HYUNDAI ACCENT - The Accent comes with six standard air bags, front pretensioning and load-limiting seat belts, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and electronic brake force distribution. CNS Photo courtesy of Hyundai. These little cars were once viewed as tin-can deathtraps in the land of 2 1/2-ton SUVs, but $3-a-gallon gasoline has changed that for many drivers. And with the revival in these cars, the automakers have substantially increased the safety margin. The Accent, for example, comes with six standard air bags, front pretensioning and load-limiting seat belts, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and electronic brake force distribution. If all the bags go off at once in the Accent, the interior would look like a snow cave of puffy protection. The new Accent has a longer wheelbase, wider track, and larger wheels and tires. It is a good-looking small car with an interesting face and balanced dimensions. The body-colored door handles, mirrors and bodyside molding are an upscale treatment. And the ice blue paint of the test car got numerous compliments. Sizewise, Accent is an overachiever. It is a subcompact by category definition, but a compact by EPA interior volume. It's a small car that doesn't feel small. There are nearly 40 inches of front headroom and 34 inches in back. The trunk expands by the folding seatback, and the spare tire compartment under the trunk floor is enormous. The space-saver tire barely fills the hole, so there is plenty of room for emergency materials that normally would be bouncing about the trunk. The interior is attractive in its colors and textures. Panels and seams line up evenly; controls and switches are smartly arranged. The driver seat has height adjustment and a fold-up armrest, which will be of utmost interest to the front passengers, who do not get such comfort treatment. Hyundai's new 1.6-liter, four-cylinder with continuously variable valve technology ekes out 110 hp. But when paired with the optional four-speed automatic, it doesn't feel as snappy as the 109 hp in the Honda Fit, a showcase with its five-speed automatic and steering wheel paddle shifters. The Fit also does a better job of squeezing fuel economy. It's rated 31 mpg city and 37 highway, versus the Accent's 28/36. But the Accent costs a little less. The single GLS trim level starts at $12,995 for the five-speed manual and $13,845 for the automatic. Standard equipment includes a six-speaker AM-FM-CD audio system, split folding seatback and lighted vanity mirrors. The $1,500 premium sport package adds such extras as air conditioning, power windows and locks, power heated mirrors, remote keyless entry and 15-inch alloy wheels. Carpeted floor mats add $65. As tested, the price was $15,410, and $1,000 incentives had been available. If that seems a little high, consider Hyundai's warranties: five years/60,000 miles bumper to bumper, 10 years/100,000 miles limited powertrain coverage and 24-hour roadside assistance for five years. That includes emergency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses. There is no deductible on any of those coverages. Accent has a fairly soft ride and tame performance, but it might also be the smoothest-rolling and quietest small car out there. It's a safe choice for those looking for a well-made bargain and want thrift and reliability when getting from point A to point B. For those who push their cars hard, this one has issues. The Kumho tires squirm like buttered potatoes when making an evasive maneuver, which feels even less secure with the flex of the softly sprung suspension. It's a fine ride for getting to a luncheon, but watch out when it's time to rush across town for bingo. Hyundai seems to be leaving its three-door Accent for the youth treatment. It will have quicker-response steering, sportier suspension, a decklid spoiler and an option for 16-inch tires and alloy wheels. And there will be 35 accessories at launch, as dealer- or port-installed add-ons, which also will be available for the sedan. Included will be a ground-effects kit, cold air intake system, metallic shift knobs, aluminum pedals and doorsills, iPod holder and LED interior light kit. Factory-installed personalization options include a 220-watt, AM/FM, six-CD changer premium audio system with six speakers and Accent's first power sunroof. The base GLS three-door has a starting price of $11,455 and the sportier SE will be a couple of thousand more. SPECS BOX 2006 Hyundai Accent GLS Body style: Compact, 5-passenger sedan Engine: 1.6-liter, 16-valve 4-cylinder with variable valve technology Horsepower: 110 at 6,000 rpm Torque: 106 at 4,500 rpm Transmission: 5-speed manual; optional 4-speed automatic EPA fuel economy estimates: 28 mpg city, 36 highway (32/35, manual) Fuel capacity: 11.9 gallons; 87 octane recommended DIMENSIONS Trunk space: 12.4 cubic feet Front head/leg/shoulder room: 39.6/42.8/53.5 inches Rear head/leg/shoulder room: 37.8/34.3/53.1 inches Length/wheelbase: 168.5/98.4 inches Curb weight: 2,366 pounds; 2,403, automatic FEATURES Safety equipment: Dual front air bags, front seat-mounted side-impact air bags, roof-mounted air bag curtain, front seat-belt pretensioners and load limiters, power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes with 4-channel, 4-sensor ABS and electronic brake force distribution CHASSIS Steering: Power-assisted rack and pinion; turning circle, 33.1 feet Suspension: Front, MacPherson struts with coil springs, stabilizer bar and gas-charged shock absorbers; rear, torsion beam axle with coil springs and gas shock absorbers Tires and wheels: Kumho P185/65HR 14-inch steel wheel; optional, P195/55R 15-inch on alloy PRICING Base: $13,845; price as tested, $15,410, including $540 freight charge Options on test car: Premium sport package ($1,500) includes air conditioning, power windows, power heated mirrors, power door locks, remote keyless entry and 15-inch tires and alloy wheels; carpeted floor mats ($65) The competition: Chevy Aveo, Honda Fit, Kia Rio, Nissan Sentra, Toyota Yaris, Ford Focus Where assembled: Korea PLUSES: Attractive, quiet riding subcompact-compact with many safety features. MINUSES: Squirmy tires in evasive maneuvers; soft suspension. Mark Maynard is driving in cyberspace at mark.maynard@uniontrib.com. © Copley News Service

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