Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise the smallest passengers cars. These vehicles range from tiny economy models to slightly larger popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons.

Our Best Buys include the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix twins. Our Recommended picks include the Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, and Toyota Corolla.

Accent is redesigned for 2006 along with the related Rio at Hyundai-owned Kia. A new front-wheel-drive platform brings more-rounded sedan styling and larger dimensions to both versions. Accent grows 1.8 inches longer, an inch wider, and no less than 3 inches taller on a 2.3-inch longer wheelbase. The added height allows front seats to stand some 2 inches higher than in previous Accents. The only engine is a new 110-hp 1.6-liter 4-cyl with continuously variable valve timing, a technical surprise for a small low-priced car. Transmissions are the usual 5-speed manual and optional 4-speed automatic.

Unlike Rio's two trim levels, the '06 Accent comes only as a GLS sedan. Hatchbacks are dropped, at least for now. Curtain side airbags and front torso side airbags are standard, another unexpected extra for this class. Other no-cost features include 14-inch wheels (replacing 13s), CD player, tilt steering column, 60/40 split folding rear seat, and 8-way manual driver's seat. Options include antilock brakes, 15-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, power windows/door locks with remote entry, and heated power mirrors. Pricing won't be announced until just before sales begin this summer. Keep checking back with us for further updates.

Meantime, the new Accent and Rio will be home to the first gas/electric powertrain designed and built by a Korean automaker. According to Hyundai, the hybrid option will reach North America by late 2006, a year or so sooner than first planned, but sales will be limited to around 2000 cars per year between the two brands. Who so few? Hyundai says it can't make money with hybrids, at least not yet, even though hybrid pioneer Toyota claims that every Prius it sells does make money. But Hyundai's statements could be intended to confuse Toyota, Honda and other players while it prepares a much bigger assault on America's fast-growing hybrid-vehicle market. Stay tuned.