2011 Hyundai Accent Review

Hyundai Accent

For 2011, the Hyundai Accent continues its tradition by remaining affordable and practical at the same time. With base Blue models of the 2011 Hyundai Accent coming with a starting MSRP of around $10,700, they are poised to be among the most affordable vehicles on the road. When you combine the car's exceptional fuel economy ratings, it's clear that the Hyundai Accent is a great option for economical types. All models of the Hyundai Accent come equipped with a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine; front-wheel drive is the only available option. As long as aggressive driving isn't your forte, the Hyundai Accent should be right up your alley.

The interior of the 2011 Hyundai Accent abounds with rough materials and cheap plastics. Most drivers should be okay with the austere design of the Accent's interior, though, thanks to its rock-bottom price.

It can be paired with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic. Despite all of that, the "Hyundai Accent" impresses with astoundingly great fuel economy ratings. Drivers shouldn't expect a luxurious driving experience when they get behind the wheel of the 2011 Hyundai Accent.

Upgrade options are again, dependent on the trim level of Hyundai Accent that is purchased. The base Blue trim has few upgrade options available outside of air conditioning. All around, though, the 2011 Hyundai Accent is a topnotch choice for cost-conscious drivers.

Available in base GL, GS and sporty SE two-door hatchbacks or a GLS four-door sedan, the Accent competes with economy cars like the Chevrolet Aveo, Nissan Versa and Toyota Yaris. Power windows, power door locks with keyless entry and power mirrors are optional on the GS and SE hatchbacks and GLS sedan.

Take the 2011 Hyundai Accent, for instance. The Accent's relatively quiet cabin is another unexpected plus in a sub-$10,000 car.

The 2011 Hyundai Accent is available in a choice of two-door hatchback and four-door sedan body styles. The hatchback is offered in three trim levels, including the renamed entry-level GL, midrange GS and top-of-the-line SE. The sporty Hyundai Accent SE two-door hatchback adds 16-inch cast-aluminum wheels, firmer suspension tuning, foglights, cruise control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls. The Hyundai Accent GLS sedan's list of standard features and options is very similar to that of the GS hatchback.

The front-wheel-drive 2011 Hyundai Accent is equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 110 hp and 106 pound-feet of torque. In performance testing, a manual-equipped Accent went from zero to 60 mph in 9.4 seconds.

In regard to fuel economy, the Hyundai Accent models equipped with the four-speed automatic return EPA estimates of 27 mpg city/36 mpg highway and 30 mpg combined. Models with the five-speed manual are rated at 28 mpg city/34 mpg highway and 30 mpg combined.

All 2011 Hyundai Accents are equipped with front-seat side-impact airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. The SE hatchback gets antilock braking as standard.

The Hyundai Accent hasn't been tested using the government's new, more strenuous crash test procedure. The front seats are comfortable, though, and the standard height-adjustable driver seat is a nice touch. The rear seats offer enough legroom for average-sized adults.