Hyundai's latest B-car can only become a success in Thailand with the right prices
The Hyundai Accent was introduced some 35 years ago as the Pony and has since taken a quantum leap in the areas of design refinement and build quality, as can be seen from this seventh-generation model.
The new Accent has been in development since 2005 as a RB sub-compact sedan and falls in the B-segment category _ where the Honda City and Toyota Vios compete _ which in essence is Hyundai Motor's budget car incorporating a continuation of the "fluidic sculpture" design philosophy: sophistication and dynamic angles. It had its world premiere in Dubai late last month.
Since the brand's initial entry in Thailand through a local distributor a decade ago, when it failed to make an impression on local buyers, followed by a hiatus, Hyundai is back in the guise of Hyundai Motor Thailand, which is managed by a Japanese trading company. Hyundai now features a more varied product line-up incorporating fresh design cues and improved quality, which indeed is a mark of progress.
As for the new Accent four-door saloon, my test car was powered by a new generation Gamma 1.6-litre engine with CVVT (Continuously Variable Valve Timing) producing 124hp and mated to a four-speed automatic. It was accessorised in Blue edition trim.
The cabin has a Zen-like functionality; multifunction steering is optional.
At first glance the Accent looks like the Sonata, which is a mid-sized saloon, appealing but not too exciting. My ride had 14-inch wheels and fog lights, among other features.
Overall dimensions of the new Accent starts with a 2,570mm platform, which is 70mm longer than in its predecessor, offering more space and comfort up front. But rear head room was a damper due to the Accent's coupe{aac}-like sporty profile and body-side volume, which was lowered by 13mm to 1,457mm.
Hyundai claims leg room is wider and longer than in its predecessor. Once inside the Accent's cabin, I noticed that it had a Zen-like functionality and a steering wheel that has tilting adjustability. After 180km into the first leg from Movenpick's Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel in Dubai to the Hilton, the road-hugging capability of the Accent on the scarce twists and turns experienced along the roundabouts were not good enough to be on par with, say, a City, but zippy enough with 156Nm of torque at 4,300rpm.
The Accent can look like the Sonata from some angles.
MacPherson struts up front provide fully independent suspension with acceptable control. The old style sub-frame is replaced by an H-shaped type for weight reduction.
At the rear is a coupled torsion beam axle (CTBA) for optimal suspension and shock absorption, which was able to cater to the six- to eight-lane Dubai highways and B-roads slicing through scorching hot desert landscape.
But when passing larger incoming traffic, say lorries, the Accent produces pronounced side vibrations, which is rather disconcerting.
Regarding the 14-inch wheels, I felt it communicated a tad too much of road to the steering wheel. But sources say that Thai specs will see 15-inch wheels (a local spec sheet said 16-inch wheels, so we'll just have to wait and see). A proper verdict on this can only be made when the Accent is driven on Thai roads.
Hyundai is trying hard to sell its "modern premium" concept on emotional value and experiences beyond expectations. But all in all, the new Accent is best viewed as a budget car that can deliver reasonable performance, average braking with great fuel efficiency based on the company's claim of 15.6kpl.
Yes, fuel economy is the Accent's grand achievement, but the power rating could have been better. Some might argue that the styling cues are indifferent, but I would beg to differ.
I think that the Accent's price factor will play a key role in determining how warm a welcome it is going to receive in Thailand, especially at current oil prices and after its Sonata sibling debuts at the Bangkok International Motor Show this month.
The new Accent is a great way to break into the entry-level category if the price is right. But there's stiff competition in the B-segment right now and image factor is going to be an uphill battle before Hyundai can successfully break into the market.
Hyundai's new-age saloons
ACCENT
Seventh-generation model sets its eyes on the Honda City and Toyota Vios and comes with a 124hp 1.6-litre petrol motor and rather basic four-speed automatic. Its assembly in Asean will be crucial to Hyundai's ability to make a profit from sales in the region.
ELANTRA
The answer for the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, the Elantra (aka Avante in Korea) is equipped with a 148hp 1.8-litre petrol head and six-speed slusher. It's also being considered for the Thai market and, like both of its bigger and smaller brothers, focuses on the new so-called fluidic design.
SONATA
New model will be launched at the Bangkok International Motor Show. The imported Sonata comes with a 165hp 2.0-litre petrol engine and six-speeder to rival the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Introductory prices are set at 1.55 million baht and 1.87 million for the Sport version.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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