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
#190 of 223 Re: GS test drive [backy]
by phill1
Oct 22, 2011 (3:49 pm)
Your absolutely correct, Beauty (is) in the eyes of the Beholder. I have to admit, as I posted before, I (do) prefer the interior of the Accent over the Kia Rio, (but) I much prefer the exterior of the Rio5. The Accent looks from the (rear) much too Ford Fiesta like, IMO for my taste, not that I find that objectionable, but I already own a 2011 Ford Fiesta SE Hatchback, so I`d rather not have a similar looking vehicle parked in my driveway. I think the 2012 Kia Rio5 , although basically sharing mechanical components with the Hyundai Accent, has more of a Audi flare to it, probably since Kia`s head designer, Peter Schreyer, formally worked for Audi. I think both vehicles will have carved out their own share of the Sub-Compact/ B-Segment Market just as Hyundai has done with their Sonata and Kia has done with its Optima. I`m just a bit disappointed in Kia for putting (all) the upscale content into its top of the line SX Model at the expense of de-contenting its LX and EX line without better reflecting their pricing or making the missing features available or included in one of their Package Upgrades. Another deal breaker for me was the Accent GS or LE (not) being available with a Beige Interior Option. Not (everyone) prefers Black or Charcoal Grey Cloth Fabric depending on their choice of exterior color. White, IMO looks like you said, "very drab" coupled with Black or Dark Grey interior.
#191 of 223 Re: GS test drive [phill1]
by backy
Oct 22, 2011 (4:07 pm)
Yes, I prefer the black/tan interior as on the Accent GLS also. That might sway me to get the sedan vs. the hatch. But I think the red GS with the black/grey combo will be fine too--the grey isn't too dark, and the GS seats have inserts with a little white in them so it's actually pretty bright. I just don't like all black interiors--too dour, and the black cloth shows too much "stuff".
The white Rio5 I saw today had a black/grey interior. Not too interesting.
#192 of 223 Re: GS test drive [backy]
by dirtbag
Oct 22, 2011 (7:31 pm)
Gee, I thought this thread had died.
I bought the SE and backy, I'd agree with nearly everything you said. It's a very solid car and a lot of fun to drive. I do, however notice some drift on straight sections of freeway. It just doesn't track well compared to every other car I've ever driven. I hate the "piano black" accents (glossy black plastic that's easily scratched) so I wouldn't miss that if I bought the GS. I'm a little disappointed in fuel economy so far but the jury is still out on that. I had hoped to average above 35 mpg but so far it's not happening.
Small gripes aside, I love the car! It's very comfortable, quiet, has a good sound system, looks good inside and out, and rides great.
#193 of 223 Re: GS test drive [dirtbag]
by backy
Oct 22, 2011 (10:01 pm)
It just doesn't track well compared to every other car I've ever driven.
Ever drive any other car with EPS... like the Sentra for example? The Accent tracks better than that car for sure (it's what I have now). I did my "look ma no hands" test at 65 mph on a flat freeway, right lane, light wind, and it tracked perfectly straight. Also I noticed I didn't have to constantly correct the wheel. But the GS has different tires than the SE you have.
I can imagine those piano black accents picking up smudges and fine scratches easily... looks great when new, but hard to keep that way.
In order to average over 35 mpg you'd have to do mostly highway driving. I was glad to see 42 mpg at the end of my test. It was mostly highway, but with some stops and slower driving and a big hill (but I went down that hill, too). 42 is the best I've seen on that test, ever, and I've driven a lot of cars over that "test course" in the past 15 years. And one of those drives was in a Prius!
(But in winter, in light snow.)
#194 of 223 Good thorough review!
by nucarshopr
Oct 23, 2011 (5:52 am)
A little update here.I've decided to hold off buying for a while but my folks went with the Fiesta S sedan/auto tran about a month ago.After driving it a little more I'm liking it better but I still like the Civic best.But who knows what will be available when I take the plunge.I read Toyota is bringing back a hot new version of the Celica sometime in 2012.
#195 of 223 Re: GS test drive [backy]
by dirtbag
Oct 23, 2011 (6:54 am)
"Ever drive any other car with EPS... like the Sentra for example? The Accent tracks better than that car for sure (it's what I have now). I did my "look ma no hands" test at 65 mph on a flat freeway, right lane, light wind, and it tracked perfectly straight. Also I noticed I didn't have to constantly correct the wheel. But the GS has different tires than the SE you have. "
______
No, I don't think I have. Regardless, if I did the no hands test with my car, I'd be off the road in about five seconds. It's not a serious pull, left or right, but it requires regular correcting. It'll help keep me awake on long trips, I suppose.
As for gas mileage, since I averaged 27 mpg in my Subaru which was rated at 24/28, I'd hoped to average over 35 in the Accent which is rated 30/40. I suppose the Accent's rating is a little optimistic; as am I.
#196 of 223 Re: GS test drive [dirtbag]
by phill1
Oct 23, 2011 (9:24 am)
I hope your the Economy on your 2012 Accent LE is NOT indicative of what (most) Accents and Rio`s are going to achieve with their much touted 1.6 GDI engine. My 2011 Ford Fiesta SE Hatchback (without) the optional SFE package and 6 speed automatic transmission has consistently produced 33 mpg city with AC engaged 100% of the time and 41 mpg or better highway driving at 70 to 80 mph. Simply amazing when you factor in that the Ford Fiesta has the added disadvantage of having the added weight of a Emergency Spare Tire and Jack Tool Kit in its trunk which, allegedly was the reason given by both Hyundai and Kia why they eliminated it and replaced it with a toy mini air-compressor and can of tire sealant goo. I`m sure the fact that the same toy mini air-compressor and can of tire sealant goo kit can be bought on Amazon.com for $20 retail, had (nothing) to do with their decision. I also want to note that the Fuel Economy on my Fiesta has remained constant from delivery of vehicle in July of 2010 to the present, with 15K driven. There is absolutely no excuse for a small B-Segment vehicle (not) to achieve the same or (better) Fuel Economy then the Hyundai Elantra which has a larger displacement engine, (no) GDI and is a larger/heavier vehicle. Both have the identical E.P.A. Fuel Estimate numbers.
#197 of 223 Re: Good thorough review! [nucarshopr]
by phill1
Oct 23, 2011 (9:38 am)
nucarshopr, Glad to hear that your folks are enjoying their Base Model Ford Fiesta "S". I have to admit I got a good laugh since you began posting on this Blog about your decision making on purchasing a (new) vehicle. Since apparently, you and your family do this once ever 2 decades, I can see the need to be very careful with your decision, since you will be "married" to it until it goes to the Salvage Yard. I would`nt worry too much about either your preference for the Honda Civic or for that matter any other vehicle currently on the market. When (you) finally decide to "pull the trigger" as they say, there will be either full battery operated or hydrogen powered vehicles, or perhaps we will go back to the Horse and Buggy Days. You have no idea how much Car Salesmen love "tire kickers" like you. One can only spend so much time doing Crossword Puzzles before needing some form of a diversion.
#198 of 223 Re: GS test drive [dirtbag]
by backy
Oct 23, 2011 (10:00 am)
Have you had the wheel balance, and alignment, checked on your car? There's something wrong if you would be off the road in 5 seconds.
Keep in mind the FE will improve on your Accent as the engine fully breaks in. I've found the magic point to be around 15k miles on Beta engines... not sure what it would be on the Gamma.