Hyundai Accent

On the inside, one is welcomed by the Hyundai Accent with a slightly outdated cabin design, which has now begun to show its age. The lack of many new modern age features and a staid design is robbing much of the novelty of this sedan now.

Nevertheless, the cabin design of the Hyundai Accent feels proportionate and functional, with a multi-functional steering wheel and a decent looking instrument console behind it. The centre console with its U-shaped design looks nice, which gets silver surrounds as well as rectangular AC vents on top and a 2-DIN music system below it.

Apart from that, the Hyundai Accent doesn’t get much of the new age comfort and convenience features. The rear seats too are not too spacious either, however, they do offer the flexibility of 60:40 folding configuration.

The Singapore-spec Hyundai Accent might have turned old now, for it is based on the previous generation model of the global-spec Accent/Verna. However, thanks to its fluidic design philosophy, it still makes a lot of sense with its timeless curves and flowing lines.

The front profile of the Hyundai Accent has a very sleek looking grille, which has rounded edges and forms the upper face of the large hexagonal front fascia of the car. This hexagonal fascia extends down towards the bumper, forming a two part grille design with lower air dam as well. The sweptback headlamps look nice, but feel plain due to absence of projector bulbs or daytime running LEDs. The L-shaped housings in the bumper look nice too, but there are no fog lamps on offer.

The side profile of the Hyundai Accent has a smooth coupe-like look with a rounded roofline and the smooth curve flowing upwards from the front fender to the edge of the tail lamp. The window waistline too rises in a smooth and curvy manner, and so does the outside rearview mirrors. 

At the back, the sweptback tail lamp design makes the Accent look handsome. The stubby boot lid design with rakish windscreen makes it look sporty.

The Hyundai Verna is not a strong handler, as the suspension and steering setup of the sedan is too soft for the liking of those who love driving. However, it does feel comfortable and sorted for low-speed driving. The 14-inch wheels are adequate enough to give it a planted feel.

The Hyundai Accent has a punchy and refined 1.4-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine under its hood. The engine is available with the choice of only a CVT gearbox and pumps out a maximum power output of 100 PS and a peak torque of 133 Nm.

This Singapore-spec Hyundai Accent is not too rich in terms of equipment, and that reflects in its list of safety features too. The sedan is equipped only with dual front airbags as well as ABS, with no other modern safety electronic aid on offer.

This Singapore-spec Hyundai Accent does not feel as up to date and desirable as the new latest global-spec model. Everything in this car feels a decade old, but at the same time, most of the bits are something which has stood well against the test of times.

The exterior styling still feels sober and timeless and the performance from the 1.4-litre petrol engine is welcoming with good levels of refinement. However, that does not let us forget the fact that it is a generation old model, and now Hyundai should seriously consider revamping it or replace it with the latest global-spec model.