway speeds.

REMARKABLE DRIVING DYNAMICS

Accent’s stiff body structure allows the affordable Accent to deliver a comfortable ride and responsive handling. Accent features a MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension both with coil springs and gas shock absorbers. A 21.0 mm diameter front stabilizer bar helps reduce body roll when cornering. Rack-and-pinion steering with engine-RPM sensing assist makes for low-effort maneuvering around town and a secure feel at high speed. At 33.1 feet Accent’s turning diameter is better than Fit’s 34.4 feet and Versa’s 34.2 feet.

Accent has been developed to satisfy unique consumer needs. The GLS four-door is tuned for comfort, but still feels agile. The Blue and GS three-door models have a unique steering rack with a sportier feel. The top-of-the-line SE trim sets the standard in the entry-level fun-to-drive category, delivering even more road-holding capability. Accent SE’s sport-tuned suspension features a 24 percent stiffer front spring rate, an 11 percent stiffer rear spring rate, a larger stabilizer bar (24 mm) and unique strut valving. This model’s 205/45R16 tires are tuned specifically for precision and improved lateral acceleration. Accent SE delivers a 70 percent increase in roll control over the GLS. To complete the performance package, Accent SE has standard four-sensor, four-channel Antilock Braking System (ABS). Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) is integrated into the ABS, automatically adjusting braking force front to rear based on vehicle load. 

QUALITY AND VALUE

The Accent’s many strengths make it not only a smart choice for buyers, but also a clear value leader in its segment. Advanced standard safety technologies give it an important edge. Accent has more passenger interior volume than the Chevrolet Aveo, Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit and Honda Civic, and upscale interior appointments make it remarkably comfortable and accommodating. New features for 2010 – like steering wheel audio controls and iPod/USB inputs – demonstrate Hyundai’s commitment to continually meeting higher customer expectations and being a class-above the competition. Add in the advantage of America’s Best Warranty™, including five years and 60,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and choosing Accent becomes an even simpler decision for the savvy buyer.

ACCENT “BLUE” THREE-DOOR – THE PERFECT ENTRY-LEVEL CAR

This year, Hyundai introduces a high mileage “Blue” edition of its Accent. When shoppers see the “Blue” badge it means the model delivers outstanding fuel economy without adding thousands of dollars to the price. In fact, the “Blue” model will be priced lower than any other Accent model, assuring it will be both efficient and economical. Hyundai is focused on achieving an excellent mpg-per-dollar ratio with its “Blue” models. Fuel-efficient modifications include low friction engine components, lower-rolling-resistance silica tires, an optimized thermostat, a “smart” alternator management system, improvements to the underbody airflow management, revised transmission gear ratios and lowered ride height.

Key standard equipment includes a five-speed manual transmission with EcoShift indicator, sport-tuned power assisted rack-and-pinion steering, dual front, side and head curtain airbags, variable intermittent windshield wipers, six-way adjustable driver seat with armrest, 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback, rear spoiler and rear window defroster. Accent builds on Hyundai’s reputation for offering loads of standard equipment by also adding adjustable head restraints for all seating positions, cabin air filtration, tachometer, digital clock, two 12-volt outlets and remote hood release.

ACCENT GS

In keeping with Hyundai’s high-value approach to standard equipment, the Accent GS offers standard automatic transmission, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, maplights, rear wiper, and bodycolor mirrors and door handles. Convenient storage areas are placed throughout the interior, including the front center console, driver storage tray and a rear storage tray. Two cupholders are ideally situated between the driver and passenger for easy reach. A 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback makes it easy to load large objects, or to mix cargo and passengers for maximum effectiveness. The roof-mounted micro antenna is aerodynamic, flexible and improves signal strength.

The GS Premium Package includes a 172-watt AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with 6 speakers and iPod/USB inputs, power windows with driver’s window auto-down feature, power mirrors and door locks and remote keyless entry with alarm and panic alert. And for the first time, ABS is available on the GS as part of the Premium Package.

ACCENT SE - ENTRY-LEVEL PERFORMANCE

The sport-oriented Accent SE takes value in an exciting new, fun-to-drive direction with the addition of the B&M Racing sport shifter. To complete the driving experience, the Accent SE features a sport-tuned suspension with unique springs, strut valving, stabilizer bar and steering gear – delivering in total a 70 percent increase in roll stiffness over the GS. Accent SE also features air conditioning, power sunroof, cruise control, a 172-watt AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers and auxiliary iPod/USB inputs, steering wheel audio controls, power windows with driver’s window auto-down feature, illuminated vanity mirrors, power door locks, remote keyless entry with alarm and panic alert and power-adjustable exterior mirrors. On the outside, the 16-inch alloy wheels and P205/45R16 tires deliver enhanced road-holding capability, and fog lights keep the driver’s path illuminated in adverse weather. The SE trim is equipped with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and metallic interior accents. Additional storage is available with a seatback pocket and front door bottle holders.

ACCENT GLS

To simplify the buying process, the four-door Accent sedan comes in a single GLS trim level with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. GLS trim offers a wide range of features, including several items that are either optional or unavailable on competitive vehicles such as a powerful 110-horsepower 1.6-liter CVVT engine, power steering, rear coat hook, 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback, AM/FM/XM /CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary iPod/USB inputs, driver and passenger illuminated vanity mirrors and standard air conditioning. There are a total of six airbags, including dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and roof mounted side-curtain airbags. Carpeted floor mats are optional. The GLS Premium Package includes ABS with EBD, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, power windows, mirrors, door locks, steering wheel audio controls and remote keyless entry with alarm and panic alert.