2010 Hyundai Accent: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2010 Hyundai Accent lineup gains a new low-price model that promises high fuel economy. Accent returns as a 2-door hatchback in GS and SE trims, and as a 4-door sedan in GLS form. New for 2010 is the base Accent Blue, which has equipment levels similar to the GS. The Blue has specific transmission gear ratios and other aerodynamic tweaks that Hyundai says improves highway fuel economy up to 9 percent when compared with other Accent models. The sole engine is a 110-horsepower 1.6-liter 4-cylinder. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard across the board. A 4-speed automatic is available on all but the Accent Blue. Available safety features include ABS, front-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags. Power windows and locks and remote entry are optional on the GS and GLS. Accent lends its basic design to the Rio from Hyundai's Kia division, but Rio differs in features, pricing, and warranty coverage.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. The subcompact class is made up of the smallest hatchbacks, sedans, and wagons on the market. These are generally considered economy cars.

Our Best Buys include the Honda Fit and Nissan Cube. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Scion xD, and Suzuki SX4. New or significantly redesigned models for 2010 include the Kia Rio, Kia Soul, and Suzuki SX4.