Acceleration

GS, man.	GLS w/ABS, Premium Sport Pkg., auto.	SE, man.	Class Average
3	2	3	3.4

With automatic transmission, acceleration is weak, as evidenced by the slow 11.1 sec 0-60-mph time in our test GLS. At least the automatic downshifts promptly, smoothly for passing. Manual-transmission versions quicker; a similar test Kia Rio with manual did 9.4 sec 0-60. One test Accent SE suffered imprecise shift action.

Fuel Economy

GS, man.	GLS w/ABS, Premium Sport Pkg., auto.	SE, man.	Class Average
8	6	8	7

With manual-transmission, test GS averaged a frugal 34.2 mpg. Automatic-transmission Accent GLS averaged 21.8 mpg in test that included gas-eating performance runs.

Ride Quality

GS, man.	GLS w/ABS, Premium Sport Pkg., auto.	SE, man.	Class Average
6	6	5	5

Comfortable over smaller bumps, but soft suspension tuning on GS, GLS models allows moderate bounding over large high-speed humps. SE versions' sport suspension stops bounding but allows more bumps to register. All models have surprisingly solid structural feel that belies low price, enhances impression of ride comfort.

Steering/Handling/Braking

GS, man.	GLS w/ABS, Premium Sport Pkg., auto.	SE, man.	Class Average
5	5	6	5.1

Steering overboosted, lacks road feel. Fast cornering induces fair body lean, modest grip from skinny tires on GS, GLS. SE has sharper moves thanks to firmer suspension, 16-inch tires vs. 15s. Brakes have good control, solid pedal feel.

Quietness

GS, man.	GLS w/ABS, Premium Sport Pkg., auto.	SE, man.	Class Average
5	5	5	3.9

Engine buzzes from 4000 rpm on up, but is never objectionably loud. Wind noise modest for class, but coarse-surface tire thrum fairly high.

Controls

GS, man.	GLS w/ABS, Premium Sport Pkg., auto.	SE, man.	Class Average
6	6	6	5.7

Dashboard shows good design with clear gauges and simple, logical controls. Cloth upholstery has unexpectedly classy look and feel. Plastic panels look nice too, but a few feel budget-grade flimsy to the touch, and padded surfaces are scarce.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

GS, man.	GLS w/ABS, Premium Sport Pkg., auto.	SE, man.	Class Average
5	5	5	5.4

Fairly roomy for the class, though tall drivers may wish for more seat travel. Seats relatively high, seem comfortable, but need better thigh support. Comfort aided by standard height-adjustable driver seat, tilt steering wheel. Good all-around visibility.

Room/Comfort (rear)

GS, man.	GLS w/ABS, Premium Sport Pkg., auto.	SE, man.	Class Average
3	4	3	3.7

Foot space better than subcompact-class norm. Leg, knee room tight with front seats far back. Sloping roofline limits headroom in hatchbacks. Entry/exit OK in sedans, stoop-and-twist in hatchbacks.

Cargo Room

GS, man.	GLS w/ABS, Premium Sport Pkg., auto.	SE, man.	Class Average
3	2	3	4.6

Hatchback's cargo area usefully larger than sedan's trunk, but both body styles have a shallow opening that complicates loading bulky items. Folding rear seatback increases useful cargo space. Cabin storage not great, but front door map pockets include handy bottle holders.

Value within Class

GS, man.	GLS w/ABS, Premium Sport Pkg., auto.	SE, man.	Class Average
9	10	9	7.1

Accent one-ups most subcompact rivals by supplying front side airbags and curtain side airbags as standard equipment. These hatchbacks and sedans are hardly quick, but do deliver solid build quality, reasonable interior space, and more equipment than their low prices imply. ABS for sedans is unfortunately part of a $950 option package. But Hyundai's strong warranty adds to Accent's Best Buy appeal as an entry-level subcompact.

Total Score

GS, man.	GLS w/ABS, Premium Sport Pkg., auto.	SE, man.	Class Average
53	51	53	50.9

Scores for all Subcompact Cars

Low Score		45
Average Score		50
High Score		57