OREANDA-NEWS. August 28, 2015.  Hyundai released information on the 2016 Accent. Accent provides shoppers with extraordinary value by blending utility, style and performance together in a compact car that’s both attractive and affordable. For the 2016 model year, Accent gets minor changes, including more consistent trim-level naming and some packaging updates. 2016 Accent arrives in dealerships this month at a starting price of \\$14,745.

Accent Sedan and Accent Hatchback are the vehicle’s two distinct models. For naming consistency, Accent GLS and Accent GS have been renamed to Accent SE Sedan and Accent SE Hatchback, respectively, for the 2016 model year. Accent Hatchback continues to offer a Sport trim, with sportier visual cues and driving dynamics over the SE trim.

Since launch, Accent’s product success has garnered attention from automotive and industry experts, being awarded various coveted awards and accolades. Last month, for the second year in a row, Accent earned the highest honor in the J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Initial Quality StudySM (IQS) for the small-car segment. In 2014, Accent also received “Most Appealing Small Car” in the J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) study. This marked the first time a nameplate has ranked highest among non-premium brands in both APEAL and IQS in the same year.

PRICING

Model

Engine

Transmission

MSRP

Accent SE Sedan

1.6L GDI

6-Speed Manual Transmission

\\$14,745

Accent SE Sedan

1.6L GDI

6-Speed Automatic Transmission w/ SHIFTRONIC®

\\$15,745

Accent SE Hatchback

1.6L GDI

6-Speed Manual Transmission

\\$14,995

Accent SE Hatchback

1.6L GDI

6-Speed Automatic Transmission w/ SHIFTRONIC®

\\$16,195

Accent Sport Hatchback

1.6L GDI

6-Speed Manual Transmission

\\$16,495

Accent Sport Hatchback

1.6L GDI

6-Speed Automatic Transmission w/ SHIFTRONIC®

\\$17,495

* MSRP does not include freight charge of \\$825.

STYLING

Accent’s exterior features bold styling characteristics. Shoppers will notice the striking machine-finish 16-inch wheel design standard on the Accent Sport Hatchback and available on the SE Sedan equipped with the Style Package. The front grille, updated last year, enhances the Accent family across all trims while a projector headlight with LED accents adds a premium look to Accent Sport Hatchback and Accent SE Sedan equipped with the Style Package. On the rear of the vehicle, a stylish taillight design enhances the look of Accent Sedan with an eye-catching light signature.

In the interior, a reversed LCD display added last year enhances readability with its high-contrast look and an available leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob adds a premium touch to the cockpit drivers will enjoy. Shoppers have the choice of three interior fabric colors: Beige, Gray and Black.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY FOR SUPERIOR FUEL ECONOMY
Selected as one of Ward’s 10 Best Engines in 2012, the Accent’s all-aluminum 1.6-liter Gamma four-cylinder engine features the latest innovations in engine technology to deliver 137 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque and up to 27 mpg city and up to 38 mpg highway EPA-estimated fuel economy rating when equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission. Others in the segment confine to offer five -speed manual transmissions.

The engine’s most notable feature is its use of Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI), the first car with GDI technology in the subcompact category. By precisely controlling the injection of fuel, GDI allows for better fuel economy, increased power and reduced emissions. The application of Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts allows for increased efficiency, improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. Other elements resulting in reduced fuel consumption include an Alternator Management System, an offset crankshaft design, variable induction system and electronic throttle control. To reduce lifetime operation costs and increase reliability, the Gamma engine features a maintenance-free silent roller timing chain and innovative anti-friction coatings such as a CrN Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating.

Gamma highlights include:

  • Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT)
    • D-CVVT (intake and exhaust camshaft) camshafts and hydraulic engine mounts provide optimum power, efficiency and refinement. Using CVVT on both camshafts has several advantages when compared to using it only on the intake camshaft including an improvement in performance (increased volumetric efficiency) and fuel economy (reduced pumping loss), and a reduction in hydrocarbon emissions
  • Roller Timing Chain
    • Helps increase the reliability of the Gamma 1.6-liter engine
  • Electronic Throttle Control
    • This system accurately controls air intake and engine torque, improving drivability, response and fuel economy
  • Innovative Anti-Friction Coatings

Working together, the complete range of engine technologies produce an engine that offers:

  • Highly efficient specific output of 86 horsepower per liter
  • Low emissions with ULEV certification
  • High reliability backed by a 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty 

Specifications Comparison

2016 Accent

2016 Fit

2015 Fiesta

2015 Yaris

2015 Versa

2015 Sonic

Engine

1.6-liter I4

1.5-liter I4

1.6-liter I4

1.5-liter I4

1.6-liter I4

1.8-liter I4

GDI

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

No

HP @ RPM

137 @ 6,300

130 @ 6,600

120 @ 6,350

106 @ 6,000

109 @ 6,000

138 @ 6,300

Specific output (HP/Liter)

86

87

75

71

61

77

Torque @ RPM

123 @ 4,850

114 @ 4,600

112 @ 5,000

103 @ 4,200

107 @ 4,400

125 @ 3,800

Transaxle

6MT or 6AT

5MT or CVT

5MT or 6AT

5MT or 4AT

5MT or 4AT

5MT or 6AT

MPG (City/Hwy) (M/T)1

27/38

29/37

 28/36

30/37

27/36

26/35

1EPA-estimated fuel consumption

Several systems in the Accent contribute to optimal fuel efficiency. The vehicle can be equipped with an available six-speed manual or automatic with SHIFTRONIC manual control, delivering smooth and efficient power delivery. Low-rolling resistance silica tires and a slippery shape (0.28 cd) reduce friction with the road and the air. This aerodynamic shape also includes a kicked up trunk edge, wheel arches which shield the tires and an optimized engine undercover. Finally, the Active ECO system modifies engine and transmission control to smooth out throttle response. By turning on the Active ECO system, drivers can realize up to a seven percent increase in fuel economy.

Low Curb Weight
Despite the additional content, safety features and technology packed into the Accent, Hyundai has avoided the typical associated penalty of increased weight. A low curb weight corresponds to an improvement in both fuel economy and all other dynamic areas, providing drivers with both low fuel consumption and responsive performance. Highlights that contribute to a low curb weight include Gamma’s aluminum block, monotube shock absorbers, integrated parking brake and a super-flat torque converter.

Power-to-Weight Ratio Comparison

Vehicle

Curb Weight (lbs.) M/T

Horsepower

Weight-to-power ratio (LBS/HP)

Hyundai Accent sedan

2,480

137

18.1

Hyundai Accent hatchback

2,489

137

18.2

Chevrolet Sonic

2,690

138

19.5

Honda Fit

2,513

130

19.3

Ford Fiesta

2,578

120

24.7

Nissan Versa sedan

2,363

109

21.7

Nissan Versa Note

2,414

109

22.1

SAFETY
A long list of safety features is included as standard equipment on all 2016 Accent models. A total of six airbags help protect occupants in the event of a collision, including two front impact airbags, two front seat-mounted side impact airbags, and curtain side-impact airbags for front and rear passengers. Accent’s standard front-seat active head restraints help prevent whiplash by automatically reducing the space between a front occupant’s head and the head restraint during certain rear collisions and are highly recommended by organizations such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Collision Load Dispersion
The Accent’s structure distributes the force of an impact to help maintain the integrity of the cabin. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control work together to help deliver confident handling in virtually all conditions. Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) integrates control of the ESC and motor-driven power steering (MDPS) to provide handling assistance in slippery conditions or in sudden cornering scenarios. The system can deliver counter-steering when required to help assist the driver in maintaining control of the vehicle.

Vehicle Stability Management

BRAKING SYSTEM
An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) featuring Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) is also included. EBD apportions the braking force between front and rear axles to help maximize braking performance. In the event of a panic stop, BA ensures that maximum braking force is applied.

SMALL ON THE OUTSIDE, BIG ON THE INSIDE

Accent’s interior volume and passenger space are truly class-above. While the car’s exterior dimensions are consistent with those of traditional subcompacts, Accent is classified by the EPA as a compact sedan thanks to its interior volume. Toyota Yaris and Ford Fiesta are classified as subcompact cars. In addition, the Accent five-door has more cargo capacity than the Nissan Juke. The Accent has best-in-class front and rear shoulder room, and the five-door also has more cargo volume than many of its compact five-door competitors.

Five-Door Subcompact Cargo Volume Comparison

 Five-door models

2016 Accent

 2015

Fiesta

 2015

Yaris

2016

Fit

2015

Versa

 2015 Sonic

Cargo volume with rear seats up

(cu. ft.)

21.2

14.9

15.3

16.6

18.8

19.0

Convenient storage spaces are included throughout the cabin, including bottle holders in the front doors and a storage tray at the base of the center console. A sliding armrest storage console is available, which is a segment first. Split and fold 60/40 rear seats are standard for increased cargo flexibility when transporting longer items. Not only does Accent have multiple storage areas, but it delivers more useable storage capacity while keeping an attractive appearance. Ward’s AutoWorld took notice of Accent’s thoughtful interior design, placing it on their 10 Best Interiors list in April 2012.

FEATURE-PACKED STANDARD AUDIO SYSTEM

Accent’s standard 6-speaker, 172-watt audio system features SiriusXM®, a CD/MP3 player and iPod®/USB auxiliary jacks for ultimate flexibility while available Bluetooth® technology lets drivers stream music, make calls, access contacts and call logs using audio system controls or the available steering wheel audio controls. Voice recognition and button layout have been improved from last year based on customer feedback.

CONFIDENT DRIVING DYNAMICS

The first step toward confident driving dynamics is a rigid structure. To this end, the Accent employs high-tensile strength steel to deliver a strong, light and stiff body. Increased stiffness allowed Hyundai engineers more flexibility in terms of suspension tuning. The end result is a better balance between handling precision and ride comfort. Accent employs a MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and twin-tube gas shock absorbers. The rear suspension is a torsion axle setup with coil springs and monotube shock absorbers.

All Accents have column-mounted, motor-driven electric power steering that adjusts to changing driving conditions while improving fuel economy over a conventional steering system. Accent’s turning diameter of 34.1 feet is better than Versa, Fiesta and Fit. The Sport five-door model has a unique steering calibration for a sportier feel.

FLUIDIC SCULPTURE DESIGN

The Accent sports Hyundai’s signature “Fluidic Sculpture” design. The vehicle’s exterior lines are intended to be futuristic, dynamic, and sleek. In a segment typically associated with staid designs, Accent stands out from the crowd. Hyundai’s signature hexagonal front grille and detailed swept-back headlights give Accent a compact athletic face. For added style, distinctive projector headlights with LED accents are included on SE Sedan with Style Package and Sport Hatchback models. The Sport model’s roof-mounted spoiler and vertical taillights provide an added touch of sportiness. For an assertive stance, sporty 16-inch alloy wheels feature a machined finish and are included with the SE Sedan with Style Package and standard on Sport Hatchback.

COLOR PALETTE
The 2016 Accent Sedan is available with gray or beige two-tone interior. The Accent Hatchback is available with a gray interior or a monotone black interior. Every model benefits from the new fabric patterns added in the 2015 model year. All Accents have cloth-like pillar trim made of fibrous tissue and volcanic rock for a premium look and feel. 

The Accent features a bold exterior color palette with both light and dark colors including Century White, Ironman Silver, Triathlon Gray, Ultra Black, Boston Red, Misty Beige, Pacific Blue and eye-catching Vitamin C.