Comparison review: 10 subcompact hatchbacks (1st place)

 

In most respects, the Hyundai Accent is a perfectly typical 2012-model subcompact hatchback. The way it drives, the amount of space and versatility it provides, the features and quality it offers, and the price one pays for it are all in line with class norms. 

 

But experience with the Accent – which was recently redesigned for the 2012 model year – demonstrates how far those norms have progressed in recent years. It's thoroughly pleasant and solid-feeling, yet still reasonably priced and impressively fuel-efficient. 

 

As is the case with many overall best-in-class vehicles, the Accent has few unique strengths to point to; class-leading gas mileage, tied with the mechanically related Kia Rio, being the primary exception. Rather, it wins this comparison by meeting each of the newly raised standards for subcompacts, even if it rarely exceeds them.

 

This thorough competence without much excellence may sound similar to the description this reviewer issued the Scion xD, which placed eighth in this comparison instead of first. In addition to outstanding fuel economy and a $1,400 price advantage over the Scion, the Accent boasts superior driving dynamics, more cargo room and a better interior layout – enough to make a major difference in a class full of competitive models. 

 

The Accent isn't for everyone. Cheap touches in the interior, such as a hard plastic armrest and misaligned dashboard panels, will send some consumers to a competitor. So will the constricted rear visibility and the lack of flat-folding rear seats. Others still will want a subcompact hatchback that comes closer to providing a sporty driving experience. 

 

Even so, this Hyundai is pleasant, comfortable, practical and affordable – or at least, it's better than the rest at blending these merits. If you're shopping subcompacts, it's the best place to start your search. 

 

The Accent's driving dynamics strike a fine balance between the agile Mazda2 and the cushy Chevrolet Sonic. Although the ride gets a little jumpy over a series of bumps, it's generally smooth and decently quiet. 

 

Accurate, well-weighted steering distinguishes the Accent from the second-place Kia Rio to make this car one of the better driver's cars in this class, particularly in everyday driving. If you're regularly pushing your subcompact hatchback, you'd likely find a Honda Fit or Ford Fiesta more rewarding, but the Accent's steering and handling feel more responsive more of the time. 

 

In another difference from the Rio, even a fully-loaded Accent can be had with a six-speed manual transmission – this reviewer sampled such a car for a week on loan from Hyundai. A shorter drive in a model with a six-speed automatic revealed that both cars are peppy and avoid excess noise. The automatic transmission shifts smoothly; the manual isn't as precise as a Honda Fit's, but it's better than many small cars', including the pricier Hyundai Elantra sedan. 

 

The highlight of the car's powertrain is its stellar EPA fuel economy ratings of 40 miles per gallon on the highway and 33 miles per gallon in mixed driving. This reviewer observed 32.7 miles per gallon in the tested manual transmission Accent.

 

Like many Hyundais, the Accent boasts impressive EPA interior volume measurements, but this one never feels especially spacious. Front-seat passengers have plenty of room on firm, somewhat flat seats. Unlike some competitors, and base-model Accents, the tested Accent SEs have a center console bin that doubles as a padded armrest, but the door panels are all rock-hard plastic. 

 

The Accent's rear seat is low and doesn't offer as much leg or head space as some competitors, but adults will fit. Unfortunately, the rear seat doesn't fold flat or flush with the cargo floor, and you must move the front seats or remove the rear head restraints to drop it down. The cargo cover is also finicky to remove. 

 

As with passenger space, the EPA quotes a cargo volume figure that would be impressive, while real-world room looks more like “just fine.” The Accent's styling cuts into its versatility, with the smallish back hatch opening constricted by the wide taillights and high rear bumper. (The Accent is also offered as a four-door sedan.) Rear visibility is also short of generous. 

 

Unlike the Kia Rio, the Accent doesn't feel like a premium car. The interior design wouldn't be out of place in a larger, pricier compact car – unlike many of the models in this class – but the quality of panels' assembly and some trim are clearly low-rent. 

 

Most disappointingly, each 2012 Accent this reviewer has been in has the same prominent ill-fitting panels on the dash, on either side of the HVAC controls. Those knobs for temperature, mode and fan speed also move clunkily. Controls are at least clearly laid out.

 

Another area where the Accent's premium aspirations pale before the Rio's is available feature content. The SE has all the features used to determine comparable prices for this comparison – power windows/locks/mirrors, alloy wheels and a Bluetooth cell phone connection – but you can't get anything more. The tested Rios included a more sophisticated infotainment system and a rearview camera, and further optional equipment includes heated leather seats, a sunroof and a navigation system; the Accent has none of that. 

 

Nonetheless, the Accent's overall cabin ambiance is in line with subcompact standards. Most trim is nicely grained, and tasteful splashes of silver trim and blue lighting are nice touches. And most subcompact customers won't find a shortage of available features, just none of the Rio's surplus. 

 

“Pleasant, comfortable, practical and affordable.” This review is quoting itself, but it's a point that bears repeating. The Accent isn't the blow-them-out-of-the-water winner that some classes have. It beats the Rio only by “virtue” of that Kia's unfortunate steering feel, and safety ratings, visibility, and cargo flexibility are further areas where many competitors do better. 

 

But for now, the redesigned 2012 Accent is a convincingly solid subcompact car that doesn't forget about value and utility even as it joins other models in offering the look and feel of something at least a little bit more money. 

 

For blending the old virtues of a subcompact car with the new, even if it's not perfect at either, the Accent is the leader of today's subcompact class. 

 

Vehicle tested: 2012 Hyundai Accent

Vehicle base price (MSRP): $12,445

Version tested: SE

Version base price (MSRP): $15,795

Vehicle price as tested (MSRP): $17,730

Vehicle price as comparable (MSRP)*: $17,685

Estimated transaction price as comparable**:  $16,906

Test vehicle provided by: Fairfax Hyundai of Fairfax, Va.

 

Length: 162.2 inches 

Width: 66.9 inches 

Height: 57.1 inches

Wheelbase: 101.2 inches

Weight: 2,654 pounds 

Cargo volume behind rear seat: 21.2 cubic feet

Cargo volume with rear seat folded: 47.5 cubic feet

Turning circle: 34.1 feet 

Engine: 1.6-liter I4 with 138 horsepower 

Transmission (as tested): 6-speed automatic 

EPA city mileage: 30 miles per gallon 

EPA highway mileage: 40 miles per gallon 

EPA combined mileage: 33 miles per gallon

Assembly location: South Korea

For more information: Hyundai website