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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 10 of 23

#83 of 223 Re: New hatchback model gripes [backy] by phill1

May 26, 2011 (5:41 am)

Replying to: backy (May 25, 2011 3:39 pm)
Actually, considering that the Fiesta is a Sub-Compact /B-Segment vehicle, the rear seat room is not all that bad. As long as the front seat passengers are not over 6` tall and put the seat back all the way, there is adequate room for 2 average size adults in the rear seat. I decided against the 2012 Ford Focus for the same reason I did not want another Fiesta. Who wants either 2 identical or similar twins sitting next to each other in ones garage? Both the exterior and interior of the new Focus is too much the same. I`m attracted to the new 2012 Kia Rio5 because of my good experience with my current 06` Rio5 and the 5 year 60K bumper to bumper warranty as well as the upscale options content and its attractiveness. The new Hyundai Accent is just too (utility) for me.

#84 of 223 Re: New hatchback model gripes [phill1] by backy

May 26, 2011 (6:54 am)

Replying to: phill1 (May 26, 2011 5:41 am)
As long as the front seat passengers are not over 6` tall and put the seat back all the way, there is adequate room for 2 average size adults in the rear seat.
If the average-sized adults are contortionists or masochists, yes. I tried out the rear seat room of the Fiesta and it's really, really cramped when sitting "behind myself." And I'm only 5'9-1/2". I think average-sized adults (which I am) would find it intolerable except for a quick trip in town. Which might be just fine for many buyers who only use the front seats and never need to haul adults or teens in back for any distance. That just not me, however. I am curious to see how the new Accent compares. I found the rear accomodations of the old Accent to be tolerable, but certainly not a car I'd want to ride in for any length of time in back. Roomier than the Fiesta though. But the new Accent is bigger than the old one, so I'll have to see if it's roomy enough. If not, I can "move up" to a compact car like the Elantra with a roomy back seat and still excellent FE.

#85 of 223 Re: New hatchback model gripes [backy] by phill1

May 26, 2011 (7:36 am)

Replying to: backy (May 26, 2011 6:54 am)
I`m with you on the upgrade to the vastly more spacious Elantra compared to either the Ford Fiesta or the Hyundai Accent/Kia Rio but since I enjoy the practicality of having the mini-wagon Hatchback design to haul bicycles etc, I will forgo the extra rear passenger seat room for the storage configuration. Just my wife, myself and 2 Golden Retriever`s that usually go for a ride and an occasional guest that may join us for a trip to a local restaurant. Again, it is what it is, a Sub-Compact B-Segment vehicle. Parking and getting through the narrow streets of Key West, FL makes a smaller size vehicle one less headache to deal with. It was never designed for Soccer Mom`s as a substitute for a Mini-Van.

#86 of 223 Any test drives yet? by backy

May 29, 2011 (5:46 pm)

At least one dealer in my area claims to have 2012 Accents, and my closest dealer said they'd be getting some "in a few days". I also see Fitzmall claims to have some in stock. So I was wondering if anyone has taken a test drive yet, or has purchased a 2012 Accent?

#87 of 223 2012 Accent GLS impressions by backy

Jun 04, 2011 (10:15 am)

I checked out a 2012 Accent GLS sedan at my local dealership today. It's the only 2012 Accent they have. A base model with AT, no options, $16.2k list price. Black with tan interior. I did not drive it because I won't be buying anything until next year at least and did not want to waste the salesman's time. But he opened it up for me so I could sit in it.
 
First impressions were that it is a very good looking car in person, better than in photos. Especially from the 3/4 rear view. Front is OK but not exceptional. Very much in tune with Hyundai's "fluidic sculpture" theme, but not as weird as the new Elantra. The plastic wheel covers were good enough looking that I wouldn't be forced to upgrade to alloys.
 
But the interior was even more impressive. It seems very roomy, as much so as some compacts such as Focus, Mazda3, and Cruze. The light tan interior probably helped provide an airy feel. (Although I am wondering about how easy it would be to keep the light tan fabric and headliner clean.) This was the base car without the optional interior trim upgrades, but I thought it looked very good anyway--a huge improvement over the old Accent and IMO the nicest interior in the class (although I haven't sat in the new Rio yet). All the plastics looked high quality (although surfaces were hard), the controls including the HVAC knobs were smooth, and the fabric seemed durable.
 
The driving position was comfortable for me even though there's no telescopic steering column. There's a fold-down armrest that is more practical for right arm support than a center console, although of course you lose the extra storage (upgraded interior has a center console with sliding armrest). Headroom was good (I'm 5'-9-1/2").
 
The real story on this car though is the back seat. With the driver's seat adjusted comfortably for me, there was as much or more legroom in back than in some compacts e.g. Cruze, Focus, Mazda3. There was plenty of knee space, with about 3" from knees to seatback, and there was just barely adequate foot room for my size 10 feet under the front seat. My ankles ran out of room first, but my thighs had adequate if not great support. It would be just fine for a few hours, or for smaller folks it I think would be quite comfy for all day trips. Head room was good, better than in the Elantra. Unfortunately, Hyundai deleted the rear center armrest that was in the old Accent.
 
The trunk seemed very roomy for such a small car. Like the new Elantra and other new small cars, there's no spare tire--just sealant and a pump. The trunk has conventional hinges, but the upside of that is the lid pops up for easy lifting when you lift the inside release lever.
 
I'll have to drive the car for a final verdict, but the fact it has a nicely designed interior with adequate rear seat room for adults or teens lets me keep the car on my short list. I'd have to get the upgrade package with remote locking and cruise control though. That puts the car within $1500 of a comparably-equipped Elantra.

#88 of 223 Re: 2012 Accent GLS impressions [backy] by phill1

Jun 04, 2011 (11:48 am)

Replying to: backy (Jun 04, 2011 10:15 am)
Thanks for the Posting on your first impression of that Base model Hyundai Accent. I was ready to settle for a 2012 Elantra GLS with Preferred Convenience Package which includes Alloy Wheels and Fog Lights plus Mats for MSRP of $18,900. (but) my next car will have GDI and unfortunately the 1.8 L Nu Engine Hyundai is using is multi-port F.I. instead of GDI. Guess its going to be a long Hot summer waiting for late Oct. when the 2012 Kia Rio5 finally arrives. Oh well, glad there is no urgency on my part and I can wait it out. I do prefer the looks of the Alloy wheels naturally over the Steelies until you damage one and have to pay to replace it. My issue is (not) so much with a half way decent looking wheel cover, its just why did they have to use a 14`` rim? Kia is going to use 15`` in its Base model Rio. Amazing how just moving up one tire size gives the vehicle a much different stance. I`d like to ask a serious question about how that Base model Accent looked with those, (you know) door handles and mirrors? The Accent GLS Sedan, White with beige interior looks even nicer then the Elantra, IMO with the Alloy`s and Fog Lights, but I won`t consider it because I want a Power Moonroof which is not available for US but curiously is Standard Equipment on Canadian Accents with Preferred Equipment Convenience Package. Wait a second, I answered my own question on the door handle / mirror issue. You did say the Accent you saw was Black exterior with Tan interior. Well, I guess if you order that exterior color, They Match! LOL

#89 of 223 Re: 2012 Accent GLS impressions [phill1] by backy

Jun 04, 2011 (12:06 pm)

Replying to: phill1 (Jun 04, 2011 11:48 am)
The 14" tires are cheaper to replace and probably give a smoother ride. But the Accent I'd get with cruise and remote locking has 16" alloys.
 
I don't know why you keep saying the Accent has black handles and mirrors. It doesn't. Here's the base sedan:
 

#90 of 223 Re: 2012 Accent GLS impressions [backy] by phill1

Jun 04, 2011 (12:33 pm)

Replying to: backy (Jun 04, 2011 12:06 pm)
I don`t know where you pulled that Photo from, but unless Hyundai made a last minute change of content, both their Media Postings as well as the HMA Web site indicates that (all) Base model GLS Sedans have Black exterior door handles and mirrors regardless of what Exterior color is ordered! Check it out. Only the LE and SE Hatchbacks have color matching door handles and mirrors. No problem as long as you order Black! On the matter of tire replacement cost they we both have discussed in earlier Posts, True, when you get up to 17`` tire sizes, the price explodes! The difference between a similar ratio 185/75/14 and either a 15`` or even 16`` rim, the bump in price is at the very most a few extra dollars per tire. Not even worthy of consideration, IMO. The difference is ride comfort between a 14`` through 16`` tire would be unrecognizable.

#91 of 223 Re: 2012 Accent GLS impressions [phill1] by backy

Jun 04, 2011 (3:50 pm)

Replying to: phill1 (Jun 04, 2011 12:33 pm)
Every photo of a base sedan I've seen on the Web has body color door handles. The press release from the New York auto show does say "bodycolor door handles" for the GLS sedan premium package, but no mention at all on mirror color anywhere on the sedan. The GS does say "bodycolor mirrors and door handles". It's possible the photos on the Web are from the Canadian version, and maybe those get bodycolor door handles. I bet that change will be made pretty quick for US models if it hasn't already--how much can it cost to paint the door handles??
 
Anyway, if I got an Accent I'd get either the GLS sedan with premium package or the GS hatch, so I'm covered in color either way.

#92 of 223 Re: 2012 Accent GLS impressions [backy] by phill1

Jun 05, 2011 (6:22 am)

Replying to: backy (Jun 04, 2011 3:50 pm)
backy, Just an update on the 2012 Accent GLS Base Model Sedan. I went over yesterday to a local Hyundai Dealership where they had 8 new Accents, all GLS Sedans, no Hatchbacks. Some of the GLS Sedans were Base Models and the others had the upgraded Preferred Comfort/Convenience Packages. I`m right! The regular Base GLS Sedans have BLACK painted exterior door handles and mirrors. Looks like a matte black primer. It looks soooooooooo (nice),LOL! Have to admit that the Accent GLS Sedan (with) the upgraded Trim Package did look sharp. The ones in White, Boston Red, and Dark Metallic Brown all with Beige/Tan interiors looked great. I asked the salesman why the new 2012 Accent (did not) have as a safety feature the Daytime Running Lights, DRL`s like both the Sonata`a and Elantra`s have, he said...huh? When questioned about the lack of standard Power Moonroof and exterior mirror directional indicators as the Canadian models have, he responded; "Say what"? Like I posted earlier, the 2012 Elantra GLS Sedan that was sitting next to the 2012 Accent GLS Sedan, both equipped with the identical options and trim, Alloy Wheels, Fog Lights, etc. Elantra had a MSRP of $18,995 vs the Accent at $17, 495. The only thing missing on the Elantra was the GDI engine, a deal breaker for me. Other then that, I can`t fathom why anyone it their right mind would not opt for the Elantra for a mere $1,500 more and get the same 40 MPG fuel economy as the Accent. I`m waiting for the leaves to Fall and along with them, the 2012 Kia Rio5.

Messages Page 10 of 23

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