Has Hyundai NAILED It With The 2012 Accent? Did It Also Make A Gamechanger In The SUBCompact Class?

As we've been continuously reporting, Hyundai is like this sleeping giant that has finally come alive. Its products are competitive and aggressively priced.

But could it continue its streak of success when it came to the subcompact class? Keep in mind, most vehicles in this bottom-of-the-barrel class aren't lusted over. This is strictly about getting from point "A" to "B."

Well, it may be hard to believe, but one of Detroit's longstanding auto writers has A LOT of positive things to say about the 2012 Accent. That's when you know it has to be a compelling product.

Don't believe me? Check out Scott Burgess' commentary by clicking "Read Article"

A very short person once told me that good things come in small packages.

Perhaps there's some truth to that. Carmakers have certainly started taking notice of the little rides in the subcompact segment, once the refuge of doors that sounded like tuning forks when they closed. And I'm not talking good tuning forks.

The role these cars played was an inexpensive one. They remain some of the most affordable new cars available, but now they have a lot more style, amenities and performance. Blame $4-a-gallon gasoline for the renewed interest.

Carmakers such as Honda Motor Co. and Ford Motor Co. are rolling out pretty nice subcompact cars. The new Nissan Versa will arrive soon, as will a made-over Chevy Aveo, adopting the name Sonic from either hedgehog or burger joint fame...


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Read Article

Steve - 7/8/2011 6:23:33 AM

+4 Boost

As much as I think Hyundai gives you a huge bang for the buck, I just can't get past that exterior styling. Arbitrary, deep body creases abound.

LACMAN - 7/8/2011 9:34:25 AM

+4 Boost

*high fives Steve*

thetruth01 - 7/8/2011 12:12:54 PM

+2 Boost

And not a lotta bang for the buck anymore. Hyundai's aren't nearly as cheap as even just last year's models.

UnbiasedAuthority78 - 7/8/2011 12:22:43 PM

+1 Boost

I think this car looks great. There is nothing offensive or ugly about this car inside out. What car in this class is more appealing?

thetruth01 - 7/8/2011 12:15:37 PM

+1 Boost

Can anyone tell a Fiesta from a Focus from an Elantra from an Accent? Only way I can tell if it's a Sonata is cuz it's so huge. But I'm sure that will be indistinguishable from the next Mondeo/Fusion. So we'll have Audi's one sausage philosophy (albeit creased and folded to within an inch of its life), but applied along two mfr's lines. Gonna make you lust after the simple plain Camry.

UnbiasedAuthority78 - 7/8/2011 12:28:23 PM

+1 Boost

Yes, I can tell the difference between any of those cars. I agree with you, Audi's cars all look the same...interior and exterior. I don't think the same can be said about Ford or Hyundai's vehicles. There is continuity in their design language, but that is to be expected IMO.

mtloveskg - 7/9/2011 12:15:47 PM

+1 Boost

Check out the soon to be released Kia Rio5, its the same platform as the Accent with same features and a nicer, smoother and much sportier look!

aboodesta - 7/9/2011 3:11:31 PM

+1 Boost

Even if the design doesn't work, at least they are trying to come up with something new that doesn't look boring. Look at toyota and their uninspiring designs over the last 5 years.