Hyundai Accent 2000

Hyundai Accent 2000

Hyundai's smallest, least expensive model is redesigned for 2000, sporting new styling, larger exterior dimensions and a roomier interior. The front-drive Hyundai Accent again comes in two-door hatchback and four-door sedan styling. Cargo volume is 10.7 cubic feet on the sedan and 16 cubic feet on the hatchback. Both body styles have a folding rear seatback. Standard equipment includes power steering, a cassette player and rear window defroster.

The 2000 Accent is further proof of the New Hyundai. The car has been redesigned from the ground up and offers a larger cabin, refined engine, smoother ride and better handling. Wheelbase, overall length, and overall width have all been increased, giving the Hyundai Accent improved legroom, headroom and hip room. The driver seat features adjustments for height and rake, as well as fore and aft settings. Three versions of the Accent are available. Options range from power windows and air conditioning to heated mirrors and a CD player.

Under the Hyundai Accent's bulbous bodywork sits a McPherson strut independent front suspension and a dual link rear suspension. The Accent can be ordered with optional ABS and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), which monitors weight distribution within the vehicle to improve ABS effectiveness during quick stops. The base engine remains a 1.3-liter four-cylinder with a larger 1.5-liter optional. The larger engine drags the Accent to 60 mph in just over 11 seconds, if equipped with the five-speed manual transmission.
Wheelbase on the new Accent is 1.6 inches longer at 96 inches. Width has grown two inches and overall length about 5 inches.

The reputation of Hyundai cars suffered public floggings in the early 1990s due to quality problems, and sales spiraled downward. Heavy rebates were offered, which angered dealers. In America, Hyundai is considered a tiny company that sells budget-priced cars. But back home in Seoul, Hyundai is one of the world’s biggest and most diversified business organizations, including operating the largest automobile manufacturing company on the planet and selling its models in 190 countries. In spite of its size, Hyundai makes small cars for the United States. Hyundai's new message has caught fire faster than anyone anticipated, and by the end of next year, more than 500 dealerships will be selling Hyundai sedans, hatchbacks and SUVs.