2013 Hyundai Accent FWD 4dr Sport

The Hyundai Accent has been fully redesigned for 2012. Compared to the previous model, the new Accent has a roomier interior, a more stylish design and a more powerful engine. Available as a sedan or a four-door hatchback, the Accent comes with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder producing 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, while a six-speed automatic is also available. Power output is impressive for the class, and the Accent gets excellent fuel economy as well., , The sedan comes only in base GLS trim, while the hatchback comes in GS and the top-line SE trims. GLS features are sparse; air-conditioning and a stereo are not included, though they can be added as an option along with power windows and mirrors. These features are included when an automatic transmission is selected, and additional options like foglights, alloy wheels, keyless entry, upgraded interior trim, cruise control and Bluetooth are available. The GS hatchback is similar in content to the GLS, but adds a few extra features. Stepping up to the SE hatchback gets you pretty much all of the Accent's features as standard., , Inside, the Hyundai Accent has a look and feel that is a bit nicer than we're accustomed to in this class of car, with patterned upholstery, a sculpted dash and modern overall design. The lack of a telescoping steering wheel notwithstanding, taller passengers will find all but the rear center seat roomy and comfortable. Cargo space is also quite accommodating, especially in the hatchback models., , On the road, the Accent's four-cylinder engine pulls significantly stronger than the power plants of its major competitors. Both the six-speed manual and the six-speed automatic transmissions make good use of that output, too. What it lacks in sporty steering and suspension settings, it compensates for with balance and composure -- criteria likely more important to buyers shopping this segment. That the Accent performs this well overall while still returning an EPA-estimated 40 mpg on the highway is impressive. Overall, the Hyundai Accent stands as a front-runner in the subcompact segment.