2006 Hyundai Accent - First Look

By Motoring Channel Staff - 6/04/2005

Over the years, Hyundai and value have become synonymous and now, with the introduction of the all-new 2006 Accent, Hyundai has raised the bar, delivering a higher level of value and sophistication in the small car class.

According to Hyundai, this third-generation Accent delivers class-leading safety features and a powerful, fuel-efficient CVVT engine, all wrapped in a sleek, new exterior design.

The new Accent new from the ground up and is also larger in every exterior dimension, which translates into more interior volume. Furthermore, Hyundai claims the '06 Accent's interior space will be class leading.

All this provides today's drivers with affordable and reliable transportation that's refined, confident and comfortable.

"The Accent has always been a popular vehicle, but recently, this segment has become highly competitive," said Robert Cosmai, president of Hyundai in America, where the 2006 model car made it's debut in New York.

"We believe drivers will once again embrace this all-new Accent with its segment-leading standard safety features, increased interior space, and content that is typically not available in this segment, all of which should accelerate this Accent to the front of the pack."

Hyundai's new Accent is more elegant than its predecessor with crisp modern lines, distinctive halogen headlights, and larger wheels and tyres that, when combined, provide a strong character.

Compared to the competition, Accent has a more refined appearance with body-color door handles, mirrors, bodyside moulding, and rear tailgate garnish.

The new Accent is roomier than the current model, with increases in the car's overall length (more legroom), width (more shoulder room) and height (head room).

"We're really moving the needle on interior packaging with the 2006 Accent," said Cosmai. "Increasing the height of the vehicle 3 inches and moving the driver's seating position up 2 inches opens up all kinds of room and flexibility in the cabin.

"We used this to our advantage in the new Accent - although it's only 1.8 inches longer, it feels like it's moved up a whole class in interior roominess," said Cosmai.

Class-leading safety features will include dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and roof-mounted side curtain airbags for both front and outboard rear seat occupants.

Standard side curtain airbags provide an important advantage for Accent owners, as this feature is optional or not available on most models in the small car class.

Hyundai says the new Accent has the most powerful engine in its class; a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine with CVVT (Continuously Variable Valve Timing), which is expected to delivers 81 kilowatts (110hp) and 145Nm of torque.

This 1.6-litre engine is teamed with a 5-speed manual transmission, or an optional 4-speed automatic.

The new engine also shows where much of Hyundai's research and development was directed - the new motor not only increases power output, it also reduces emissions significantly.

In fact, the new Accent is projected to receive Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) certification, often reserved for hybrid vehicles.

The interior design has also moved upscale with a new, distinctive two-tone color scheme. Standard equipment includes an AM/FM/CD audio system with four speakers, a convenient tilt steering wheel, 8-way driver's seat with adjustable armrest, driver and passenger vanity mirrors, front seatback pockets, and a versatile 60/40 split fold-down rear seat that has a folding center armrest with dual cupholders.

For added comfort, air conditioning and a 'Convenience Package' are available. The Convenience Package includes power windows featuring driver's auto down, illuminated switches on all four doors, and driver's side power window reserve, power heated mirrors, and power door locks with keyless entry with panic, and a louder six speaker stereo.

The all-new Accent will deliver a comfortable ride and responsive handling says Hyundai, thanks to a front MacPherson strut suspension with coil springs, and a coupled torsion beam rear suspension with coil springs.