The Bottom Line
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The Accent SE hatchback is the hot-rod version of Hyundai's smallest car. Though its 110 horsepower engine (link goes to photo) is identical to other Accents, the SE gets performance-tuned steering and suspension (complete with DC Sports strut tower brace), 16" alloy wheels, antilock brakes, and a B&M short-throw shifter for manual-trans models -- the idea being that while the Accent SE may not go that fast in a straight line, it doesn't have to slow down for the curves. Is the Accent SE a proper hot hatch? Read on.
Larger photos: Front - rear - interior - all photos
Pros
- Excellent, well-balanced handling
- Low price
- Tons of fun on a curvy road
Cons
- Engine struggles to keep up
- Noisy on the freeway
- Lousy crash test scores
Description
- SE is the sporty version of Hyundai's subcompact Accent
- Price range: $15,195 - $17,345
- Price as tested: $15,195
- EPA fuel economy estimates: 27 MPG city/32 MPG highway (manual), 24/33 (automatic)
Guide Review - 2008 Hyundai Accent SE
I hopped into the Accent SE and immediately headed for the About.com Cars Top Secret Curvy Test Road, where I quickly discovered that the hardest thing about driving fast in the Accent SE is keeping up a head of steam. I had to thrash the engine and work the stick-shift like a madman, and I can only imagine how frustrating the drive would have been with the optional 4-speed automatic. I had no problem with the Accent SE's front disc/rear drum brake setup, but maybe that's because I didn't use the brakes all that much -- no way was I going to lose the speed I'd worked so hard to build up. Luckily, the Accent's suspension was on board with that plan. It gripped the pavement heroically, transitioning to gentle understeer and refusing to let mid-corner bumps knock it off course. And all along, I had a huge grin on my face -- here I was driving a $15,000 Hyundai Accent like it was a $35,000 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Impossible? Maybe. But the Accent didn't seem to know that.
It's hard to make an argument for choosing the Accent SE over other small hatchbacks. It's not the most fuel efficient (I averaged 31 MPG), it's not the most space efficient, and it certainly isn't the safest -- in fact, its crash test scores are kind of appalling. Highway rides are annoying what with the buzzy engine (3500 RPM at 70 MPH) and lack of cruise control (which joins the option list in 2009).
But the Accent has one thing its competitors lack: Heart. What other new car delivers this much fun for fifteen grand? Sure, guys in proper sport-compacts like the Honda Civic Si and Volkswagen GTI will probably laugh at you. So what? As my father used to say, "If they can't take a joke, forget 'em." ("Forget" wasn't exactly the F word he used, but you get the idea.) The Hyundai Accent SE is a cheap thrill if there ever was one. I love it. -- Aaron Gold
