What’s New in the Hyundai Accent: A Detailed Overview

The Hyundai Accent has been one of the most successful compact sedans in regions like Asia and the Middle East. The sixth-generation model that was launched in 2023 combines a fresh new design with bucket-loads of modern features. Based on Hyundai’s BL7 platform, the new Accent tries its absolute best to be a cut above the rest.

Standing up against cars like the Honda City and Toyota Yaris isn’t easy, but the Hyundai Accent manages this well. In a segment where there’s immense competition, Saudi customers are looking for a viable compact sedan that isn’t full of compromises. So, what makes the Hyundai Accent as good as it is?

Variants & Price

The actual prices of the Hyundai Accent depend on where you acquire it from – each retailer has their own price. You can expect the price of the Accent to range from SAR 70,035 to SAR 90,735, depending on the showroom. The primary variants available in KSA include the following:

•       1.5 FLT (Fleet) – SAR 70,035
•       1.5 Smart – SAR 73,485
•       1.5 Comfort – SAR 81,535
•       1.5 Premium – SAR 90,735

The variants and prices mentioned herein are subject to changes from the dealership end. Moreover, the prices stated above include VAT but are not inclusive of registration and insurance.

Exterior

One of the most prominent aspects of the new Hyundai Accent is its exterior design. Starting up front, the Accent features a steeply-sloped hood that ends in a connected LED strip, split into three segments. Situated below are the main headlights and turn indicators, placed firmly in the front bumper. The bumper also houses the front foglights and air intakes.

The svelte side profile of the new Accent involves chrome door handles, a sloping roofline, plus chunky rear quarters. Adding to these is the sharkfin antenna, crisp character line, and up to 16-inch alloy wheels. The back of the Accent houses a 528-liter boot along with swanky LED taillights and a coupe-like rear shape.

The rear of the new Accent can also be decked up with a sporty-looking bumper and a fake diffuser. When it comes to its dimensions, the Hyundai Accent is 4,535 mm long, 1,765 mm wide and 1,475 mm tall. Meanwhile, its wheelbase is 2,670 mm. Not only is its wheelbase longer than the Yaris, but the Accent’s boot is bigger than the City’s.

The new Hyundai Accent is available in 8 exterior colors. These are Atlas White, Abyss Black Pearl, Fiery Red Pearl, Midnight Blue Pearl, Tellurian Brown Pearl, Titan Gray Metallic, Thunder Blue Metallic, and Typhoon Silver Metallic. Also, the Accent’s fuel tank capacity is up to 50 liters.

Interior

Depending on the market, the interior of the new Hyundai Accent comes in multiple color themes. Customers can opt from dual-tone beige/grey and brown/black themes, while there’s fabric and leatherette upholstery available. The contoured dashboard has a driver-centric focus, with a leather-wrapped two-spoke steering wheel, along with metallic accents and stitched leatherette.

The driver can view a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, while the touch-infotainment screen is represented by an 8-inch display. This system supports Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, which is good to have. Then there’s LED ambient lighting, wireless charging, automatic climate control, an electric sunroof, and power-folding ORVMs. The Accent scores a powered driver’s seat and multiple drive modes.

There are some good-quality materials in this cabin, which is a good thing. The front seats are comfortable and fairly supportive, while the rear units are usable for everyday use. The sloping roof does eat into some headroom, but it’s not that bad. There’s push-button start, a rear armrest with cupholders, LED ambient lighting, and automatic climate control.

Engine and performance

Powering the Hyundai Accent is a 1.5-liter Gamma engine with four cylinders plus 113 hp and 144 Nm of torque. Customers get to choose between a 6-speed automatic and a continuously variable transmission – both of which drive the front wheels. Hyundai claims a fuel economy of 18.9 kmpl or 5.3 L/100 km, which is a fairly good figure.

The Hyundai Accent is not the fastest car in its segment, but it can still manage around 185 kmph. This refined naturally-aspirated four-pot works well in city conditions. It works quite well when you need to accelerate from 80 kmph to 120 kmph. It isn’t brisk, but it does the job when not heavily loaded.

The Accent drives reasonably well for a compact family sedan. However, don’t expect it to outclass the Honda City in terms of its dynamics. It does boast a good ride quality, though there’s a distinct lack of low-end grunt at low speeds. You can compensate for this if you opt for the traditional 6-speed automatic.

Safety

The Accent gets a tire-pressure monitor, ABS with EBD, a rearview camera, electronic stability control, and dual airbags as standard. Depending on the market, you can get an auto-dimming IRVM, front foglights, forward-collision assist, blind-spot assist, lane-following assist, and up to 6 airbags. This makes the Hyundai Accent’s features list fairly comparable to its rivals.

When compared to some of its closest rivals, the Hyundai Accent’s safety kit looks a bit lacking. If you are looking for more on this front, look at the Honda City or the MG GT. This is not to say that the new Accent doesn’t cover the basics, because it does. It just doesn’t go much beyond that.

Conclusion

The main highlights of the new Hyundai Accent are its styling, comfy cabin, and decent efficiency. It’s certainly not an enthralling ride nor is it the most feature-packed. However, the Accent is priced competitively and boasts a spacious interior. It’s far from being the worst car in the segment in KSA – go check it out today.