Los Angeles AutoShow: The 2014 Hyundai Accent

Since its current-generation introduction in April 2011, the Hyundai Accent has delivered extraordinary value by blending utility, style, performance and class-above features in a compelling package. Now in its third year of production, the 2014 model-year Accent includes more standard equipment and adds new style and convenience features.

[ads id=”0″ style=”float:left;padding:5px;”]One-touch triple turn signal, sliding sun visors and a driver’s blind spot mirror are now standard on all 2014 Accent trims for added safety and convenience. Stylish projector headlights with LED accents join a driver’s auto-up power window and tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel on 5-door SE and 4-door Premium Package models. The sporty 5-door SE adds an available B&M Racing Sport Shifter for added performance.

Accent’s product success has received attention from automotive and industry experts, being awarded various coveted awards and accolades since its reveal. Along with two designations from Ward’s AutoWorld in 2012, Accent was the highest rated subcompact sedan by a leading enthusiast magazine, above Chevrolet Sonic, Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris. This year, it won its second consecutive MotorWeek Driver’s Choice Award for Best Subcompact Car.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY FOR SUPERIOR FUEL ECONOMY
Selected as one of Ward’s 10 Best Engines in 2012, the Accent’s all-aluminum 1.6-liter Gamma four-cylinder engine features the latest innovations in engine technology to deliver an unsurpassed 138 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque and 27 mpg city and up to 38 mpg highway EPA-estimated fuel economy rating.

The engine’s most notable feature is its use of Gasoline Direct Injection (GDi), the first car with GDi technology in the subcompact category. By precisely controlling the injection of fuel, GDi allows for better fuel economy, increased power and reduced emissions. The application of Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts allows for increased efficiency, improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. Other elements resulting in reduced fuel consumption include an Alternator Management System, an offset crankshaft design, variable induction system and electronic throttle control. To reduce lifetime operation costs and increase reliability, the Gamma features a maintenance-free silent roller timing chain and innovative anti-friction coatings such as a CrN Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating..

Gamma highlights include:

• Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT)
• D-CVVT (intake and exhaust camshaft) camshafts and hydraulic engine mounts provide optimum power, efficiency and refinement. Using CVVT on both camshafts has several advantages when compared to using it only on the intake camshaft including an improvement in performance (increased volumetric efficiency) and fuel economy (reduced pumping loss), and a reduction in hydrocarbon emissions
• Roller Timing Chain
  • Helps increase the reliability of the Gamma 1.6-liter engine
• Electronic Throttle Control
  • This system accurately controls air intake and engine torque, improving drivability, response and fuel economy
• Innovative Anti-Friction Coatings

Working together, the complete range of engine technologies produce an engine that offers:

• Unsurpassed horsepower and specific output at 86 horsepower per liter
• Low emissions with ULEV certification
• High reliability backed by a 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty

Specifications Comparison– Unsurpassed Standard Horsepower and Specific Output

Several systems in the Accent contribute to optimal fuel efficiency. The vehicle can be equipped with an available six-speed manual or automatic with SHIFTRONIC manual control, delivering smooth and efficient power delivery. Low-rolling resistance silica tires and a slippery shape (0.30 cd) reduce friction with the road and the air. This aerodynamic shape also includes a kicked up trunk edge, wheel arches which shield the tires and an optimized engine undercover. Finally, the Active ECO system modifies engine and transmission control to smooth out throttle response. By turning on the Active ECO system, drivers can realize up to a seven percent increase in fuel economy.

Low Curb Weight
Despite the additional content, safety features and technology packed into the 2014 Accent, Hyundai has avoided the typical associated penalty of increased weight. A low curb weight corresponds to an improvement not only in fuel economy but all other dynamic areas. In fact, Accent by far offers the best power-to-weight ratio in its class, providing drivers with both low fuel consumption and responsive performance. Highlights that contribute to a low curb weight include the 1.6-liter Gamma GDi engine with aluminum block, monotube shock absorbers, integrated parking brake and a super-flat torque converter.

Power-to-Weight Ratio Comparison

SAFETY
A long list of safety features is included as standard equipment on all 2014 Accent models. A total of six airbags help protect occupants in the event of a collision, including two front impact airbags, two front seat-mounted side impact airbags, and curtain side-impact airbags for front and rear passengers. Accent’s standard front-seat active head restraints help prevent whiplash by automatically reducing the space between a front occupant’s head and the head restraint during certain rear collisions and are highly recommended by organizations such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Active front head restraints are not available on Fiesta or Mazda2.

Collision Load Dispersion
The Accent’s structure distributes the force of an impact to help maintain the integrity of the cabin. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control work together to help deliver confident handling in virtually all conditions. Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) integrates control of the ESC and motor-driven power steering (MDPS) to provide handling assistance in slippery conditions or in sudden cornering scenarios. The system can deliver counter-steering when required to help assist the driver in maintaining control of the vehicle.

Vehicle Stability Management

Braking System
An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) featuring Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) is also included. EBD apportions the braking force between front and rear axles to help maximize braking performance. In the event of a panic stop, BA ensures that maximum braking force is applied.

SMALL ON THE OUTSIDE, BIG ON THE INSIDE

All Accents ride on a 101.2 inch wheelbase, 2.8-inches longer than the previous generation. The Accent 4-door’s overall length has increased by 3.5 inches to 172 inches. Total length of the new five-door version is 162 inches. As a result, Accent enjoys superior interior volume and passenger space. While the car’s exterior dimensions are consistent with those of traditional subcompacts, Accent is classified by the EPA as a compact sedan thanks to its interior volume. Toyota Yaris and Ford Fiesta are classified as subcompact cars. In addition, the Accent five-door has more cargo capacity than the Nissan Juke. The Accent has best-in-class front and rear shoulder room, and the five-door also has more cargo volume than many of its compact five-door competitors.

Five-Door Subcompact Cargo Volume Comparison

Convenient storage spaces are included throughout the cabin, including bottle holders in the front doors and a storage tray at the base of the center console. A sliding armrest storage console is available, which is a segment first. Split and fold 60/40 rear seats are standard for increased cargo flexibility when transporting longer items. Not only does Accent have multiple storage areas, but it delivers more useable storage capacity while keeping an attractive appearance. Ward’s AutoWorld took notice of Accent’s thoughtful interior design, placing it on their 10 Best Interiors list in April 2012.

[ads id=”0″ style=”float:left;padding:5px;”]FEATURE-PACKED STANDARD AUDIO SYSTEM
2014 Accent’s standard 6-speaker, 172-watt audio system features SiriusXM, a CD/MP3 player and iPod/USB auxiliary jacks for ultimate flexibility while available Bluetooth technology lets drivers stream music, make calls, access contacts and call logs using audio system controls or the available steering wheel audio controls. Voice recognition and button layout have been improved from last year based on customer feedback.

CONFIDENT DRIVING DYNAMICS
The first step toward confident driving dynamics is a rigid structure. To this end, the 2014 Accent employs high-tensile strength steel to deliver a strong, light and stiff body. Increased stiffness allowed Hyundai engineers more flexibility in terms of suspension tuning. The end result is a better balance between handling precision and ride comfort. Accent employs a MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and twin-tube gas shock absorbers. The rear suspension is a torsion axle setup with coil springs and monotube shock absorbers.

All Accents have column-mounted, motor-driven electric power steering that adjusts to changing driving conditions while improving fuel economy over a conventional steering system. Accent’s turning diameter of 34.1 feet is better than Versa, Fiesta and Fit. The SE five-door model has a unique steering calibration for a sportier feel.

FLUIDIC SCULPTURE DESIGN

The 2014 Accent sports the company’s increasingly popular “Fluidic Sculpture” design. The vehicle’s exterior lines are intended to be futuristic, dynamic, and sleek. In a segment typically associated with staid designs, Accent stands out from the crowd. Hyundai’s signature hexagonal front grille and detailed swept-back headlights give Accent a compact athletic face. For added style, distinctive projector headlights with LED accents are included on five-door SE and four-door GLS Premium Package models. Five-door SE model adds a sporty roof-mounted spoiler and vertical taillights. For an assertive stance, 16-inch alloy wheels are available on GLS with Premium Package and standard on SE.

COLOR PALETTE
The 2014 Accent GLS is available with gray or beige two-tone interior. The five-door GS and SE trims are available with a gray interior or a monotone black interior. All Accents have cloth-like pillar trim made of fibrous tissue and volcanic rock for a premium look and feel.

The Accent features a bold exterior color palette with both light and dark colors including Century White, Ironman Silver, Triathlon Gray, Ultra Black, Boston Red, Mocha Bronze, Marathon Blue, Clearwater Blue and Electrolyte Green.

FEATURES AND AMENITIES WORTHY OF MORE EXPENSIVE CARS
Choosing a subcompact sedan no longer means foregoing comfort and convenience features. The 2014 Accent is offered in three trim levels. The affordable four-door GLS, the versatile, well equipped five-door GS and the sporty five-door SE.

Four-Door GLS

Key Standard Equipment:

• 1.6-liter GDI DOHC I4 engine with Dual CVVT
• Engine cover
• Hood insulator
• Active ECO System (A/T only)
• Trip Computer
• Six-speed manual transmission or
• Available six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC and Hillstart Assist Control
• Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS)
• 14-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers
• 175/70R14 low rolling resistance tires & TPMS
• Front, side and head curtain airbags
• Vehicle Stability Management, ESC with TCS
• ABS, EBD, and brake assist
• Front seatbelt pretensioner
• Active front head restraints
• Adjustable head restraints for all seating positions
• Tachometer
• Air conditioning
• Cabin air filter
• Power windows & heated mirrors
• Power door locks
• Remote keyless entry with panic
• AM/FM/Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with 6 speakers, iPod^®/USB auxiliary input jacks
• Tilt steering wheel
• One-touch triple turn signal
• Driver seat armrest
• Front door map pockets
• Front passenger seatback pocket
• 60/40 split folding rear seatback
• Dual vanity mirrors with sliding sun visors
• Sunglass holder
• Cloth door inserts
• Map, dome and cargo lights
• Six-way adjustable driver seat including height adjustment
• Front two-speed intermittent wiper
• Tinted glass with windshield shade band
• Bodycolor mirrors and door handles
• Driver’s blind spot mirror
• Rear defroster with timer
• Roof-mounted antenna

Four-Door GLS Standard Equipment (A/T):

• Six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC and Active ECO System and Hillstart Assist Control

Premium Package:

• Requires GLS A/T
• Steering wheel mounted audio controls
• Driver side auto-up window
• Cruise control
• Bluetooth hands-free phone system with voice recognition
• Premium cloth seats Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
• Chrome inside door handle
• Piano black accents
• Sliding armrest storage box
• Projector headlights with LED accents
• Headlamp welcome/escort function
• Front fog lights
• 6-inch alloy wheels with 195/50R16 tires
• Rear disc brakes

Five-Door GS

Key Standard Equipment:

• 1.6-liter GDI DOHC I4 engine with Dual CVVT
• Engine cover
• Hood insulator
• Active ECO System (A/T only)
• Trip computer
• Six-speed manual or automatic transmission
• Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS)
• 14-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers
• 175/70R14 low rolling resistance tires & TPMS
• Front, side and head curtain airbags
• Vehicle Stability Management, ESC with TCS
• ABS, EBD, and brake assist
• Front seatbelt pretensioner
• Active front head restraints
• Adjustable head restraints for all seating positions
• Tachometer
• Power windows & heated mirrors
• Power door locks
• Remote keyless entry with panic alert
• Air conditioning
• AM/FM/Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with 6 speakers, iPod/USB auxiliary input jacks, and roof antenna
• Driver seat armrest
• Cloth door insert
• Tilt steering wheel
• One-touch triple turn signal
• Front door map pockets
• Front passenger seatback pocket
• 60/40 split folding rear seatback
• Dual vanity mirrors with sliding sun visors
• Sunglass holder
• Map, dome and cargo lights
• Six-way adjustable driver seat including height adjustment
• Front two-speed intermittent wiper
• Tinted glass with windshield shade band
• Body color mirrors and door handles
• Drivers blind spot mirror
• Rear defroster with timer
• Roof-mounted antenna
• Rear wiper

Five-Door GLS Standard Equipment (A/T):

• Six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC and Active ECO System and Hillstart Assist Control
• Cruise Control

Five-Door SE

GS Standard Equipment Plus:

• Sport-tuned steering
• Cruise Control
• Steering wheel mounted audio controls
• Driver side auto-up window
• Bluetooth hands-free phone system with voice recognition
• Leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
• Premium cloth seats
• Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
• Chrome inside door handle
• Piano black accents
• Sliding armrest storage box
• 16-inch alloy wheels with 195/50R16 tires
• Rear disc brakes
• Side mirror with integrated turn signal indicators
• Projector headlights with LED accents
• Headlamp welcome/escort function
• Front fog lights
• Rear spoiler

Optional Power Sunroof:

• Power sunroof