2018 Hyundai Accent – fifth-gen compact makes debut

2018 Hyundai Accent – fifth-gen compact makes debut

The fifth-generation Hyundai Accent has made its debut at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto. The Korean carmaker says that the 2018 Accent boasts bold design, a sophisticated interior, a more efficient powertrain, noticeably reduced cabin noise, and significantly enhanced driving dynamics.

As with the previous generation, the new Accent sports “baby Elantra” looks, and appears to be a scale model of the sixth-gen Elantra AD. The B-segment has grown in size – now 15 mm longer (4,385 mm) and 29 mm wider (1,729 mm), with a 10 mm longer wheelbase (2,580 mm). The larger footprint is matched with unchanged height (1,450 mm) for a more grounded stance. Ground clearance is down by 10 mm.

There will be a five-door bodystyle as well for markets that prefer hatchbacks. The Accent 5-door is 70 mm longer and 29 mm wider than the hatch it replaces.

2018 Hyundai Accent – fifth-gen compact makes debut

The new Accent uses 54.5% “Advanced High-Strength Steel”, up from 41.5% in the fourth generation. The new chassis has improved torsional rigidity by 32% by using 98.5 metres of structural adhesives. The result is improves quality perception, noise isolation, and driving dynamics, Hyundai says, while AHSS improves collision performance without adding unnecessary weight.

Hyundai claims improved ride comfort, handling, and stability. The Motor-Driven Power Steering’s (MDPS is Hyundai’s term for EPS) feel has been refined and enhancements to handling and comfort have been made by lifting up the rear roll centre and raising the leverage ratio of the rear shock absorbers.

The new Accent is powered by a 1.6 litre Gamma GDI engine with 132 hp and 161 Nm of torque. Compared to before, the engine’s powerband has improved with a 4.6% increase in torque from 1,500 rpm for better drivability. Specifically, the acceleration performance for 40-80 km/h and 80-120 km/h has been improved over the previous model by 0.2 and 1.3 seconds, respectively.

2018 Hyundai Accent – fifth-gen compact makes debut

Fuel efficiency has been improved by 7%. Engine components such as low-friction piston rings, a variable fuel pressure module, and upgraded software for the engine control module improve overall operation. With improvements to the return springs in the braking system, drive friction has been reduced, too.

The direct injection motor is paired with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed conventional automatic transmission. The latter has been redesigned for better efficiency. It is also two kg lighter. Automatic Accents get Drive Mode Select to alter engine response and steering calibration in two modes – Normal and Sport.

In addition to the stronger chassis, the Accent features improvements to the front side members and inner side sill to improve crash protection. The front crumple zones have been increased, front side air bags have been upgraded, and reinforcements have been made to improve the car’s performance in small overlap crashes. Six airbags and ESC are standard, while Autonomous Emergency Braking is available.

A seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a reverse camera will be available in select markets. The Accent sedan will start selling in the third quarter this year, followed by the Accent 5-door in Q4. It won’t be coming to Malaysia, but the Elantra will arrive very soon, powered by a 204 hp/265 Nm turbo engine.

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Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

  • Kimmy Jon on Feb 17, 2017 at 3:40 pm

    Wow! Getting bigger,better and stronger.More Toyota salesman quit and applying jobs at Hyundai very soon.Vios is eaten alive by Korean half brother Kim Jon Un

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 43 Thumb down 4
    • zairi on Feb 17, 2017 at 5:05 pm

      Persona 1.6VVT > All

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 31
    • Oh no. Now ioniq is looking cheap. And why the designers using reverse spindle grille to a Lexus? Don’t they have any ideas??

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 15
      • Kunta Kinte on Feb 18, 2017 at 3:11 pm

        Proton should follow Hyundai example. This accent is so good. Our Proton designers need to learn how to be focused like the Koreans. We are doing it the wrong way.

        The Korean sales figures speak for itself. Hyundai started 10 years earlier than Proton. But it sells 10 million cars globally.

        Proton sells 72,000 per annum. You decide

        72,000 vs 10 million. We should learn from the Koreans.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 3
        • Lee Kum Kee on Feb 19, 2017 at 2:32 pm

          now why would you imagine that? trolling p1/p2 into other articles, its getting stale…

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 2
  • HyundaiKia on Feb 17, 2017 at 3:46 pm

    That’s more horsepower and torque compared to a Vios! What a waste that it is not coming to Malaysia.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 33 Thumb down 0
    • Kim Jong Kardashian on Feb 17, 2017 at 4:07 pm

      Don’t worry this Vios Killer will come next year! Hyundai want to be take some part for the death of Greedy Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd.The Hyundai engine power of 1.6 is equal to 1.8 Altis.Where you want to hide face Toyota?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 29 Thumb down 6
      • Jack T on Feb 17, 2017 at 7:23 pm

        Since few years back Korean 1.6 engine is already more powerful than Japanese 1.8; and Korean 1.8 is more powerful than Japanese 2.0. I was comparing non-turbo engine of Hyundai Elantra, Honda Civic and Toyota Altis in year 2012. Until today this is still the case.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 2
      • Pamela Lee Anderson Abdullah on Feb 18, 2017 at 12:24 am

        No more reason for Korean to be no RV cars.Korean are equal infact much better than the Japs.. Quality,reliable,fuel efficiency,more spacious.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
      • No to samloo salesman on Feb 18, 2017 at 5:34 pm

        Stayed at korea for a week, people are not friendly if compared to Japan and look down at people from Countries that behind them. If not umw and sam loo who had spoiled the brand, vios is worth considering.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 2
        • Kimchi Girl on Feb 19, 2017 at 9:51 pm

          Yes.Bcoz their men is look girlies,the Korean men can’t accept other men from foreign countries look manlier and masculine.Even those gym goers or muscular men failed at being a real men especially the face part.All look like girl,smile like girl,dress like girl,walk like girl,hair like girl,talk like girl.. When trouble in life go suicide!

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • hopefully potong will evolve into this kimci

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 1
    • Lee Kum Kee on Feb 19, 2017 at 2:33 pm

      now why would you imagine that? trolling p1/p2 into other articles, its getting stale…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 2
  • Bring in to Malaysia. Sell between RM64-78k

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 26 Thumb down 1
  • Ah Kow on Feb 17, 2017 at 4:32 pm

    Thumbs up for exterior & interior design
    Thumbs up for safety features
    Thumbs up for engine power
    And lastly, thumbs up for not having CVT!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 28 Thumb down 1
  • Aragon on Feb 17, 2017 at 4:43 pm

    Thats quite powerful engine. However fuel consumption still questionable for Korean car. But Sime Darby should bring this to Malaysia to give City and Vios some competition.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 23 Thumb down 0
    • Ah Kow on Feb 17, 2017 at 5:14 pm

      Speaking about FC, first a powerful engine, then mated to a conventional auto transmission. Dang this car is gonna drink.

      Anyways wait for the FC info to be updated :)

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 7
    • Ex VGM staff on Feb 17, 2017 at 5:58 pm

      High horsepower does not necessarily means good FC. It may have a steep torque curved with peak at high rpm. That is never good. A good engine delivers high torque starting at low rpm and flat curve across the rev band.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 3
  • meanwhile its sibling kia rio sedan is equipped with a 4speed auto

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
    • In other markets, the Kia Rio is available with a 1.6L engine mated to a 6-speed gearbox.

      You know what that means? If Hyundai-Sime Darby ever brings the new Accent here, it’ll probably be stuck with a 1.4L engine and a 4-speed auto.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 4
  • Gonna be very cramped

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 4
  • marieta on Feb 17, 2017 at 7:15 pm

    Very sad because in this land this car will be under appreciated by Japs kiasu worshippers.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 1
  • Bernard on Feb 17, 2017 at 7:40 pm

    Won’t be coming to Bolehland ??

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • rubbishman78 on Feb 17, 2017 at 10:13 pm

    Just wondering hows the NVH on a Korean made car compared to say a Japanese made car on the B segment class.. maybe compare it to a Vios or CIty? Any opinions?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • hamboldt on Feb 18, 2017 at 12:53 am

      Just my experience, own a vios previously and currently driving an elantra 1.6, I would say the NVH are quite similar or maybe a little better compare vios.

      Just that elantra are little bit under power due to the size and weight of the vehicle, maybe a GDI or GDI turbo engine are more suitable.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • Chris Huber on Jul 10, 2017 at 3:00 am

        Elantra in canada had 150 hp 1.8 GDI and 175 hp 2.0 GDI motor. Now has 201 hp 1.6T and 2.0T coming with 240 hp and 275 hp!

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Korean car engine these few years have high engine hp on paper but driving it is a different story. Doesn’t feel as powerful as expected. The high hp only the max hp at high rpm. Thus the high fuel consumption because always have to rev due to underpower. Proton also the same with their campro engine.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Chris Huber on Jul 10, 2017 at 2:57 am

      Thats because of auto transmission. Get a manual. Its 7.5 seconds 0-100 kph.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • JapaneseCarsLover on Feb 18, 2017 at 9:15 am

    Aiyoyo, if this model is landed in Malaysia at RM65k – RM75k, the car body solidity takder, sampan VIOS and City siape mau beli lagi?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • It won’t be coming to Malaysia <<<<<<<<<<<<<

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Mikey on Feb 18, 2017 at 12:12 pm

    I-Say-Man. This one betul betul potong steam. After reading the entire article, this car will NOT be coming to M’sia. Why Sime Darby why not bring this good looking B-segment car that come with 6-speed auto !!

    I got a feeling if this Accent were to be here selling at 75 to 85k, it will take away some sales from P1 not to mention Vios, Polo, City & especially Almera as Nissan is way behind in terms of looks/design/transmission.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • anniethegirlnextdoor on Apr 25, 2017 at 9:31 pm

    Why they are not bringing to Malaysia? I kept looking to buy this car after driving it in Korea. And I thought its pretty cool.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • viosity on May 10, 2017 at 5:51 pm

    sad. why not for malaysia? our country need more budget good car.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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