Hyundai Revolutionizes the Subcompact Car with the All-New Accent at the New York International Auto Show

NEW YORK, April 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America introduced the all-new 2012 Accent with best-in-class standard fuel economy and power at the New York International Auto Show today. This marks the U.S. debut of the latest version of the popular subcompact sedan and the new top-of-the line, more functional Accent five-door. The 2012 Accent is slated to hit dealerships this summer.

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Accent redefines expectations in the subcompact category by offering the company's distinctive and upscale "Fluidic Sculpture" design, best-in-class standard fuel economy, exceptional roominess and a full complement of standard safety features. Despite surprising technology and a significant increase in safety features, Hyundai will hold the line on pricing from the prior generation to continue delivering unmistakable value to customers.

"The 2012 Hyundai Accent reinvigorates the subcompact segment, similar to what the game-changing Sonata and Elantra have done in their categories," said Mike O'Brien, vice president, Product and Corporate Planning, Hyundai Motor America. "Accent's class-leading standard fuel economy is another showcase of Hyundai's dedication to improving fuel efficiency with advancements to traditional gasoline powered vehicles and is the fourth nameplate in Hyundai's lineup delivering 40 mpg on the highway."

HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2012 ACCENT

• All-new fourth generation Accent subcompact
• "Fluidic Sculpture" design
• First vehicle to receive the all-new 1.6-liter GDI "Gamma" engine, paired with proprietary six-speed automatic or manual transmissions
  • First subcompact car to use Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)
  • Best-in-class fuel economy of 30 mpg city/40 mpg highway
  • Best-in-class 138 horsepower
  • Improved fuel efficiency by 18 percent for M/T and 11 percent for A/T over its predecessor
  • More fuel efficient than Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris
• Standard VSM, ESC, TCS, ABS with Brake Assist and EBD
• Six standard airbags, active front head restraints and four-wheel disc brakes
• Class-above total interior volume - a subcompact car with the roominess of a compact
• Best-in-class five-door cargo volume
• Strong value – more safety features and best-in-class fuel economy
• Offered in three trim levels - four-door GLS, well equipped five-door GS and sporty five-door SE

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY FOR SUPERIOR FUEL ECONOMY

The 2012 Accent's all-aluminum 1.6-liter Gamma four-cylinder engine utilizes the latest engine technology to deliver a class-leading 138 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque and a best-in-class standard 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway fuel economy rating.

The engine's most notable feature is its use of GDI, a first for 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 features a maintenance-free silent roller timing chain. The Gamma also uses innovative anti-friction coatings such as CrN Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating and Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating.

Gamma highlights include:

• Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT)
  • D-CVVT (intake and exhaust camshaft phaser) 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
  • A Diamond Like Coating (DLC) was added to the tappets to help reduce friction in the valvetrain.

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

• Best-in-class specific output at 86 horsepower per liter
• Excellent fuel economy
• Low emissions with ULEV certification
• High reliability backed by a 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty

Several other systems have been improved over the outgoing model, each contributing to increased fuel efficiency. The 2012 Accent can be equipped with a six-speed manual or automatic transaxle with SHIFTRONIC manual control, delivering smooth and efficient power delivery. Low-rolling resistance silica tires and a slippery shape (0.30 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 ActiveECO function modifies engine and transmission control to smooth out throttle response. By turning on the ActiveECO function, drivers can realize up to a seven percent increase in real-world fuel economy.

ActiveECO Function

Despite the additional content, safety features and technology packed into the all-new Accent, Hyundai has avoided the typically associated penalty of increased weight. A low curb weight corresponds to an improvement not only in fuel economy but all other dynamic areas. In fact, Accent offers the best power-to-weight ratio in its class by far, providing drivers with both low fuel consumption and responsive performance. Highlights which contribute to a low curb weight include the 1.6-liter Gamma GDI engine with aluminum block that is more powerful and 40 lbs lighter than the outgoing 1.6-liter Alpha engine, monotube shock absorbers, integrated parking brake and a super flat torque converter.

40 MPG – AN 18 PERCENT IMPROVEMENT IN FUEL ECONOMY

The 2012 Accent's highway fuel economy of 40 mpg is an 18 percent improvement over its predecessor's 34 mpg highway manual transmission fuel economy rating.

Accent's fuel economy is 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway, with the six-speed automatic transmission or manual transmission. These figures give Accent a highway-only driving range of up to 456 miles.

SAFETY

Hyundai doesn't believe consumers should have to pay a premium for safety, so a long list of safety features is included as standard equipment on all 2012 Accent models. A total of six airbags 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 new 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 safety organizations such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Active front head restraints are not available on Fiesta, Yaris, Aveo or Mazda2.

Collision Load Dispersion

The Accent's underlying structure is engineered to protect occupants using a Collision Load Dispersion mechanism and the rear doors have internal beams. The vehicle's structure distributes the force of an impact in three ways to minimize floor deformation and maintain the integrity of the cabin.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control work together to help deliver confident handling in 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 up to eight Newton-meters of counter-steering effort when required to assist the driver in maintaining control of the vehicle.

Vehicle Stability Management

A key safety element for any vehicle is its braking system. Accent is the only car in the subcompact segment to offer four wheel disc brakes as standard equipment. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) featuring Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) is also included. EBD examines the effect of vehicle load on weight distribution and apportions the braking force between front and rear axles to maximize stopping ability. In the event of a panic stop, BA ensures that maximum braking force is applied.

SMALL ON THE OUTSIDE, BIG ON THE INSIDE

All Accents ride on a 101.2 inch wheelbase, 2.8-inches longer than the previous generation. The 66.9-inch width on all 2011 models increased by 0.2 inches for 2012. The Accent 4-door's overall length has increased by 3.5 inches to 172 inches. Total length of the new five-door version is 162 inches. As a result, Accent enjoys superior interior volume and passenger space. 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 best-in-class cargo volume and more cargo capacity than the Nissan Juke and Infiniti EX 35 crossover. 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.

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.

CONFIDENT DRIVING DYNAMICS

The first step toward confident driving dynamics is a rigid structure. To this end, the 2012 Accent employs high-tensile strength steel to deliver a strong, light and stiff body which is 22 percent stiffer than the previous generation. Increasing the stiffness of the structure 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 instantly 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 SE five-door model has a unique steering calibration for a sportier feel.  

FLUIDIC SCULPTURE DESIGN

The 2012 Accent joins the Hyundai line-up sporting the company's increasingly popular "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. While the styling provides an attractive form, it's also functional, featuring a slippery 0.30 coefficient of drag for Accent sedan and .31 for Accent five-door. Hyundai's signature hexagonal front grille and detailed swept-back headlights give Accent a compact athletic face. Five-door SE models include a sporty roof-mounted spoiler and vertical taillights. For an assertive stance, 16-inch alloy wheels are available on GLS and standard on SE.  

COLOR PALETTE

The 2012 Accent GLS is available with gray or beige two-tone interior. The five-door GS and SE trims are available with a gray interior or a monotone black interior. 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, Cyclone Gray, Ultra Black, Boston Red, Mocha Bronze, Marathon Blue, Clearwater Blue and Electrolyte Green.

FEATURES AND AMENITIES WORTHY OF MORE EXPENSIVE CARS

Choosing a subcompact sedan no longer means foregoing comfort and convenience features. The 2012 Accent will be offered in three trim levels. The affordable four-door GLS, the versatile, well equipped five-door GS and the sporty five-door SE. The entry level Accent three-door has been discontinued for the 2012 model year.

Four-Door GLS

Key Standard Equipment:

• 1.6-liter GDI DOHC I4 engine with Dual CVVT
• Engine cover
• Hood insulator
• Active Eco (A/T only)
• Trip Computer
• Six-speed manual transmission
• Available Six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC and Hillstart Assist Control
• Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS)
• 14-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers
• 175/70R14 low rolling resistance tires & TPMS
• Front, side and head curtain airbags
• Vehicle Stability Management, ESC with TCS
• ABS, EBD, and brake assist with four-wheel disc brakes
• Front seatbelt pretensioner
• Active front head restraints
• Adjustable head restraints for all seating positions
• Tachometer
• Cabin air filter
• Power door locks
• Four speakers
• Tilt steering wheel
• Driver seat armrest
• Front door map pockets
• Front passenger seatback pocket
• 60/40 split folding rear seatback
• Dual vanity mirrors
• Map, dome and cargo lights
• Six-way adjustable driver seat including height adjustment
• Front two-speed intermittent wiper
• Tinted glass
• Rear defroster with timer
• Roof-mounted antenna

Comfort Package (M/T):

• Air Conditioning
• AM/FM/Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with tweeters, iPod®/USB auxiliary input jacks
• Power windows & mirrors
• Cloth door inserts

Four-Door GLS Standard Equipment (A/T):

• Six-speed automatic transmission  
• Air Conditioning
• AM/FM/Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with tweeters, iPod®/USB auxiliary input jacks
• Power windows & mirrors
• Cloth door inserts

Premium Package:

• Requires GLS A/T
• Remote keyless entry with panic
• Steering wheel mounted audio controls
• Cruise control
• Bluetooth® hands-free phone system
• Premium cloth seats
• Chrome inside door handle
• Piano black accents
• Sunglasses holder
• Sliding armrest storage box
• Front fog lights
• 16-inch alloy wheels with 195/50R16 tires
• Bodycolor door handles

Five-Door GS

Key Standard Equipment:

• 1.6-liter GDI DOHC I4 engine with Dual CVVT
• Engine cover
• Hood insulator
• Active Eco (A/T only)
• Trip computer
• Six-speed manual or automatic transmission
• Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS)
• 14-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers
• 175/70R14 low rolling resistance tires & TPMS
• Front, side and head curtain airbags
• Vehicle Stability Management, ESC with TCS
• ABS, EBD, and brake assist with four-wheel disc brakes
• Front seatbelt pretensioner
• Active front head restraints
• Adjustable head restraints for all seating positions
• Tachometer
• Air conditioning
• AM/FM/Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with 6 speakers, iPod®/USB auxiliary input jacks, and roof antenna
• Driver seat armrest
• Power windows, mirrors & door locks with remote keyless entry with panic
• Cloth door insert
• Tilt steering wheel
• Front door map pockets
• Front passenger seatback pocket
• 60/40 split folding rear seatback
• Dual vanity mirrors
• Map, dome and cargo lights
• Six-way adjustable driver seat including height adjustment
• Front two-speed intermittent wiper
• Tinted glass
• Bodycolor mirrors and door handles
• Rear defroster with timer
• Roof-mounted antenna
• Rear wiper

Five-Door GLS Standard Equipment (A/T):

• Six-speed automatic transmission
• Cruise Control

Five-Door SE

GS Standard Equipment Plus:

• Cruise Control
• Steering wheel mounted audio controls
• Bluetooth® hands-free phone system
• Leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
• Premium cloth seats
• Chrome inside door handle
• Piano black accents
• Sliding armrest storage box
• 16-inch alloy wheels with 195/50R16 tires
• Front fog lights
• Rear spoiler

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 800 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the five-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and five-years of complimentary Roadside Assistance. 

Journalists are invited to visit our news media website: www.hyundainews.com and follow us on Twitter: @Hyundai

SOURCE Hyundai Motor America