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LAS VEGAS – The subcompact class exploded in the U.S. five years ago, as the Japanese Big Three joined the Koreans and General Motors in retailing B-cars, wisely based on predicted rising fuel prices.
But, except for Honda’s Fit, none was spectacular, with most looking cheap or handling poorly.
Now, with Ford’s Fiesta leading the charge, subcompacts are cheap no more, meeting Americans’ desire for lots of content and quality materials no matter how small the car.
Hyundai, too, has moved in this direction with the Accent, which is new for ’12 and on sale now in the U.S.
As Hyundai has done with so many of its newest models, including the slightly larger Elantra, the Accent boasts surprisingly high levels of technology and comfort at competitive prices.
The new Accent comes in three grades: the sedan GLS and 5-door GS or SE. Hyundai has dropped the 3-door Accent after complaints from buyers who found getting in and out of the backseat a chore.
Ward’s drove both a 5-door SE and 4-door GLS here recently, and both cars’ interiors are highly impressive for the price and their driving dynamics more than acceptable.
While the Accent’s interior isn’t nearly as stylish as the Elantra’s, it is well done for a car priced between $12,445 and $16,795.
