The
2011 Hyundai Accent is configured as a two-door hatchback or a four-door sedan offered with a 1.6 liter inline-4, 110 horsepower engine coupled to a four-speed automatic transmission or a five-speed manual transmission. The Accent's biggest claim to fame is that it has the best fuel economy out of all of Hyundai's cars, delivering 27 mpg city/36 mpg highway in EPA ratings.
The Hyundai Accent is an adequate budget car. Five trims are available, including the GL Hatchback, GS Hatchback, SE Hatchback, and GLS Sedan. The Blue Edition has the best fuel economy and lowest MSRP. However, it only comes with a five-speed transmission. Standard amenities include safety airbags, tire pressure monitoring, and antilock brakes.
New for 2011
The Hyundai Accent got only minor tweaks for 2011, among them the power sunroof, which had been available only on the SE trim, was dropped. Furthermore, the Mellow Yellow paint has been discontinued due to low demand. However, on the GL six-speaker AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with iPod jack is now standard instead of optional.
Essentials
Engine: 1.6L I-4
Transmissions: 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic
Body Styles: Sedan, two-door hatchback
Trims: GL Hatchback, GS Hatchback, SE Hatchback, GLS Sedan, Blue Edition
On the Outside
While neither the hatchback nor the sedan is ugly, they also aren't all that exciting. The SE, the sportiest model, comes with features, such as 16-inch wheels (14-inch wheels are standard on all other trims) and fog lights.
From the Inside
The interior is plain and simple. Air-conditioning is standard on all trims except the Blue Edition, while sportier touches are offered on the SE, such as a B&M shifter, standard cruise control, and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.
Driving Performance
The Hyundai Accent's performance is adequate and the handling is average. With the sporty SE Hatchback you can get a B&M short-shifting manual transmission, sport-tuned suspension, and standard ABS.
Safety Equipment
Standard on the Accent are driver and passenger front airbags, side impact airbags, and front and rear head curtains, as well as disc and drum brakes. ABS is standard with the SE and optional otherwise.
Gas Mileage
Blue: 26 mpg city/36 mpg hwy
GS, GLS, SE: 27-28 mpg city/34-36 mpg hwy
Plusses
- Outstanding fuel economy
- Sporty SE
- Six airbags
- Budget price
Minuses
- Low-power engine
- No style
- ABS is an option
Rating
Plain, simple, economical, and boring
People Who Like the 2011 Hyundai Accent Also Like
- Honda Fit
- Toyota Yaris
- Nissan Versa
- Scion xD