Hyundai - 2011 Hyundai i10

Hyundai i10 is set to become even more appealing from 2011, benefitting from a comprehensive series of enhancements to offer customers greater value for money than ever before.
This new and improved version of Hyundai's entry-point model represents a significant step forward compared with the outgoing i10, which has received consistent praise from press and public alike since its launch in 2008. By mixing unexpected quality with a high specification and affordability, the i10 helped drive a dramatic shift in the public's attitude towards Hyundai - it quickly became the brand's biggest-selling model in Europe in 2009, and has picked up numerous awards worldwide. Hyundai intends to build on its success with this refreshed 2011 model.
The latest Hyundai i10 offers a comprehensive series of improvements while retaining all the attributes that made it so popular in the first place. Chief among the changes are enhancements to the i10's design - both in the cabin and on the exterior of the car - which gives the latest model a more upmarket presence than any rival at a similar price point. These important design changes are in keeping with the brand's bold and progressing design language, bringing a clear family resemblance between the new i10 and other recently launched Hyundais, including the sleek ix35 and ix20 models.
A new and improved range of Euro V compliant engines blend clean performance with excellent fuel economy and ultra-low emissions. The latest Hyundai i10 introduces the all-new 1.0-litre 'Kappa' engine, which replaces the old 1.1-litre 'Epsilon' unit. This cutting-edge three-cylinder engine achieves a remarkable 67.3mpg combined: the sort of cheap-to-run credentials that will resonate with customers as the cost of motoring continues to rise.
To make the most of this efficient new 1.0-litre engine, Hyundai has introduced an all-new model - the i10 Blue. This special 'eco' edition of the i10 emits an astonishingly low 99g/km CO2, so it gains exemption from VED and the London Congestion Charge. It is currently the only sub-£10k five-seater car on the market to achieve this, and the first of a family of Blue models that will underscore Hyundai's commitment to environmental technology.
Equipment specification across the Hyundai i10 range remains impressive, with usually optional features, such as air conditioning and the addition of an iPod plug-in, standard fit on all new i10s. As part of a class-leading equipment list, customers will also find four airbags, a six-speaker stereo, 14-inch wheels, electric windows and central locking all as standard on all models.
In ascending order, the trim levels are Blue, Classic, Active (which replaces Comfort for the 2011 model), and Style. Each trim level offers features and technology unheard of on a car at this price point, for example smart 14-inch alloy wheels and heated front seats on the Style trim. Choosing the right i10 is simple for UK customers too, with straightforward price gaps between trim packages and no hidden extras.
And, importantly, the Hyundai i10 still has the longest wheelbase in the class, meaning exceptional interior space - it's a full five-seater with room for luggage.
That long wheelbase also gives the ride and handling characteristics of a far larger car, meaning the i10 needn't just be confined to the city limits. Combined with a modern front and rear suspension design, electric power steering and all-round disc brakes, the i10's specification could embarrass some cars in the class above.
And of course all i10s come with Hyundai's world-beating five-year unlimited mileage warranty for total peace of mind. This has been extended for the new 2011 model to include Five Year Triple Care, which includes five years' roadside assistance and five years of vehicle health checks. It's an offer that is yet to be matched by any of Hyundai's rivals.
All in all it means that buyers who want a small car with small bills needn't put up with big compromises.

Styling - Hyundai's design language continues to evolve
The Hyundai i10 may represent the entry-point to the Hyundai range, but it still has to look great. Hyundai has worked tirelessly to create a family of contemporary, modern and good-looking cars - a process that started with the groundbreaking i30, and the original i10.
The new i10 is no exception. It benefits from a series of cosmetic changes that bring a fresher, dynamic look. All of these alterations have been made to bring the i10 in line with Hyundai's evolving 'fluidic sculpture' design language. The new Hyundai i10's redesigned radiator grille, more angular headlights and new front air intakes are key among the changes. They combine to create a more hexagonal frontal form, which will be a signature feature on all Hyundai models going forward. A reshaped lower bumper and angular front fog light recesses complete the new front end.
The design upgrades continue on the sides and rear of the car, with new style wheels and redesigned rear lamps and bumper completing the new i10's contemporary and streetwise look.
Seven colour schemes are now available, including two fresh and distinctive new colour options for 2011: Ice Silver and Crystal White.
Powertrains - new, ultra-modern Euro V petrol engines
An all-new version of Hyundai's 'Kappa' engine is one of the most exciting additions to the Hyundai i10 range in 2011, and will be available in the i10 Blue from launch.
What's most appealing about the new engine is its excellent fuel consumption figure of 67.3mpg combined. This compares favourably against the old entry-level Hyundai i10's 58.9mpg, and is beyond the capabilities of all other rivals at a comparable price point.
The new engine's CO2 emissions are astonishingly low, at just 99g/km. That puts the i10 Blue in VED Band A, which under current regulations means a free tax disc, as well as exemption from London's Congestion Charge scheme. All of this makes the Hyundai i10 Blue one of the cheapest cars to buy and run on sale today.
Yet despite its smaller capacity and frugal nature, the new 1.0-litre three-cylinder 'Kappa' engine offers a useful 68bhp - enough to reduce the i10 Blue's 0-62mph time by a whole second compared with the outgoing 1.1-litre. And given a top speed of 93mph, even the lowest-powered i10 won't feel strained keeping up with faster traffic at motorway speeds.
Upgraded 1.25-litre four-cylinder petrol engine
For those who require a little more flexibility and performance, but still want excellent fuel economy, Hyundai's 1.25-litre four-cylinder petrol engine is available with the option of a Classic, Active or Style trim. This unit, also a 'Kappa', was introduced on the previous i10 but has been significantly upgraded for the 2011 model.
Power has been increased to a very reasonable 85bhp (10bhp more than the old model) offering more performance and a truly nippy 0-62mph sprint of 12.3 seconds. The 1.25-litre Hyundai i10's top speed has also been increased to 105mph, making it more than comfortable at motorway or fast A-road speeds. Yet fuel efficiency and emissions are still extremely competitive, with manual versions of the 1.25-litre offering a remarkable 61.4mpg and emitting just 108g/km CO2.
Both engines in the i10 line-up further progress Hyundai's ambition of becoming the world's automotive leader in eco-friendly technologies. Company car drivers will also discover that they are only liable for 10% benefit-in-kind liability for the 2010/2011 tax year, meaning they could pay less than £13 a month to the Inland Revenue for having the car. For everyone else, with road tax and fuel prices rising in the UK, the i10 makes good financial sense whichever model you choose.
Interior enhancements
A more upmarket look and feel has been brought to the Hyundai i10's cabin with the new 2011 upgrades. It now offers an ambience comparable with cars from the class above, rather than a great value city car. In fact, the new i10's interior adopts cutting-edge features and design flourishes pioneered on other models further up the i-range.
A new instrument cluster offers striking blue illumination that gives the dials ultimate clarity. As part of these changes, an 'eco shift' indicator has been incorporated to advise drivers of the most efficient moment to change gear, meaning better fuel consumption and lower emissions. This blue illumination is carried over to all the dashboard screens, bathing the interior in a clean and clear ambient light during night driving.
Further upmarket touches include chrome-finished door handles and a chrome-finished gear knob, along with an optional leather steering wheel and handbrake, which help enhance the tactile appeal of the cabin. The standard seat trim's material and colour options have been upgraded with higher-end textiles and materials and a more subtle design. And, to stop the kids spilling their drink on this plusher cabin, there's now a useful rear cupholder for backseat passengers.
Specification and equipment
Even as recently as a decade ago, the standard equipment levels of the Hyundai i10 would be seen as truly generous on a large family car. Air conditioning, electric windows, 13-inch wheels, six-speaker stereo and four airbags would have been considered a strong package in a car costing £16,000. Hyundai is able to bring buyers all this in a car costing half this amount.
The fitment of air conditioning as standard across the range is a real highlight of the i10. It is increasingly seen as essential, not just to help you keep your cool in summer, but also to keep the windows free of mist in winter.
The company hasn't cut back in other areas either. There are four airbags, five seats, ISOFIX mountings, electric windows, colour coded bumpers, central locking, an integrated radio with MP3-compatiable CD player and that all-important USB and iPod plug-in as standard across the range.
This level of equipment is standard on the entry-level Classic trim, but for those who desire even more there are two further steps up the range.
The all-new Active trim is available with a manual or automatic gearbox and gains 14-inch alloy wheels, rear electric windows, front fog lights, a height adjustable driver's seat, power outlet, electric door mirrors, remote central locking and colour coding on the exterior mirrors and door handles.
At the top of the range, the Style now adds new chrome fascia door inserts, chrome interior door handles, a leather steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake, a rear roof spoiler and even heated front seats and an electric sunroof.
Each trim level has a simple 'step-up' to the next to make the choice straightforward for customers. Prices start from £8,195 for the entry-level Classic. The next step Active trim costs £600 extra. From there Style is a further £550 from Active.
All trim levels also have Hyundai's Five Year Triple Care package, which offers an unlimited mileage warranty, roadside assistance and free health checks as standard. That alone would cost hundreds of pounds if added to the purchase price of rivals.
The new i10 Blue
Brand new to the 2011 model range is the Hyundai i10 Blue - the most fuel-efficient car Hyundai has ever produced.
This is Hyundai's first European production model to produce a sub-100g/km CO2 emissions figure. In fact, no other five-seat car in the sub-£10,000 price bracket achieves such impressive fuel economy or CO2 figures.
The Hyundai i10 Blue produces just 99g/km CO2 thanks to the introduction of the new 1.0-litre 'Kappa' engine and the addition of Hyundai's Blue Drive technology.
Blue Drive adds extra features to the standard Classic specification that are specifically designed to enhance fuel economy.
This includes ISG (Intelligent Stop & Go) - a system that automatically kills and re-engages the engine when the car is idling to save fuel - low-rolling resistance tyres, an alternator management system, and an 'eco shift' indicator to help the driver use the car as efficiently as possible.
A special 'Blue Drive' badge is fitted to mark the car out as one of Hyundai's most efficient, environmentally friendly models. This will appear on other Hyundais in the near future. Unlike rival models that are designed to maximise fuel economy, heavy but still important items such as the spare wheel have not been sacrificed from the i10 Blue in the pursuit of low emissions.
Hyundai intends to be a global leader in environmental technologies, and the Hyundai i10 Blue, as part of the Blue Drive initiative, will contribute significantly to a reduction in the company's European average emissions figure.

Read more »

Hyundai - 2011 Hyundai ix20

Hyundai is set to shake up the MPV market with the new, modern and dynamic Hyundai ix20, unveiled at the 2010 Paris Motor Show by the company's Vice Chairman, Euisun Chung.
The car combines unique looks and great drivability with key MPV attributes to form an unprecedented package, promising to be the benchmark for future B-segment offerings.
The Hyundai ix20 is the latest Hyundai model to join the company's hugely popular 'i-range' line-up of vehicles offering European consumers unparalleled levels of quality, style, and comfort. The all-new B-segment MPV is also the latest Hyundai model to come with the company's groundbreaking Five Year Triple Care package, which includes a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty; five years of roadside assistance; and five years of free vehicle health checks.

"The Hyundai ix20 is a modern mini-MPV which has its own personality, offering the right balance of dynamic style and functionality," said Allan Rushforth, Vice President of Hyundai Motor Europe. "With Hyundai ix20 we are giving young European families a vehicle that not only suits their lifestyle, but also appeals to their sense of adventure."
Overall, the MPV segment in Europe has experienced a downturn in fortunes during recent years, with sales declining by 34% since 2005. The B-segment of the MPV market however, has increased its share from 23,3% to 29,2% over the same period.
"We are optimistic about the future of our new B-segment MPV and have set an ambitious but achievable sales target of 55,000 units annually for the Hyundai ix20," continued Mr. Rushforth. "The MPV segment has been experiencing a tough time of late, but we are confident that the launch of the Hyundai ix20 will help to increase Hyundai's overall sales volume and market share in Europe. Taking into account the current trend for European motorists to downsize, we expect many C-segment MPV owners will be tempted by the Hyundai ix20."

Production of the Hyundai ix20 is under way at Hyundai's newest European plant in Nošovice, Czech Republic. The 4.1 metre-long car features an unusually long wheelbase for its class (2.615mm) and a 1.600mm high roofline. These dimensions, as well as developments in the field of interior packaging, ensure that the Hyundai ix20 offers cabin space typical of many larger C-segment vehicles.
Designed and developed at Hyundai's R&D centre in Russelsheim, the Hyundai ix20 is the second European car to adopt Hyundai's new 'fluidic sculpture' form language. This concept brings together three key qualities in a pleasing design: refinement, dynamism, and confidence.
These qualities are accentuated in the Hyundai ix20 package by a design feature that has become unmistakably Hyundai: the hexagonal front grille, a key visual element of the brand's new European family 'look'. This grille is designed to give the MPV a 'friendly' face, inviting potential buyers to explore the car further.

The fluidic design theme continues inside, with neat styling touches reflecting the dynamic flow of the exterior. Hyundai's European designers have also sculpted the interior space to provide extra legroom and headroom for superior comfort, while accommodating ample luggage and raising equipment specifications.
The all-new Hyundai ix20 will be available with a choice of four Euro V-compliant engines: two petrol and two diesel, covering a power spread from 77ps to 125ps. Manual and automatic transmissions will also be offered. Every engine in the Hyundai ix20 range (except 1.6 with automatic transmission) will also be available in Blue Drive™ form, which includes Integrated Stop & Go (ISG) technology, low rolling-resistance tyres and an alternator management system (AMS). Blue Drive™ versions of the Hyundai ix20 give class-leading CO2 emissions levels from just 114 g/km (1,4-litre U2 diesel engine), highlighting Hyundai's desire to lead the way on the road to long-term environmental sustainability.

The modern Hyundai ix20 uses the latest active and passive safety technologies to ensure maximum protection for its occupants. Active safety features, fitted as standard in several countries, include ESP (Electronic Stability Program), ABS (anti-lock braking system) and Hillstart Assist Control (to prevent roll-back when starting on an incline). Hyundai anticipates the ix20 will continue the company's excellent safety record and become the first B-segment MPV to attain the maximum 5-Star result under Euro NCAP's impact assessment.
"The Hyundai ix20 is an integral part of Hyundai's overall business strategy," added Rushforth. "Its launch will help to increase our sales performance before the end of the year, keeping us on target for our 2010 market share goal of 2.75%."
"With its dynamic design, economical powertrains, unique versatility, and uncompromising safety, the Hyundai ix20 builds upon what European consumers have come to expect from the Hyundai brand. The arrival of Hyundai ix20 kicks off our intensive model launch period, and it is sure to set a high standard for our future models. In the next couple of years Hyundai will introduce another 12 new models and derivatives," he concluded.

Read more »

Hyundai - 2011 Hyundai ix35

The Hyundai ix35 development team moved away from the two-box off-roader look in favor of a sleeker, more reformed profile while aiming for a roomier cabin, extra storage capacity and fuel economy leadership.
Hyundai's new "fluidic" design language finds confident expression in the sweeping, gently curved lines of the Hyundai ix35. The hexagonal grille previewed on the Hyundai ix-onic concept at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show moves into mass production on the Hyundai ix35, a defining look that will serve to unify the family of future Hyundai products. To achieve the desired dynamic and sporty image, Hyundai ix35 gets an aggressive belt line coupled with a low-to-the-ground feel which is enhanced by the optional 225/55 R18 wheels.
The interior lines echo the dynamic flow of the sheet metal. For improved comfort, the designers have carved out extra legroom and headroom (whilst lowering the overall height of the vehicle). The feeling of spaciousness in the cabin is further enhanced by the new dual-panel panoramic sunroof, benefitting front and rear passengers. The center panel can either tilt open or can open completely by sliding up and over the rear panel.

The gauge cluster - with blue backlight - borrows Supervision technology from the Genesis sedan to display key information with crystal-clear clarity and minimal eye stress.
The Hyundai ix35 rides on a 2640mm wheelbase which is 10mm longer than the outgoing Hyundai Tucson. At 4410mm and 1820mm, it is also longer and wider than its predecessor (by 85mm and 20mm, respectively) greatly improving the interior cabin space but the overall height of 1660mm has been lowered by 20mm without affecting headroom.
Greater travel in the front seat adjustment gives more legroom and headroom for taller drivers. The centre console box has been enlarged to 6.2 liters for more storage. In addition, the height of the rear cargo screen has been raised for extra capacity and a small storage binnacle has been added in the rear cargo area.

To further broaden its appeal, Hyundai ix35 will get the newest fuel-efficient engines and six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. Western European customers will be offered a choice of two thrifty and clean-burning petrol engines: the Theta-II 2.0 rated at 166ps and 20.1kg.m of torque which emits just 178g/km (2WD MT) of CO2 and the Gamma 1.6 GDI delivering 140ps and 17kg.m of torque, available from November 2010, which delivers only 158g/km of CO2. This 1.6 GDI engine will be available with ISG stop-start technology, further reducing CO2 to just 149 g/km.
The European diesel lineup includes two all-new engines: the R 2.0 and the U-II 1.7, which will be available from November 2010. The R 2.0 will come in a choice of two outputs: high (184ps/40kg.m) and low (136ps/32kg.m) producing CO2 emissions of just 165g/km (2WD MT) and 158g/km (4WD MT), respectively. The U-II will have a rated output of 115ps with 26.0kg.m and will have class-leading CO2 emissions of just 149 g/km (2WD MT) when equipped with ISG. To achieve Euro-5 emission compliance, the R is fitted with a close-coupled diesel particulate filter plus highly efficient exhaust gas recirculation with by-pass valve.

Six-speed manuals are standard with both diesels while the R will come with the option of a six-speed automatic. Hyundai's all-new six-speed automatic transaxle helps the company meet its goals of improving fuel efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions. Shifts are silky-smooth with an option of sporty-type, manual shifting through the Shiftronic which is also new to the Hyundai ix35.
In addition to the new fuel-efficient engines and transmissions, the Hyundai ix35 features a number of other innovations which contribute to lower operational costs. Nestled between the speedometer and tachometer, the "ECO" coach is a new feature designed to promote fuel-saving driving habits. In the manual transmission version, an icon on the LCD trip-ometer screen begins to flash when the optimum gear shift point is reached. The automatic uses an "ECO" icon backlit by LEDs with either the red, white or green LED lighting up in accordance with driving behavior. Fuel savings in the range of 15 to 17 percent are attainable with the automatic "ECO" coach and 7 to 9 percent with the manual.

The multi-link rear suspension was adopted not only for its superior ride and handling characteristics but also because of its compact design which minimizes intrusion into the cabin creating extra space for passengers and cargo. Tried and true Macpherson struts are employed for the front suspension set-up.
Extensive work was done to isolate sounds and eliminate vibrations. Hyundai ix35 is discernibly quieter both at highway speeds and at engine idle. Booming noise is reduced thanks to a sub-frame dynamic damper while the rear luggage area gets extra soundproofing to isolate exhaust sounds. Road noise has been minimized by improving stiffness in the front and rear struts, rear trailing arm and the spring sheet.
The body shell structure is engineered to the very highest standards of safety: In crash safety tests conducted in-house Hyundai ix35 scores a five-star rating in Euro NCAP testing for both frontal and side impacts. The entire body shell has been made stiffer and lighter thanks to its more extensive use of ultra-high tensile strength steel.

In a panic braking situation, the emergency flash signals are automatically triggered thus reducing the risk of rear-end crashes. Active headrests are triggered by the pressure of the seat occupant's weight on the backrest, the headrests automatically moving upwards and forwards to help prevent injuries to head, neck and upper body.
In addition to optional 4WD capability, Hyundai ix35's CUV credentials are strengthened with two new safety features: Hill start Assist Control and Downhill Brake Control which promote safer travel up and down steep slopes.
For safer maneuvering in reverse gear, a rear-view camera has been added, which operates in conjunction with a 3.5-inch color LCD built into the rear-view mirror. Smart-Parking Assist uses the rear-view camera to provide a graphical grid overlay to safely guide the driver into the parking spot.

Other new features include:

• Push button start with smart-key proximity sensor
• Manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel
• Steering wheel-mounted audio remote control
• Air-conditioned, cooled glove box
• Low rolling resistance tires for 16" wheels

The Hyundai ix35 will be built in three factories on two continents. Mass production of the Tucson started at the Ulsan factory for the Korean domestic market in September. In November 2009, the Ulsan plant will begin production for North America and the general market (all countries outside of EU and greater Europe).
The Kia Motors factory in Zilina, Slovakia will build the Hyundai ix35 starting in the first quarter of 2010 (R engine and Theta-II) and greater Europe in the second quarter of 2010. The Hyundai ix35 will also be built by Beijing Hyundai to meet demand in China.

Read more »

Hyundai - 2012 Hyundai Accent

Hyundai Motor America introduced the all-new 2012 Hyundai Accent with best-in-class standard fuel economy and power at the 2011 New York International Auto Show. This marks the U.S. debut of the latest version of the popular subcompact sedan and the new top-of-the line, more functional Hyundai Accent five-door.
Hyundai 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."

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY FOR SUPERIOR FUEL ECONOMY
The 2012 Hyundai 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.

Several other systems have been improved over the outgoing model, each contributing to increased fuel efficiency. The 2012 Hyundai 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.
Despite the additional content, safety features and technology packed into the all-new Hyundai 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, Hyundai 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 Hyundai 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.
Hyundai Accent's fuel economy is 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway, with the six-speed automatic transmission or manual transmission. These figures give Hyundai 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. Hyundai 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.
The Hyundai 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.
A key safety element for any vehicle is its braking system. Hyundai 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 Hyundai 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, Hyundai 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 Hyundai 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.

CONFIDENT DRIVING DYNAMICS
The first step toward confident driving dynamics is a rigid structure. To this end, the 2012 Hyundai 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. Hyundai 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 Hyundai 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 Hyundai 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 Hyundai 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 Hyundai 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 Hyundai Accent three-door has been discontinued for the 2012 model year.

Read more »