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
#65 of 223 Re: 2012 Hyundai Accent or 2012 Kia Rio? [phill1]
by carfreak09
May 18, 2011 (2:20 pm)
I agree that the Rio is targeting younger buyers, but I think all the content is going to make the Rio too expensive. If the younger set wants something sporty, it would make more sense to get the new Veloster or even the Forte Koupe once you start getting into the 18-20k range. Personally, I feel the rear view monitor is nothing more than a gimmick. It's not needed at all on a small hatchback like the Rio. The sad thing is they will probably group together this useless frivolous feature with more important stuff in a package, thus forcing you to pay a lot for technology you don't want. The projector headlights are nice, as are the LED running lights, which give it an Audi look. I do wish the standard alloy wheels were 16", not 17", on the SX. The 17" look nice but tires are too expensive and the ride might be too harsh. 16" wheels are a nice compromise. They should make the 17" wheels an option.
#66 of 223 Re: 2012 Hyundai Accent or 2012 Kia Rio? [carfreak09]
by phill1
May 18, 2011 (2:39 pm)
I agree, I would prefer the 16`` tires to the 17`` due to major extra cost of replacement, but I`d rather eat that extra cost once every 30K miles then live with the standard 14`` tires that the Accent comes with. Can anyone spell Flintstone Car? The rear view monitor will be mandatory standard equipment within a few years mandated by the NHTSA. If your looking for value, once you reach $17, 500. for a 2012 Hyundai GLS Sedan or LE/SE Hatchback with what Hyundai considers the "loaded package", your better off with the Elantra with almost the same equipment, same mpg and MUCH better resale value. I`d rather spend and extra $1000. and get the upgrade options like Power Moonroof, maybe Leather, etc thats available in the Kia Rio or Rio5 then settle for a much more base trim on the Accent and save $1000. I`ll enjoy the extras during my ownership and I`m sure it will be worth a few extra dollars in residual value 5 years down the road.
#67 of 223 New hatchback model gripes
by 204meca
May 21, 2011 (2:00 pm)
I'm always thinking about my next car as soon as I get my last car! My 93 Honda Del Sol Si will probably swapped out for something more practical for a 60+ guy in the next year or two - something just as much fun & economical but more comfortable, better visablity & more cargo room. For several years I was sure a Honda Fit or Nissan Versa would replace it. Now I find these new Korean twins & the Ford Fiesta hatch intriging & will likely add them to my list.
However, two things I have trouble understanding:
1. Why can't the folks at Ford & in Korea can design a nice looking hatch with rear quarter & hatch windows that don't taper down to low rider appearance & visabilty? Those small windows just kill visibility & almost make a back up camera mandatory for a slight stiff old timer like me. Then I suppose they aren't designing these hatches for old timers, but I think I see more grey hairs driving Fits & other hatches than 20 somethings.
2. Also hard for me to understand is why -with two decades to improve engine technology - these new econo cars don't get significantly better gas mileage than an 18 year old Honda. I have had several Honda 1.6 L cars than consistently got 30 mpg city & 38-40 hiway w ATs.
Finally I second the comments on 17" wheels when 15-16" would be just fine for econocars. The larger ones may marginally improve handling but have three negative effects: Heavier & increased fuel consumption, harsher ride & higher replacement costs.
Subaru is a great example with their new Outback. Increased space, comfort & mpg without serious compromises to the practical things such as visablity & overall performance. At least that is why I got one!
Maybe it is time to change my call name to "Grumpy Old Man"
#68 of 223 Re: New hatchback model gripes [204meca]
by backy
May 21, 2011 (2:10 pm)
How much did that 18-year-old Honda weigh (and how crash-resistant was it), how big was it, and how much power did it have?
All the safety regs and the need to haul around our ever-enlarged butts (in the US) have their cost.
#69 of 223 Re: New hatchback model gripes [204meca]
by phill1
May 22, 2011 (10:04 am)
Grumpy, I`m with you. I just turned 66 and (I) purchased a 2011 Ford Fiesta SE hatchback last July an love it! It certainly was not styled and designed for (my) demographics but I love it none the less. I pre-ordered it last Mar. 10`` and took the $595. cash credit instead of the radio SYNC upgrade and got the Power MoonRoof for only an extra $100. I don`t twitter/tweet, upload/download, bluetooth,MP3, and I already have enough (sinks) in my house. The Fiesta gets great fuel economy 34-35 mg city and 41-43 mpg highway. My aging 2006 Kia Rio5 Hatchback is due for replacement and I`ve decided on the 2012 Kia Rio5, will be It. It is available with that rearview camera monitor you mentioned that by the way will be mandatory equipment here in the USA within a few years. The new 2012 Hyundai Accent does (not) have that as an option. I`ve been real happy with my Kia Rio5 for the past 6 years and have no hesitation about purchasing another Kia product this Fall when they finally arrive. Also want the Power Moonroof option which again, the new Accent does not offer. I agree, new generation 1.6 liter engines (should get better then 35 mpg city and 40 mpg highway but until the government mandates better fuel economy, it is still better then most other vehicles available for under 20K.
#70 of 223 Re: New hatchback model gripes [backy]
by 204meca
May 22, 2011 (8:43 pm)
Backy: The Del Sol weights 2420 lbs, had 1.6 L engine w 125 HP & 106 ft/lb torque. 0-60 - variously reported as 8.8 seconds to 9.8. 92 Si Hatch was almost identical.
In comparison, the current Honda Fit base weights 2604, has 1.5 L engine w 117 HP & 106 torque. 0-60 variously reported at 9.6 - 11 seconds.
For 18 yrs difference engine numbers very similar, performance & EPA are not signficantly different.
When it comes to comfort & crashworthiness, surely the current models are superior to those of 18 yrs ago. But I still am puzzled why with 18 yrs of advancement in aerodynamics, engines, transmissions, & materials... a care that only weighs 200-300 lbs more doesn't show greater improvements ii the MPG (or performance.
Interestingly when you compare the improvements in comfort, performance & economy of midsize cars, they seem to have faired better than the economy & compact cars.
May 23, 2011 (2:17 am)
also along with the 2012 Kia Rio hatchback offering the backup camera do a little searching over at the 2012 Ford Focus informational website. They are offering the backup camera in some new Focus models but not all. It is paired with some other premium items in some of the packages Ford puts together for that new European-inspired compact car from them.
I would like to know more about the 2012 Kia Rio hatchback and sedan, particularly the Rio hatchback. That car looks awesome.
#72 of 223 Re: 204meca... [iluvmysephia1]
by phill1
May 23, 2011 (8:27 am)
Since you Posted that you just purchased 2 (new) tires for your aging vehicle and will not be in the market for a new Kia Rio5 for a few years, what ever information you get on the soon to arrive Kia will not be pertinent in a couple of years when new features and options will be available. Unless of course you just like to look and enjoy "kicking tires" as so many folks do. The new 2012 Ford Focus only offers certain premium features with top end models like Titanium along with a bunch of packages that soon bring the price of the Focus to the upper range of $27,000. Way too much IMO for a Compact Hatchback that wears a Ford emblem thats not electric or Hybrid.
#73 of 223 Re: New hatchback model gripes [204meca]
by phill1
May 23, 2011 (8:36 am)
Those that are old enough to remember the cars of the mid fifties and sixties that had exhaust pipes and mufflers rust out in a year or less especially with dual exhaust vehicles, it was (planned) to require almost yearly replacement. A huge industry was built on that, remember Midas, Mineike, Monroe, now they are Brake and Full Service Repair Centers where before they just did Mufflers and Tail Pipes. Car manufacturers miraculously found stainless steel for mufflers and exhaust pipes and now they last the life of the vehicle. Until public pressure or the EPA puts pressure on the Industry to greatly increase fuel economy, It will not happen on its own. Big Oil and Big Auto are in bed with each other and their Lobby is too strong to expect that (they) will bring about that change without pressure from the outside.
#74 of 223 Re: New hatchback model gripes [204meca]
by backy
May 23, 2011 (4:03 pm)
The 2012 Accent weighs in at about 2650 pounds with the AT and has 138 hp. Heavier than the Del Sol, 10% more power, yet 25% better fuel economy (EPA 24/32 for the 1997 Del Sol with AT vs. 30/40 for the 2012 Accent).
I think 10% more power with 25% better fuel economy in a much roomier, safer, and more comfortable car is "significant".
Maybe one reason midsized cars seem to have improved more in economy than economy cars is that today, economy/compact cars are the size of mid-sized cars from 18 years ago! Plus there was weight to be cut in mid-sized cars. Harder to cut weight while retaining safety on the small cars.
You want better fuel economy compared to 18 years ago? How about the Prius? But that's using technology not available 18 years ago. The basic technology of non-hybrid powertrains hasn't changed that much in 18 years. Some evolutions, yes, like more cogs in the ATs, CVVT and GDI engines, but not totally new technology ala hybrids.