Hyundai Accent 2011-2016 used car review

Capable and economical, the Accent leads the way for value in its segment.

 Accent hatch, left, and sedan

The Accent has been a cornerstone of Hyundai’s success in the past decade. The light hatch and sedan may not be in any way sexy but they’re practical, roomy, safe, well equipped for the price and backed by Hyundai’s desirable five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.

They’re cheap too; new Accent models sell from just $15,490 before on-road costs. Those you can buy at your Hyundai dealer today are the same generation and shape as introduced in August 2011, so you can get a used version right back to this date and still be in a “current” car.

The earliest models, now just out of warranty, can be snapped up for less than $9000. The five-door hatch outdoes the four-door for style, as reflected in sales tallies — hatches comprehensively outnumber sedans in the used classifieds.

Hyundai Accent hatches were more popular than sedans. Pic: Supplied.

In late 2011 you could buy three grades — Active, Elite or Premium — from $16,990, each powered by a 1.6-litre engine (91kW), with the five-speed manual version claiming 6.0L/100km. The four-speed auto added $2000.

A few months later the Active CRDi, the more economical (from 4.4L/100km) but pricier 1.6-litre turbo diesel, joined the party with a bit more power and lots more torque. Despite this, the market didn’t warm to the diesel and it was quietly phased out, so used examples are hen’s teeth rare.

In October 2013 a sportier SR arrived, eking more power from the 1.6 and adding optional six-speed auto and sportier equipment and suspension. This model hardly flew from the forecourts either and Hyundai accepted that buyers liked their Accents simple and cheap.

Buyers were attracted to the value offered by the Accent. Pic: Supplied.

So in 2015 the entry-level Active’s 1.6-litre was replaced with an even tardier 74kW 1.4-litre four-cylinder and optional constantly variable transmission with six preset ratios.

Accents from this series are modern enough to have a suite of electronic driver aids such as stability and traction control, six airbags and five-star ANCAP rating, giving peace of mind to first car buyers.

Actives came with Bluetooth connectivity, audio streaming, USB port for phone connectivity and steering wheel-mounted controls, but only 14-inch steel wheels.

Accents came with Bluetooth and a USB port. Pic: Supplied.

Elites scored more attractive 16-inch alloys and improved cabin trim, while Premiums gained a reversing camera (with image in the rear-view mirror), parking sensors, push-button start and leatherette seats and trim.

If you can find an Accent SR you’ll enjoy
16-inch sports alloys, rear spoiler, cruise control and LED running lights. Later Accents came with a five-inch touchscreen and desirable Apple CarPlay.

Accents only a few years old on the used market are almost as dear as a new one at your Hyundai dealer.

Cabins are quite user-friendly and the interior is brilliantly spacious for a car in the light car segment.

They’re capable around town and on the highway rather than in any way inspiring. Thanks to the steering and handling being tuned for Australian conditions, the Accent is a safe and reasonably dynamic steerer.

The Elite model was a popular choice. Pic: Supplied.

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

The used market is full of Active hatches but be aware that some of these will have been with car rental companies. Seek out a private seller, preferably the one owner, and a well cared-for example with some warranty remaining.

There is no real pattern in the problems owners report and all are fairly minor, suggesting there are no abiding faults with these cars, and there have been no recalls.

Later Accents are still covered by the warranty so any problems should have been rectified at the dealership. There’s no reason to consider buying a 2011 or later Accent with any form of problem. There are plenty out there, so reject an example with signs of trouble.

OWNERS SAY

Rob Dunstan: I bought an Accent Active auto sedan new in 2013 and it gave four years of completely trouble-free motoring. It was comfortable, had a good boot and had a really solid feel to it. Only gripe was there was no cruise control option and the steering had a wandering feeling at highway speed. Other than that, typical Hyundai quality and value.

Matt Seaniger: Our 2012 Accent Active has been superb, the servicing costs have been low and we get good fuel economy. The bit of plastic under the front bumper came loose a couple of times but has been fixed by the dealer thanks to the five-year warranty. It’s been a brilliant and reliable car.

IAIN SAYS 3.5 STARS

Buyers of older Accents can rest assured they’re getting a solid little vehicle with decent cabin space, comfort and kit. Target one with some of its five-year manufacturer warranty left as extra insurance. A new generation Accent will arrive next year, so excellent deals can be had on the run-out model.

THE EXPERTS SAY

Hyundai sold about 50,000 Accents between 2011 and the end of last year, making it the bestseller in its segment. The base Accent Active manual hatch from 2011 ($16,990 new) is $8800 for a vehicle in good condition that has averaged 15,000km a year. The flagship Premium auto hatch of the same year ($22,990 new) is about $11,350. For 2016 examples, pay $13,450 for the Active manual ($14,990 new) and $17,050 for the range-topping Accent SR auto ($18,990 new). For last year’s model, resale value is generally better than the rival Toyota Yaris, Honda Jazz, Suzuki Swift and VW Polo but can’t quite match the Mazda2. — Red Book

 

AT A GLANCE

HYUNDAI ACCENT 2011-16

PRICE NEW $16,990-$22,990

SAFETY 5 stars

ENGINE 1.6-litre 4-cyl, 91kW/156Nm and 103kW/167Nm; 1.6-litre 4-cyl turbo diesel, 94kW/260Nm; 1.4-litre 4-cyl, 74kW/133Nm

TRANSMISSION

5 or 6-speed man, 4 or 6-speed auto, CVT; FWD

THIRST 4.4L-6.6L/100km