Hyundai Accent Ups Appeal For 2015

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Nov. 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Hyundai released details for its 2015 Accent. Accent continues to deliver extraordinary value by blending utility, style and performance in a compelling package. The 2015 model-year Accent receives styling and packaging updates across its three trim levels to make it an even more attractive offering in the competitive subcompact segment. With a starting price of just $14,745, Accent is Hyundai's most affordable model. Shoppers can expect to find the 2015 in dealerships starting this October.

Since launch, Accent's product success has received attention from automotive and industry experts, being awarded various coveted awards and accolades. 2014 was an especially rewarding year for Accent, where it earned two very prestigious awards from J.D. Power & Associates: "Highest Ranked Small Car in Initial Quality" in the Initial Quality Study (IQS) and "Most Appealing Small Car" in the 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.

2015 Accent Highlights

• Newly styled grille, headlights and taillights
• New 16-inch alloy and 14-inch steel wheel covers
• New exterior colors: Vitamin C, Pacific Blue and Misty Beige
• New Popular Equipment Package delivers customer-favorite features to Accent GLS
• Accent SE becomes Accent Sport
• New interior fabric patterns
• Reversed LCD audio display for greater readability
• Addition of standard exterior temperature display

Accent's exterior features a variety of styling enhancements. Shoppers will notice the striking new machine-finish 16-inch wheel design standard on the Accent Sport hatchback and available with the GLS sedan equipped with the Style Package. Those opting out of the alloy wheel option can still enjoy a new 14-inch steel wheel cover design. A newly-styled grille enhances the Accent family across all trims while a new headlight design makes its way as standard equipment on GLS and GS trims. On the rear of the vehicle, a new taillight design enhances the look of Accent GLS with a stylish light signature.

The interior also receives some enhancements. A reversed LCD display, standard on GLS and GS trims, enhances readability with its high-contrast look. Shoppers also now have the choice of all-new interior fabric patterns for Accent's three available interior colors Beige, Gray and Black. And, based on customer feedback, an exterior temperature display inside the instrument cluster is now standard equipment.

Furthermore, Accent receives some packaging updates. This year introduces a Popular Equipment Package to Accent GLS which groups together customer-favorite features such as steering wheel audio controls, cruise control, Bluetooth® hands-free phone system, tilt/telescoping wheel and a sliding armrest storage box all for only $600 above the base GLS equipped with an automatic transmission.

PRICING

* MSRP does not include freight charge of $810.

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-and even four-speed automatic 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

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 2015 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

SAFETY
A long list of safety features is included as standard equipment on all 2015 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). Active front head restraints are not available on Fiesta or Mazda2.

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.

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

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
2015 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 2015 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 2015 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 Sport and GLS Style Package models. The Sport model's roof-mounted spoiler and vertical taillights provide an added touch of sportiness. For an assertive stance, newly-styled 16-inch alloy wheels feature a machined finish and are included with the GLS with Style Package and standard on Sport.

COLOR PALETTE
The 2015 Accent GLS is available with gray or beige two-tone interior. The five-door GS and Sport trims are available with a gray interior or a monotone black interior. Every model benefits from updated fabric patterns new for 2015. 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, and new to the palette for 2015, Misty Beige, Pacific Blue and eye-catching Vitamin C.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 820 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle limited warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance. Hyundai Blue Link Connected Care provides owners of Hyundai models equipped with the Blue Link telematics system with proactive safety and car care services complimentary for one year with enrollment. These services include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostic Alert, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and in-vehicle service scheduling.

For more details on Hyundai Assurance, please visit www.HyundaiAssurance.com

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SOURCE Hyundai Motor America