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Feann Torr1 May 2012
REVIEW

Hyundai Accent Diesel: Road Test

The most affordable diesel passenger car in Australia shows a clean pair of heels and represents outstanding value for money

Hyundai Accent Active CRDi
Road Test

Price Guide (recommended price before statutory & delivery charges): $19,490
Options fitted to test car (not included in above price): Metallic Paint $375
Crash rating: Five-star (ANCAP)
Fuel: Diesel
Claimed fuel economy (L/100km): 4.5
CO2 emissions (g/km): 121
Also consider: Volkswagen Polo 66TDI (from $21,490), Ford Fiesta Diesel (from $21,490), MINI Cooper D (from $34,800)

The Hyundai Accent is an appealing city runabout. It drives well, is comfortable to sit in, has a good set of standard features and a high level of safety. With the arrival of an ultra-frugal diesel engine the range can now compete with European small cars, and you might even see a few Volkswagen Polo drivers taking a closer look.

Powered by a newly-installed (94kW/260Nm) 1.6-litre diesel engine -- cranking out more power and torque than the petrol model -- the Hyundai Accent CRDi in Active trim costs $19,490, which Hyundai claims is Australia's most affordable diesel passenger car.

It's also pretty frugal, with a claimed combined fuel cycle of 4.5L/100km.

We could only attain 5.8L/100km but that's still a commendable figure, particularly when said driving was mostly inner urban and with only two short trips on the highway. It's a pleasant car to drive with a firm-ish ride that's not as supple as a Toyota Yaris, but makes navigating roundabouts far more fun than it should be.

The fun factor is increased with the engine's eagerness, which gives the Hyundai Accent an engaging quality; acceleration is effortless and surprisingly satisfying. Granted, the engine is a little loud and clattery at ignition (less so when you're cruising along) and does suffer from a touch of turbo lag, but once the engine hits 2000rpm it propels the car forwards with supreme ease.

Overtaking is a cinch thanks to the engine's vast chunky torque hit and, when paired to a long-legged six-speed manual gearbox with a smooth clutch operation, the outcome is a very genial car to drive.

Highway driving drew attention to the lack of cruise control in what is ordinarily a very healthy standard features list but it's not a deal breaker, simply because the car is such a pleasure to drive.

Light steering makes tight manoeuvres painless and parking the five-door hatch is not difficult thanks to its short 4115mm body length.

Korean cars may still be cheap but they've far from nasty. In fact many Japanese cars would be struggling to match the Accent's neat and tidy interior finish. The plastics are of a high quality and the cabin is as progressively styled as you'll find in this segment, with smooth surfaces and just the right amount of swoopy design flair to avoid being too boring, nor too ambitious.

Standard features include a four-speaker stereo, Bluetooth telephony and audio streaming, USB and 3.5mm auxiliary audio input, iPod connectivity, electric windows and mirrors, central locking, trip computer, and 14-inch steel wheels.

The seats are comfortable and there's good room for driver and front passenger, but it was significant how well packaged the car was in the rear, with enough room for two adults to relax without feeling cramped. The only downside to the interior of the Hyundai Accent CRDi is the driving position, which is hampered by tilt-adjustable-only steering.

The turbodiesel Accent is a bare-bones model by Hyundai's gauge but it measures up well against its rivals in terms of standard equipment. For the sum of $19,490 you get a lot of car, including six airbags, antilock brakes, and stability control, which help contribute to a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

Fun to drive, cheap to run and comfy to sit in, the Hyundai Accent CRDi may not push the envelope in the compact car category, but it does push all the right buttons.

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