Hyundai Accent started selling cars here in America in 1985. If you see a little—okay, more than a little—of theFord Fiesta's “Kinetic” form vocabulary in the Hyundai Accent’s “Fluidic Sculpture” styling, you’re not alone.Between the Accent’s two body styles (a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback; the entry-level, three-door Accent is discontinued for 2012) are three unique trim levels: GS and sport-flavored SE trims are hatchback-only, while Accent sedans come only in GLS guise. Regardless of trim level, all Accents are loaded up with safety equipment, including front, front-side, and front and rear side-curtain airbags; four-wheel disc brakes; and stability control.Gamma Arrives
It also helps that 2012 Hyundai Accent kept the Accent’s claimed curb weight to around 2400 pounds regardless of body style.
Still the Cheapest, but Don’t Call it Cheap
Hyundai Accent says that it will hold 2012 Hyundai Accent prices to 2011 levels—a feat aided by the use of a carry-over platform—which means that the Accent could remain America’s cheapest car at under $11K. That is, if none of the Korean maker’s competitors undercut that price before the Accent arrives this summer. Still, even if something does “out-cheap” the littlest Hyundai in price, it’s not likely to match the Accent’s impressive power, feathery weight, and available features. In the Hyundai Accent, Hyundai should have an inexpensive car it can be proud to sell—for cheap.