Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2006 Hyundai Accent GLS 4-door compact sedan. Pretty basic you say. Indeed it is. And it takes a self confident person to drive an inexpensive car without a snooty badge. Consider my assertion that the price one is willing to pay for a car is directly proportional to their ego.
Patrick said, “You’ll be pretty impressed with this little sedan”. Pat was right because for the money these little commuters with great fuel economy are becoming more attractive every day. I’ve said for several years when we reach $4.00 per gallon in the US , (gas price in Europe in 1997 and much of the rest of the world) we’d get serious about conserving oil. Well, today we’re close to the industry stabilizing at $4.00 in the US while Europe is up to over $7.00 per gallon.
Many will assume the oil industry is playing with us and manipulating prices. Well to some extent that is true from personal auditing experience. However, we need to consider the pressure on the world supply by emerging countries like China that will continue to gobble up larger and larger quantities of the gooey stuff.
General Info:
Parts – Engine and Transmission – Korea
Assembly – Ulsan , Korea ,
Class: – Compact
Cars: – Accent, Azera, Elantra, Entourage, Santa Fe , Sonata, Tiburon and Tucson .
Handling & Performance:
Well, I have good news and bad news. The bad news is perhaps the first thing you notice when entering a freeway in this Hyundai is that you struggle with only 110 horsepower at your disposal. It takes longer to get up to speed but then the good news is you’ll pass more gas stations than most of the cars out there.
Styling:
If you’ve ever wanted the definition of basic this is it. The styling blends into many of today’s commuter cars. Non-descript is another definition. But they aren’t selling styling or they would put a BMW emblem on the car and sell it for twice the money.
Fit and Finish:
Inexpensive cars today are actually put together quite well. The seams are close and straight. Nothing looked out of sorts.
Cost:
Competitively priced but it jumps to $14,805 with options that are pretty common these days.
Conveniences:
You know what – you don’t really realize how good cruise control is until you don’t have it. This little pea popper didn’t and it has got to be a first car I’ve tested that didn’t have it in a long long time. I got accustomed to having what I now consider a necessity. It is not only convenient it is a public service if used by highway drivers since it keeps speeds more consistent.
A spare tire is becoming a thing of the past. Some cars are eliminating them as standard equipment. However I was very glad to have an emergency wheel and tire when I found it had a flat returning from a nice day at the J. Paul Getty, Museum in West Los Angeles , CA . It is at these times you appreciate the convenience of having one built into the trunk. And everyone should experience a “Pea Popper” car in these circumstances. You can almost pick the car up with one hand and change the tire with the other. Not quite, but you get the idea. And then when we got back on the road with a “Max speed of 50 mph, we learned to appreciate the country side you seldom see traveling at higher speeds. Truly amazing what you can see when you “can’t” be in a hurry.
Next week I’ll comment on the newest in tires – The Tweel.
Consumer Recommendation:
One has to wonder if it wouldn’t be better to buy a brand new small compact commuter car rather than what the same money could buy in a more expensive brand. I used to buy big used Cadillac’s as the family grew and I wanted larger car perceived safety, comfort and other conveniences. However when I was in college and newly married the VW Bug was just what the budget ordered. This Hyundai and the competition make for great economical transportation.
Recognized Competition:
Hyundai Accent $13,305, Chevrolet Aveo $9-13,000, Ford Focus $13-17,000, Saturn Ion $12-19,000, Toyota Corolla $14-18,000, Kia Rio $11-12,000, Mazda 3 $14-19,000, Subaru Impreza $18-33,000, Suzuki Aerio $14-17,000 and Honda Civic $15-22,000.
Good News:
Very good fuel economy.
Bad News:
Light weight vehicle.
Standard Equipment:
1.6 liter inline 4 cylinder 110 horsepower engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, dual front and side air bags, 4-wheel abs brake system, adjustable head rests, power rack and
pinion steering, tilt steering column, driver’s seat folding armrest, variable intermittent wipers, tachometer and digital clock, remote fuel door and trunk release, illuminated vanity mirrors, tinted glass, rear window defroster, audio system w/ 6 speakers, 60/40 split folding rear seat, rear center armrest, seatback pockets, door storage pockets.
Options: Air conditioning, power windows and door locks, power heated mirrors, remote keyless entry – $1,500.
Gas Stats:
28 City and 36 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $13,305.
