Hyundai Accent SR 2014 Review

After a quick stint with the personal trainer, the Hyundai Accent has emerged looking a little more toned, feeling a whole lot healthier, and wearing athletic new SR gym gear.

The warmed-over light hatch now matches the output of its Kia Rio cousin, thanks to a more muscular 103kW and 167Nm 1.6-litre direct-injected four-cylinder petrol engine. The figures represent an increase of 12kW and 11Nm over the multi-point injected unit of the derivative model. The engine is mated to a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

The auto fitted to our Accent SR test car adds $2000 to the manual’s list price of $18,990 (plus on-road costs) while the Veloster Red paint boosts it by another $475.

For that money, the SR gets such niceties as 16-inch machined-face alloys, a rear spoiler, projector-style auto headlights, LED positioning lights, cruise control and lots of SR badges; all in addition to that fitted to the mid-grade Accent Elite.

Accordingly, the Accent SR is as much about bling as it is about zing, and with modified strut (front) / torsion beam (rear) suspension to whip it into shape, is a confident corner hugger with encouraging levels of steering feedback. Perhaps a whisker too stiff for some, the Accent SR is a no-less happy mélange between secure handling and a comfy ride, provided the road is not too choppy.

It also utilises Hyundai’s Motor Driven Power Steering (electric) which, unlike most in the current range, is not offered with the brand’s Flex Steer system. Without the multi-mode option the wheel can feel a little heavy, in some applications, and resists cornering forces to a degree. This might feel ‘sporty’ to some, but for our liking is a little defiant, and not especially linear.

Braking duties fall to 256mm ventilated discs at the front and 262mm solid rotors at the rear. Equipped with the usual electronic driver aids they’re unchanged from the base model, yet still provide ample stopping power via a well-modulated pedal with strong initial bite.

Another compromise is the Accent SR’s conservative looks. It doesn’t have the sporty styling its moniker would suggest, despite the addition of larger, darker wheels and a cheeky little spoiler. Some may like this, but I fear the target market may not. The good news for them, however, is that the Accent SR is P-plater friendly – something not always the case in this market category.

Performance is also not exactly sporty, although noticeably spritelier than provided by the multi-point engine, and feels about right for the package. The engine needs a few revs to provide any serious motivation, and the six-speed auto inhibits some of the direct-injected unit’s elasticity. Our guess is the manual gearbox would prove more flexible. It’s also a little raucous when pushed over 4000rpm, but, again, this is par for the class.

Another mixed bag is the interior. While some of the plastics seem hard and dare we say cheap, they’re interspersed with more pleasing materials like plush cloth inlays on the door cards, a ritzy leather-wrapped steering wheel and supportive cloth-trimmed seats.

Equipment levels, too, are about on par for the money with Bluetooth, cruise control, an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror, air-con, and a decent audio system with 5.0-inch touchscreen and USB connectivity included in the list price.

However, the Accent SR misses out on both reversing sensors and a rear-view camera, either of which would help cope with the not insignificant rear blindspot.

Officially, it sips just 6.6L/100km (ADR Combined) of regular 91 RON unleaded petrol (ULP). On test, however, and no doubt as a result of the auto needing to be worked harder than it should, the little hatch drank 8.8L/100km through a mix of urban and freeway running.

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) awarded the Accent with a five-star safety rating the last time it was tested in 2011. Although the test criteria has changed slightly since then, the SR model remains suitably equipped with six airbags, stability and traction control, headrests and five-point seatbelts in all seating positions, seatbelt reminders and pyrotechnic pretensioners for front-seat occupants.

If you were planning to tone-up a little in the New Year, or just promised yourself a new car, the Accent SR is a good place to start, with a body sure to turn heads when you’re out and about. Sweetening the deal is a five-year warranty, capped-price servicing (from $189) and 12 months roadside assistance. Cheaper than any gym membership I know of.

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