223 messages,
Last post on Nov 08, 2011 at 7:24 PM
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Hyundai Accent Forum.
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Hyundai Accent, Hatchback
#103 of 223 Re: 2012 GLS test drive [carfreak09]
by hcalcat
Jun 16, 2011 (3:35 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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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
.
#111 of 223 Re: 2012 GLS test drive [hcalcat]
by phill1
Jun 17, 2011 (2:42 pm)
I agree with you totally. I hate most technology and find its proper place is in both medicine and defense. I have probably one of the very few early production Ford Fiesta`a that I ordered early Mar and took delivery this past July that was special ordered (without) the SYNC technology and upgraded million watt radio. I instead took the cash credit of $595 which was offered and put it towards the Power Moonroof which ended up costing me a mere extra $100. I don`t plan on purchasing a fully equipped 2012 Kia Rio Hatchback but (I) want to be able to have the opportunity to have the choice of options which unfortunately Hyundai in the US chose not to offer. LED DRL`s and Tail Lights won`t be a problem, Rear Camera Monitor won`t be either. Speaking of which, will be mandatory equipment in all US vehicles in a couple of years. Blue-link, smart phone, ISG (idle-stop-go) I`ll pass on too. Just thought, for that matter, I`ve never had a leak or mechanical problem with a factory installed Power Moonroof either. If you pull the trigger on the Accent Hatchback, best of luck. Guess I`ll have to be patient and wait till fall when the new Kia Rio drops too.