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2012 Hyundai Accent Replacement "Verna"?

223 messages,  Last post on Nov 08, 2011 at 7:24 PM

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What is this discussion about? Hyundai Accent, Hatchback

    

Messages Page 11 of 23

#101 of 223 2012 GLS test drive by carfreak09

Jun 16, 2011 (12:11 pm)

I took my car in to get an oil change and they had 2 2012 Accent GLS sedans on the lot, one with the auto and one with the manual. I decided to take a test drive of both and see how much of an improvement Hyundai made. Well folks, let me tell you, the 1.6 GDI and new 6 speed trannys are everything Hyundai described and than some. I was thoroughly impressed with the power. Whereas in my 2010 the car seems to drag with the AC on, particularly with the auto, the new car doesn't seem to be affected by it. The Accent now steps off smartly from a dead stop with only light throttle. The engine feels like its a 1.8 or 2.0. My friend in the back seat, who has driven my car, even commented on how much faster this car felt. I did notice that the torque curve is a lot flatter. On my 2010, you can feel a sudden urgency kick in around 4500 rppms as the CVVT switches over, but I didn't feel that on the GDI. It just had a steady strong surge of torque. The engine is also leaps and bounds quieter than the MC. It's about half as quiet when first turning over the starter and a good bit quieter when accelerating. I thought the MC was pretty quiet for the class but it sounds like a loud buzzy tin can after driving the GDI. The engine is also a lot smoother. The GDI is a gem!!
 
I was also extremely impressed with Hyundai's homegrown 6 speed automatic. Folks, this tranny is superb! You can't even feel the shifts. You only see the rpms change and the digital display change numbers (very cool how you always know what gear you are in). Shiftronic is now standard so you have way more control over what gear the tranny is in. And if past Hyundais are any guide, the Shiftronic will hold the gear to redline until you manually shift it. I only drove the car up to about 50 mph but the tranny did not try to shift fast all the way up to overdrive like our current 4 speed. There was no discernible power difference between the auto and manual. In fact, the auto felt a little quicker to me. The only thing I didn't like was the gated shifter. It looks a little higher class but the zig zag pattern to change from R to D isn't as quick as a simple straight line shifter.
 
The manual tranny's shifter was just as good as the one in the Elantra. No more notchiness. Reverse was easy to engage. 6th gear is a little harder to get into but I'm sure it's something you get used to over time. I never drove an MC manual, but this shifter is light years ahead of the LC's shifter. The clutch, on the other hand, was way too soft. You can't really feel the engagement point. Also, when accelerating hard, there is a dead spot when shifting from 1st to 2nd as the engine cuts gas for emissions reasons. It makes the 1-2 shift less than smooth and you loose some acceleration. I think it was for this reason that the automatic felt faster. I also noticed a good bit of squat when accelerating hard. It sort of reminded me of the land yachts of yore.
 
Two other dynamic differences from the MC. The 4 wheel disc brakes are a huge improvement in brake pedal feel and braking power. The pedal is much firmer and is almost too touchy. I'm used to the mushy pedal feel in my MC. Brakes felt strong and smooth. If this is what the 4 wheel discs felt like on the 06-07 Accents, the rest of us have really been missing out. I really think rear discs are a worthwhile upgrade to later MCs! The electric steering, on the other hand, was the biggest disappointment of the car. It felt very wooden and effort was way too high. It felt like it didn't want to be turned. And there was absolutely no feel coming through the rim. I much prefer the hydraulic steering in my MC!
 
As for the rest of the car, I noticed a lot of small changes, some good, some not so good. The hood release latch is now integrated into the bottom of the lower dash, which looks cleaner. The hood prop rod is still attached to the hood. The engine appears to be more compact as you can easily put your arm behind the engine now. Alternator has moved up to where the former power steering pump was, nice and easy to replace. The intake is now on the very front of the engine, with the filter located where the battery used to be. I'm not sure if a SRI would fit as well though. The gauges are always lit now, which could lead to people leaving their lights off at night. The trip computer is very cool, giving you miles to empty and avg mpg. There were vanity mirrors but no lights, a step backward from my car. The most puzzling feature lacking was a power door lock button. There simply isn't one, not even on the driver's door. Not sure how you operate the door locks from inside the car. I would miss having this button. The cloth door inserts were a nice addition although it was a very rough feeling fabric. Back seat room was decent, however, the floor ramps upward as it goes under the front seats, which means I can no longer stick my sneakers completely under the seat. This could cause a problem comfort wise for long limbed guys. I loved the pump handle for the height adjustment on the drivers seat, very VW. The seats are shaped different and I'm not sure whether they are as comfortable since I didn't spend much time adjusting them. The stereo operates exactly the same, it's just shaped different. Last but not least, the 175/70R14 tires are way too small and really cheapen the look of the car.
 
All in all, the new Accent is a homerun and I'm seriously considering upgrading in 6 months or so. Power is definitely strong enough to make the Veloster a very tempting sporty hatch.

#102 of 223 Re: 2012 GLS test drive [carfreak09] by phill1

Jun 16, 2011 (1:27 pm)

Replying to: carfreak09 (Jun 16, 2011 12:11 pm)
carfreak09, thanks for your very thorough impression of the 2012 Hyundia Accent. I assume since you did mention the 14`` tires, it was a Base Model GLS Sedan. I don`t think many dealers have received the Hatchback Accent`s yet. I too was both pleased by some of the vehicles attributes but I must say, I found more negatives. Styling, looks, fit and finish, performance and quietness were (all) positives. Like you mentioned, the tiny standard 14`` wheels and cover`s was a downer along with the black exterior door handles. They decided I guess at the last moment to paint the black exterior mirrors to match the vehicles exterior color paint. I did`nt notice that there was (no) interior door lock/release switch, what`s that all about? I miss the Power Moonroof option which is offered as standard equipment on Canadian GLS Accents with the upgraded trim. Canadian Accents get the spare tire and jack instead of the mini air compressor and tire puncture sealant canister. For those that care, (myself included) Hyundai deleted the DRL`s on the new 2012 Accent while maintaining them on their new 2011 and 2012 Sonata`s and Elantra`s. All in all, I think the new Accent is a huge improvement over the outgoing model (but) it could and (should) have been much better. We will have to wait and see if the new Hyundai Accent`s shortcomings are addressed and improved upon when its sibling, the 2012 Kia Rio and Rio5 Hatchback are launched this fall. According to most of the Media material Kia has leaked so far, it looks like they just might bring home the Gold!

#103 of 223 Re: 2012 GLS test drive [carfreak09] by hcalcat

Jun 16, 2011 (3:35 pm)

Replying to: carfreak09 (Jun 16, 2011 12:11 pm)
Nice review, carfreak09. I appreciate it since I am considering purchasing one. When the 2011 Sonata came out, I was impressed with the overall design, powertrain, feature set and value. But I felt it was on large side. Then I got wind of the new 2011 Elantra and felt that it was perfect for replacing my aging 2006 Civic 4 door. But then I heard that a new and improved Accent with GDI was coming so again I decided to wait. I guess patience is a virtue because based on a few a couple of pre-reviews (yours, Michael Karesh's, and AccentPlanets), the reviewers seem pretty impressed with the dynamics (closer to the Elantra Touring's), power, quietness, engine sound, and comfort. I am interested in the 5 door SE model which will be sportier tuned.
 
Phil1, while I too am disappointed that Hyundai did not include some of the things that will be in the Kia Rio, I feel that I can upgrade later when those features become available thanks to Hyundai's Guaranteed Trade-In Value Program .

#104 of 223 2012 Accent 5 Doors Arriving by hcalcat

Jun 16, 2011 (6:55 pm)

At least 2 Hyundai dealers here in Southern California just received the 2012 5 door Accents according to the inventory information posted on their web sites. Each dealer received 4 and they are base GS variety. So they are starting to dribble in. Can't wait to test drive one.

#105 of 223 Re: 2012 Accent 5 Doors Arriving [hcalcat] by backy

Jun 16, 2011 (9:23 pm)

Replying to: hcalcat (Jun 16, 2011 6:55 pm)
Great, can't wait to see/drive one of those. If I like how the GS stick drives, that could do it for me for not much $$. I'd miss the cruise, but I'd only use it 2-3 times a year.

#106 of 223 Re: 2012 GLS test drive [hcalcat] by phill1

Jun 17, 2011 (5:33 am)

Replying to: hcalcat (Jun 16, 2011 3:35 pm)
hcalcat, I think if your in the market for a Hyundai Sedan, and your considering either the new 2012 Accent or the Elantra, the Elantra IMO is a much better value. You get a similar looking vehicle, slightly larger, 1.8 L engine compared to the 1.6 L engine in the Accent, both vehicles GLS Sedans with the identical preferred convenience upgrade package, ae" alloy wheels, fog lights, etc. has a price difference of only $1500. Elantra MSRP of $18,900. and Accent at MSRP of $17,400. For that mere $1500. you get much more car but more importantly, a huge increase in future residual trade in value. The Elantra is projected to return much more value then the smaller Sub-Compact B Segment Accent. That small difference in purchase price up front will more then be recouped down the road. The only difference and negative against the Elantra versus the Accent is the lack of GDI, (but) they both have the same EPA milage ratings, go figure that? Unless you want the Accent Hatchback version, I think the value and looks belongs to the 2012 Hyundai Elantra GLS Sedan.

#107 of 223 Re: 2012 GLS test drive [phill1] by hcalcat

Jun 17, 2011 (8:42 am)

Replying to: phill1 (Jun 17, 2011 5:33 am)
phill1. I agree that from a purely spec, feature set, and value prospective, the Elantra has the edge over the Accent. But from a "seat of the pants" driver's perspective, I am hearing that "Accent>Elantra". Reviewers are saying the new Accent is actually "fun" to drive and I put a higher value on that. Of course I need to test drive one to see how that "fun" translates. I think the GDI and suspension tuning makes all the difference. I prefer the versatility and cargo space of the Accent hatchback for my Home Depot runs. If it becomes the top dog in the tough B-segment, I have a feeling its resale value will also be very good and should be no worse than a Honda Fit (which is very good, I owned one). I also thought about getting the new Rio with its rich feature set but I don't want to wait any longer plus I feel those additional upgrades (moonroof, leather, 17" wheels, back-up camera, keyless ignition, etc) will not come free or they may have to cut corners elsewhere. The mark-up on B-segment cars is relatively low so there isn't much wiggle room to make a profit.

#108 of 223 Test Drive On UTube by hcalcat

Jun 17, 2011 (9:23 am)

link title
 
You can get a nice feel for what the 2012 Accent is like from this video. Specifically:
 
  1. Good acceleration
  2. Relatively Quiet
  3. Good Suspension Damping
  4. Good handling taking corners / turns
  5. Stable over bumps in the road
  6. Nice exhaust note (non-obtrusive)
  7. Engine only tach's 2K at 60 mph
 
So far, so good. SE's are supposed to have an even "sportier" tuned suspension. Car is starting to grow on me

#109 of 223 Re: 2012 GLS test drive [hcalcat] by phill1

Jun 17, 2011 (9:53 am)

Replying to: hcalcat (Jun 17, 2011 8:42 am)
I currently own a 2011 Ford Fiesta SE hatchback that I`m very happy with since last July. I am also in the market to replace my aging 2006 Kia Rio5 Hatchback that I have almost 70K driven and has been an excellent vehicle but its time for replacement. I`m as anxious as you but I have no choice but to wait till the Fall and the arrival of the new 2012 Kia Rio5 Hatchback. Comparing the looks of the upcoming Rio5 Hatchback and the Accent Hatchback alone, is worth the wait. All the additional available content plus not having a similar Fiesta rear hatch does it for me. Sure, all those upgraded options will add somewhat to the MSRP but, you can pick and choose (ala carte). At least one will have the (choice). Projector headlights, LED DRL`s and Tail Lights, Power Moonroof, etc (all) those items not available on the 2012 Accent Sedan or Hatchback. I personally need more then just utility. If the 2012 Kia Rio5 Hatchback does`nt do it for me, there will be a new 2012 Hyundai Elantra in my driveway soon after. I too enjoy the practicality of the Hatchback design over the Sedan, but (if) I end up settling for a Sedan, it will definitely be the Elantra for me. Initial cost plus Fuel Economy, and projected higher residual trade in values between the Elantra and the Accent make that call an easy one for me. Maybe wearing shorts year round gives me a slightly different perspective then you get from the "seat of the pants".

#110 of 223 Re: 2012 GLS test drive [phill1] by hcalcat

Jun 17, 2011 (11:59 am)

Replying to: phill1 (Jun 17, 2011 9:53 am)
My current mix of cars are a 2008 Mazda MX-5 (Miata) PRHT, a 2007 Honda CRV, and the 2006 Honda Civic. The only car that I might consider to replace the MX-5 is the upcoming Veloster. It has the same 1.6L GDI engine as the 2012 Accent/Rio so it should be spunky enough and a turbo version is lurking down the road. But that's another story. My first priority is to replace my wife's aging Civic and right now we am leaning towards the Accent. If we buy it and then if for some reason she doesn't like it, I can always sell my CRV and get her the upcoming new 2012 Subaru Impreza. I would take over the Accent and after 2 years, I have the option of trading it in for some other Hyundai, possibly the Veloster. I think in the next 3 years, we will see a multitude of improvements to cars because of CAFE and safety mandates and technology and competition so many of today's cars may seem somewhat dated by then. Some examples of the future options are found in the 2012 Kia Rio, e.g., new GDI engine, start/stop at idle, rear camera, side mirror repeaters, ESC, LED DRL's, smart-phone integration, Blue-Link, Graceland, etc. All of this additional stuff (and complexity), of course, will come with a higher price tag and reliability risk so it is good to look for cars that come with good warranties and guaranteed trade-in values .

Messages Page 11 of 23

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