By: IOL Motoring Staff
Johannesburg - Hyundai SA has added a third hatchback to its South African line-up, slotting the new five-door Accent hatch in between the i20 and i30 - not only in terms of price, but also when it comes to interior space.
Family resemblance to the Accent sedan is clear, with two-piece black-bezel headlights curving into the body, a slightly rounded version of Hyundai's signature hexagonal grille, sporty fog lights and body-colour door handles.
At the back a wide - and wide-opening! - hatch accesses a 370-litre cargo bay with parcel shelf and 60:40 split rear seat back for when 370 litres isn't enough.
The Accent Hatchback runs on 16” alloys shod with 195/50 radials - with a full-sized alloy spare under the floor of the boot.
INSIDE STORY
The instrument cluster is clear and readable, the steering wheel is adjustable for tilt but not rake and the driver's seat is adjustable for height.
Standard kit includes rear parking sensors, manual aircon, steering wheel remote controls for the audio system, electric side mirror and automatic up/down window controls in the driver's armrest.
USB/iPod/Aux ports in the centre console connect and play multimedia devices through the audio system, while Bluetooth connectivity enables occupants to make phone calls and stream music wirelessly.
The ignition key incorporates a central door locking system, with a separate button to unlock the hatch.
Safety is entrusted to antilock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, and if that's not enough to keep you out of trouble there are six airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners for the driver and front passenger.
NUTS AND BOLTS
There's only one derivative, the 1.6 Fluid, with the proven 1591cc fuel-injected Gamma twin-cam four, delivering a claimed 91kW at 6300rpm and 156Nm at 4200rpm to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or four-speed auto transmission.
Hyundai quotes combined-cycle fuel consumption figures of 6.4 litres per 100km for the manual, with CO2 emissions of 152g/km, and 6.8 litres per 100km for the automatic, at a cost of 161g/km of CO2.
Conventional front McPherson struts and a coupled torsion-beam rear axle modulate wheel movement, while separate rear dampers allow more efficient use of the interior space at the rear.
PRICES
Accent Hatch 1.6 Fluid - R234 900
Accent Hatch 1.6 Fluid a/t - R244 900
These include Hyundai's five-year or 150 000km warranty, a five-year or 90 000km service plan and five years' roadside assistance. Service intervals are 15 000km.