2016 Hyundai Accent equals refreshing economy
The 2016 Hyundai Accent Hatchback provides shoppers with extraordinary value by blending utility, style and performance together in a compact car that’s both attractive and affordable. For the 2016 model year, Accent Hatchback receives minor changes, including more consistent trim-level naming and some packaging updates.
Available in SE and Sport trim levels, the Hatchback’s exterior features bold styling characteristics sporting Hyundai’s signature “Fluidic Sculpture” design. The vehicle’s exterior lines are intended to be futuristic, dynamic, and sleek. In a segment typically associated with staid designs, Accent stands out from the crowd. Hyundai’s signature hexagonal front grille and detailed swept-back headlights give Accent a compact athletic face. For added style, distinctive projector headlights with LED accents are included on the Sport. Standard sporty 16-inch alloy wheels feature a machined finish for an assertive stance.
Power for the Hatchback is generated by an all-aluminum 1.6L Gamma four-cylinder engine. Torque is communicated to the street through the standard six-speed manual gearbox. A six-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and hill start assist control is an available option.
The first step toward confident driving dynamics is a rigid structure. To this end, the Accent Hatchback employs high-tensile strength steel to deliver a strong, light and stiff body. Increased stiffness allowed Hyundai engineers more flexibility in terms of suspension tuning. The end result is a better balance between handling precision and ride comfort. The Accent Hatchback employs a MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and twin-tube gas shock absorbers. The rear suspension is a torsion axle setup with coil springs and monotube shock absorbers.
Inside the passenger cabin, the Hatchback’s interior volume and passenger space are truly a class above. While the car’s exterior dimensions are consistent with those of traditional subcompacts, the Accent Hatchback is classified by the EPA as a compact thanks to its interior volume. The Accent has best-in-class front and rear shoulder room, with more cargo volume than many of its compact five-door competitors.
A reversed LCD display added last year enhances readability with its high-contrast look and an available leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob adds a premium touch to the cockpit drivers will enjoy. Shoppers have the choice of three interior fabric colors: Beige, Gray and Black.
Convenient storage spaces are included throughout the cabin, including bottle holders in the front doors and a storage tray at the base of the center console. A sliding armrest storage console is available, which is a segment first. Split and fold 60/40 rear seats are standard for increased cargo flexibility when transporting longer items. Not only does Accent have multiple storage areas, but it delivers more useable storage capacity while keeping an attractive appearance.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 101.2; overall length: 162.0; width: 66.9; height: 57.1
All vehicle measurements are in inches.
Engine: 1.6L four-cylinder – 137 hp at 6300 rpm and 123 lbs-ft of torque at 4850 rpm
Transmission: six-speed manual, six-speed automatic with overdrive
EPA Fuel Economy: 27 city/38 hwy. (manual); 26 city/37 hwy. (automatic)
Cargo capacity: 21.2 cubic feet
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control system, driver’s blind spot mirror, remote keyless entry, alarm system, and tire pressure monitoring system. Automatic transmission equipped models add hill start assist control. Sport adds four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, front fog lights, and Bluetooth hands free phone system.
Warranty
Basic: 5-year/60,000 mile
Powertrain: 10-year/100,000 mile
Corrosion: 7-year/unlimited
Roadside Assistance: 5-year/unlimited, 24-hour
Pricing
The base Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2016 Hyundai Accent Hatchback starts from $14,995 for the SE manual up to $17,495 for the Sport automatic. Destination charges add $835.