Hyundai Accent


The Hyundai Accent, or Hyundai Verna in South Korea, is a subcompact car produced by Hyundai. In Australia, the first generation models carried over the Hyundai Excel name used by the Accent's predecessor. The Accent was replaced in 2000 by the Hyundai Verna in South Korea, although most international markets, including the US, retained the "Accent" name.
The Accent is produced for the Chinese market by Beijing Hyundai Co., a joint venture with Beijing Automotive Industry Corp. For the Russian market it is assembled by the TagAZ plant in Taganrog. In Mexico, the Accent was marketed until 2014 by Chrysler as the Dodge Attitude, previously known as the Verna by Dodge. In Venezuela, Chrysler marketed these models as the Dodge Brisa until 2006. The Brisa was assembled by Mitsubishi Motors at its plant in Barcelona, Venezuela. Since 2002, the Accent had been the longest-running small family car sold in North America. In Puerto Rico, it has been sold as the Hyundai Brio. In Russia, it is sold as the Hyundai Solaris.
In 2008, Hyundai Accent was named the most dependable subcompact car by J.D. Power and Associates.

First generation (X3; 1994–1999)

Safety

The 1998 Hyundai Accent was crash-tested by the European New Car Assessment Programme and showed rather poor performance, scoring only 4 points out of 16 for frontal impact. The passenger compartment became unstable in the crash test. It was determined that there was an unacceptably high risk of chest injury during side impact crash, as a result, the car would not meet the minimum legal requirement in 1999. The Swedish insurance company, Folksam, rates the 1st-gen Accent as one of the safest cars in its weight class.

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Second generation (LC; 1999–2005)

The redesigned 1999 Accent sported a more angular body and increased dimensions. It received a minor facelift in 2003, and was given the model code LC2. When the Accent sedan underwent a 2006 redesign, the hatchback continued on sale during 2006 only in Canada, since the hatchback skipped the 2006 model year for the United States. But for Korea, it was the first model with the new nameplate: Verna.
The Accent got new 1.5-liter 12-valve SOHC and 16-valve DOHC engines: the 1.3 continued modified with a Helmholtz resonator intake after 2003. A 1.6-liter replaced the 1.5 engine for 1999. This Accent was also the first to get a diesel version, with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder direct injection turbodiesel, which was badged CRDi.
Trim levels were GSi, CDX and MVi: this was standard on most export versions, although some European markets had their own designations with names like DynamicVersion etc. Some markets used LS and GLS.

Marketing

;North America
In North America the Accent was available in GL, GLS and GT trim levels only, with the 1.5-litre engine at first, then the 1.6-litre engine from 2002. The GT version was similar to the MVi version marketed in Europe and Oceania, although the body kit was not as overtly hot hatch styled.
During 2003 in Canada, the hatchback was offered as a GS or GSi with a 1.5 L or 1.6 L engine, respectively. In 2004 the GS trim was equipped with the 1.6 L engine.
;Russia
It was sold in Russia until 2011 as the Hyundai Accent side-by-side with the 3rd generation model which is sold as the Hyundai Verna.
;India
It was launched in India in October 1999 as the "Accent" and was still in production after some minor facelifts; the car was phased out in 2013 for local market. A new variant of the India-made Hyundai Accent. The Accent GLS variant, which now adopts front airbags and ABS to meet the regulations on safety equipment on new vehicles, implies that the Accent could live on until 2017.
The GLS variant also comes with Air conditioning, power windows front and rear, power steering, central locking, Radio-CD-MP3 audio system, and front fog lights. It is the best selling model produce by Hyundai's Chennai plant. It has been restyled twice – in 2004 and 2010 – and is strapped with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine matched to a five-speed manual gearbox.
;Egypt
In Egypt, it still remains on sale as of January 2019.
; Indonesia
In Indonesia, it was sold from 2001 to 2012 and marketed in 3 different names. At first it was marketed in 4-door body style as "Accent Verna", available with two trim levels. In 2005, a facelifted version for taxi fleet sold as "Excel". Later from 2007, 4-door sedan was replaced with 5-door liftback body style, sold as "Avega" until 2012.

Engines

A pre-2003 model was crash tested by Australian Australasian New Car Assessment Program under the rules as adopted by Euro NCAP. It scored 10.76 out of 16 points for frontal offset impact and 10.96 out of 16 in the side impact test.
The same un-restyled model, a four-door sedan had been crash tested by Russian magazine Autoreview in 2005. Test was carried out to the Euro NCAP regulations. Despite the lack of airbags it scored 9.9 of 16 for frontal impact.
The 2003 restyled model was tested by ANCAP as well. The three-door hatchback scored 9.19 of 16 points for frontal impact and 9.76 out of 16 in the side impact crash test.

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Third generation (MC; 2005–2011)

Hyundai introduced a new-generation Accent at the 2005 New York International Auto Show. A new exterior, larger interior, and CVVT engine are the notable features.
A single trim level, GLS, is available in the US for the sedan. This sedan includes 6 airbags, air conditioning, power steering with tilt, with optional four-wheel disc antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, and a 6-speaker CD stereo. A premium sport package includes air conditioning, 15-inch alloy wheels, power windows and heated mirrors, and remote power door locks. An automatic transmission is also available.
Hyundai began selling the 3-door hatchback in the United States during the spring 2006 as a 2007 model year vehicle. The 3-door is available in two trims – GS and SE. The GS is equipped much like the GLS sedan, with some equipment deleted for a base price of US$10,415. The SE replaces the former Accent GT, offering a sport-tuned suspension, 16 in. alloy wheels, and other sporting features, along with available dealer-installed performance parts such as a cold-air intake and suspension stress bar. The SE is sold as the Verna Sport in Korea. The Hyundai Accent SR is exclusive to Canada and only 500 have been made, this version is like the Accent SE, but in addition has the fender flares, front lip, rear lip, and exhaust tip. Also included with the SR version is the Clarion sound system with, 4channel Amplifier with 400 Watts, 7 speaker Audio System, with Subwoofer in a custom made box. Dash also has a Carbon Fiber Trim Kit added to it. For the 2010 model year a "Blue" trim level has been introduced for the Accent with a base price of only US$9,970. The Accent Blue is only available as a 3-door hatchback with a manual transmission, the sole option being air-conditioning which adds $1,000 to the price.
The Accent is presently the third-bestselling subcompact car in the United States, trailing after its rivals the Chevrolet Aveo and Toyota Yaris. In 2010, Forbes named the Accent amongst the ten worst cars for depreciation.
In Europe, this model was heavily promoted by the motoring press, and even Hyundai themselves, as a "stopgap" model – that it was intended merely to plug the gap in Hyundai's range until a brand new small family car was launched in 2007. The new car, the Hyundai i30, replaced both the Accent and the larger Hyundai Elantra. The name change helped to distance the new model from the budget reputation of the Accent, and also to highlight that the new car can truly compete in the small family hatchback sector – something the Accent was slightly too small to do, and the Elantra too large. The Accent continued to be sold in the U.S. in 2008 with an instrument panel overhaul and standard rear cupholders in the SE model.
Engines:
In Mexico, this is marketed as the Dodge Attitude: trim levels are 1.4 GL and 1.6 GLS. Hyundai had no official representation in Mexico, so select Hyundai models were rebranded as Dodges under an agreement with Chrysler's Mexican division.
In India, it is marketed as Hyundai Verna. The previous generation remains in production alongside as a cheaper alternative, marketed as the Hyundai Accent.
In Egypt, this generation is sold as the Hyundai New Accent, and the previous model is still locally produced and sold as the Hyundai Verna
In 2008, Hyundai Accent received the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles among compact multi-activity vehicles in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Vehicle Dependability Study. Study based on responses from over 52,000 original owners of 2005 model-year vehicles, measuring more than 250 models. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of owners surveyed in January to April 2008.

Safety

In 2006, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Accent received an Acceptable overall score in the frontal crash test and a Poor overall score for in the side impact test without its optional side airbags. It didn't perform well even when equipped with side airbags, performance of the car's structure is marginal there would likely be injuries to internal organs, ribs and pelvis.
In 2007, 2006 year model of Hyundai Accent had been tested by ANCAP in June 2007. It scored 3 star in the Occupant Protection, and 2 star in Pedestrian Protection Rating.

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Hybrid

Hyundai debuted a demonstration version of a hybrid Accent at the 2005 Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China. It uses a 90 hp, 1.4 L engine with continuously variable valve timing and a 16 hp electric motor to achieve 44% better fuel economy. Though originally scheduled for production release in the 2006 model year, introduction of the production version has been delayed indefinitely, along with the Kia Rio hybrid.
The hybrid Accent is expected to be introduced at the same time as a hybrid version of the Kia Rio, the Kia twin of the Accent. A concept model of the Kia Rio hybrid was shown at the 2007 Geneva Auto Show.

Fourth generation (RB; 2010–2017)

Marketing

South Korea

Hyundai released the Korean version of the Accent in November 2010. The new model is offered with the same 1.6-liter engine and 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual as the fifth-generation Elantra. The car reverted to the "Accent" name as used in the X3 series. The hatchback version, called Accent WIT, replaces the Getz/Click in South Korea. Sedan model is still in production, but the hatchback model was discontinued in August 2018.

China

In Beijing, China, Hyundai released the China-exclusive version of this model under the "Verna" name on 23 August 2010.

North America

In January 2011, the sedan had its North American debut and the hatchback had its world debut at the Montreal Auto Show.
There is one engine option in North America for the Accent, a 1.6 L with and 123 lb/ft of torque. This engine features the gas direct injection technology. Also, the head and block are made of aluminum.

Australia

Australia's Accent was released in August 2011 in three grades consisting of Active, Elite, and Premium in either Sedan or Hatch. All were equipped with a 1.6-litre MPi engine mated to a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, while a 1.6-litre diesel was later added to the Active grade, but dropped shortly after. In 2013, an SR grade was added to replace the Elite and Premium grades and brought in the Gamma 1.6-litre GDi engine to the range. The Active had switched to a 1.4-litre engine and optional CVT to keep costs down due to the discontinuation of the i20 in Australia.
As part of a 2017 upgrade, Hyundai simplified the Accent to just one grade called Sport. The Sport grade combined the SR's 1.6-litre engine, Premium interior materials, mesh-look grille, cruise control, optional 6-speed automatic, and 16" alloy wheels while staying close to the Active's entry price.
Due to the lack of right-hand-drive 5th generation Accent production in Korea, Hyundai is set to phase the Accent nameplate out of Australia once all stock is exhausted by the end of 2019. The all-new Hyundai Venue, Hyundai's new small SUV, is set to indirectly replace it.
As of January 2020, the Accent was removed from the Hyundai Australia website, marking the end of the nameplate's 20 year run with sales reaching 9,963 registered units in its last year on sale.

Russia

In September 2010, Hyundai unveiled its Russian assembly line and presented the "Hyundai Solaris" a production-ready local version of the four-door fourth generation Accent. Hyundai reported that production would commence in January 2011. The Accent badge remained reserved for the second generation Accent, that had still been produced in Taganrog in the TagAZ plant at that time. The Hyundai Solaris was available with 1.4 and 1.6 petrol engines, with a 6-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission.
In 2014, the Hyundai Solaris for Russian and CIS market was facelifted. The car got new front fascia and new 6-speed automatic and 6-speed manual gearboxes for 1.6 version.

India

In May 2011, Hyundai launched the Verna in India with four engine options including 1.4-litre petrol and diesel engines as well as 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines. The second-generation continues to be sold in India as the Hyundai Accent with the latest RB version carrying the Verna brand. At the time of launch, the new Verna RB features safety and comfort options that were previously unavailable in the Indian market at this price point including the option of 6 airbags. Hyundai refreshed the Indian lineup of Verna in 2014 without any engine changes.
The diesel variant has attracted more attention in India because of its fuel economy. As a result, the response in India was overwhelming.
The Verna is offered with four engine options, 1.4 L VTVT petrol, 1.6 L VTVT petrol, 1.4 L CRDi diesel, and 1.6 L CRDi diesel.
Hyundai launched the Verna facelift in the Indian car market on 18 February 2015. The new Verna mid-sized sedan gets changes to both styling and mechanism. The updated Hyundai Verna gets new front fascia. Apart from the same petrol and diesel engine versions, the four-speed automatic gearbox is likely to be offered in the upcoming model; however, the maker might also introduce the six-speed automatic gearbox.
In 2018, the Hyundai Verna was named Indian Car Of The Year.
Hyundai was launched its new Hyundai Verna facelift in the Indian market in year in 2020 and The new Verna has seen a lot of changes from the old model.

Indonesia

In Indonesia, the Accent hatchback was sold as the Grand Avega. The car made its debut at the 2011 Indonesia International Motor Show and was assembled locally. The Grand Avega is equipped with two engines and four transmissions: a 1.4L petrol 108ps Gamma engine with 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual and a 1.4L petrol 100ps Kappa engine with 6-speed manual or CVT. Sedan body style also available in Indonesia only for taxi companies and sold as Excel III, only available with 1.4L petrol 108ps Gamma engine and 5-speed manual transmission. In 2016, Grand Avega was replaced by relatively smaller Hyundai i20.

Mexico

In Mexico it was marketed as Dodge Verna from 2004 a 2005 and as Dodge Attitude from 2006 a 2014 until May 2014 after Hyundai's arrival in the country, forcing Dodge to give the name Attitude to the Mitsubishi Attrage. The Accent returned to the country in mid-2017 as the 2018 Hyundai Accent

Philippines

In the Philippines, the third generation was introduced and made available in 2006 exclusively with a 1.5-L D4FA common rail direct injection turbodiesel with VGT with and with a 5-speed manual transmission. A number of units saw action in the taxi industry because of its fuel efficiency coupled with cheaper diesel fuel costs.
2011 saw the arrival of the RB model in both sedan and hatchback platforms. The sedan was powered by a Gamma engine with a choice of a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission. Some of first batch of RB models were dogged by knocking issues when using 91 and below octane fuel. A second iteration was introduced in 2014 with a 100 Ps Kappa engine mated to a 6-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic, and a newer 1.6-liter D4FB common rail direct injection turbodiesel with and in either a 6-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic.
The hatchback model was introduced at 2013 exclusively with a 1.6 D4FB common rail direct injection turbodiesel with VGT. Power output is at 126 Ps and. Both the 6-speed manual and 4-speed Automatic models came with anti-lock braking systems with electronic brake distribution. By 2014, a facelifted model was introduced with the top-end model getting new projector-type headlamps, ABS and EBD.
In 2015, the diesel variant was upgraded on both sedan and hatchback models with an electronic VGT, mated to a 6-speed manual or a new 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Power outputs are now and for the 6-speed manual while the DCT model has the same horsepower but now has of torque.

Safety

The 2012 Hyundai Accent was tested by the IIHS and received a "Good" rating in the frontal offset test, an "Acceptable" rating in the side impact test, and a "Good" rating in the roof strength test. It also received a "Good" rating in the rear crash protection test.
The 2012 Hyundai Accent was tested by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and received the following:
The Hyundai Verna was crash-tested by China NCAP in 2011 and scored the maximum possible 5 stars.

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Fifth generation (HC/HCi; 2017–present)

The fifth generation Accent has been introduced in China as Verna in late 2016. Production began in the same year with sales started around February 2017. In Russia, where it is known as Solaris as well as in some other CIS markets, the car has been available since March 2017. In India, the car was launched in August 2017 as Hyundai Verna. It went on sale in the United States in December 2017. Unlike the previous generations, the fifth generation Accent is not sold in South Korea; instead, the Venue crossover takes its place in 2019.

Engines

Marketing

North America

The hatchback version of the Accent has been discontinued in 2018 for the United States market, while it remains available for the Mexican and Canadian markets. All models of the Accent sold in the United States and Canada are powered by the same 1.6L GDi Inline four-cylinder gasoline engine as its predecessor, though horsepower is down to 130 horsepower from the previous rating of 138 horsepower. However, EPA Fuel Economy ratings are now up to 28 City/37 Highway/31 Combined MPG for manual transmission-equipped models, or 28 City/38 Highway/32 Combined MPG for automatic transmission-equipped models. The base SE features a six-speed manual transmission, while a six-speed automatic transmission is optional. The six-speed automatic transmission is standard on the SEL and Limited models.
Features available for the first time on the Accent include forward collision avoidance alert, a touch-screen infotainment system with optional Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Hyundai Blue Link, proximity key entry with push-button start, seventeen-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, heated dual front bucket seats, and more.
Power output for 2018–2019 models is and of torque. Power output for 2020 models is, with a new "Smartstream" 1.6L MPi engine with continuously variable valve timing and "Intelligent Variable Transmission" replacing the automatic transmission.

India

Hyundai launched the all-new Verna in India on 22 August 2017. The Verna comes with 3 engine choices, including a 1.6 L petrol and a 1.6 L diesel along with a 1.4 L base diesel engine. The new Verna carries forward the four-cylinder 1.6 L petrol and diesel engines from the old model, though, they have been suitably tweaked for use here and also see revisions in their power and torque outputs. It is offered with 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Some of the main features includes 6 airbags, sunroof, handsfree trunk and front ventilated seats.
A facelift for India was revealed in March 2020 with Hyundai’s Blue Link connected car technology. Its powertrains include a 1.0-litre Turbo GDI with 7-speed DCT; 1.5-litre petrol with 6-speed MT or CVT; and a 1.5-litre diesel unit with 6-speed MT or 6-speed AT.

Motorsport

WRC

Hyundai's Accent World Rally Car, Accent WRC, competed in an official capacity, spawning three generations, in the World Rally Championship from 2000 to 2003.

Junior Formula series

In India, Hyundai is the sole engine supplier for Formula LGB Hyundai, built by the Chain and Sprocket giant LGB. The single make series is promoted at grassroots level acting as a launch pad for future Formula One hopefuls. The Accent engine is supplied in Stock form albeit after some engine control unit modifications.

X3 Excel in Australia

In Australia, the X3 Accent is sold as the Hyundai Excel and is used in the Excel Rally Series, beginning in 2005. There are restrictions on modifications to the vehicle to reduce cost and encourage competition.
Similarly in 2010 a circuit racing competition began in Queensland called Excel Cup and soon after in South Australia called Circuit Excels. The class has since spread to all six states with several hundred race cars built nationally. A single event nationals has been created to bring all six states together for a single race meeting annually. They are the cheapest racing class in Australia based on a production road car.

Sales