2017 Hyundai Accent: Which spec is best?

The Hyundai Accent is the top-selling light car under $25,000 in Australia and is one of the bigger cars in its class, just slightly smaller than its Hyundai i30 sibling. It has plenty of luggage space for a city car and some decent standard technology including a five-inch touchscreen display. The Accent is pleasant enough to drive with forgiving suspension and steering feel, though it does feel a little underpowered.

Variants

The Hyundai Accent comes in two main model grades, the Active and SR. The Active comes with hatch and sedan versions and is powered by a 1.4-litre petrol engine with choice of six-speed manual or CVT transmissions. Standard equipment includes cloth seats, five-inch touchscreen with Blutooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and keyless entry.

The ‘Sportier’ SR is hatch only, with a 1.6-litre engine mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox. Standard features on top of the Accent include 16-inch alloys, LED daytime running lights, front fog lamps, projector beam headlights and cruise control.

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Hyundai Accent pricing

• Hatch/sedan, six-speed manual - $14,990
• Hatch/sedan , CVT auto - $16,990
• SR hatch, six-speed manual - $16,990
• SR hatch, six-speed auto - $18,990

Our pick – Hyundai Accent Active with CVT

Our hearts say the SR with the six-speed manual gearbox, however it’s not exactly the most exhilarating car to drive despite the SR badge. We figure most people who buy an Accent is choosing frugality over thrills so best go with the value Active with the CVT auto that helps give it respectable around-town performance and an official combined fuel economy of 6.2L/100km.

The Accent hatch and sedan have their own advantages, though the hatch is arguably better looking. The sedan’s 465-litre boot space is larger than the hatch’s (370-litres), however with the rear seats down you can fit more in the hatch and get it in more easily.

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Available Options

• Metallic, Mica and Pearl paint finishes - $495
• Saver Accessory Pack with bonnet protector, headlight protectors and tailored carpet floor mats - $398
• City Accessory Pack with auxiliary cable, ambient interior lighting and 14-inch alloy wheels - $1310

Options to consider

At the time of writing the drive-away price was lower than the above manufacturer list price thanks to dealer discounts, which provides a little wriggle room to up spec.

The City Accessory pack adds some nice touches, though if you’re getting it just for the wheels, perhaps consider a set of five 16-inch SR wheels for $1195.20 and perhaps buy some tailored floor mats separately ($143.50 fitted) with the change.