Offered in a four-door sedan (a three-door version will be introduced in Spring 2006 as a 2007 model) the new Accent now has a longer wheelbase, wider track, and rolls on larger wheels and tires. Larger on the outside, the sleek and sophisticated Accent has newfound interior space-and the most interior volume in its segment. Class-leading power flows from a clean-running new 110-horsepower, 1.6-liter DOHC in-line four with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) for better power and efficiency.

In a bold stroke in this price-sensitive market segment, Hyundai has outfitted the Accent with state-of-the-art standard safety technologies, including four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution), and a total of six airbags, including dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags covering both rows of seating. All Accents come equipped with front seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters, which are designed to tighten the seatbelt in the event of a collision. No other car in the segment can equal the Accent's standard safety technologies.

REFINED DESIGN

Hyundai designers worked hard to give the third-generation Accent a distinctive presence within its market segment. While most competitors have a relatively basic "family car" appearance, the Accent stakes out more refined territory. Upscale details like a chrome-accented grille, aerodynamic headlights, larger wheels and tires, plus body colored door handles, mirrors, bodyside molding, and rear license plate trim combine with smoothly integrated taillights and strong character lines. The roof-mounted rod antenna not only looks good, but also provides improved radio reception.

The 2006 Accent is a significantly larger vehicle than its predecessor. The wheelbase has grown 2.3-inches (to 98.4 inches), and the wheel track has been widened to 57.9 in the front and 57.5 in the rear, an increase of 1.4 inches. Overall, the Accent is 1.8 inches longer, 1.0 inch wider, and 3.0 inches taller than the 2005 model. The enlarged dimensions make the Accent the longest and widest car in its segment.

LARGER INTERIOR

The Accent's larger silhouette pays comfort dividends inside, with more room in every measurable dimension and the most interior volume (passenger and cargo) of any sedan in its class. The total interior volume has increased from 100.9 cubic feet to a segment-leading 104.6 cubic feet, giving the Accent an unexpectedly spacious feel and besting the all-new 2006 Honda Civic sedan by 1.7 cubic feet. The driver's seating position has been raised two inches for better comfort and the higher eyepoint that most drivers prefer. Rear passengers enjoy an increase of 1.5 inches in rear legroom and a class-leading 53.1 inches of rear shoulder room; front passengers gain 0.7 inch more headroom. Cargo space has increased as well, from 11.6 cubic feet to 12.4 cubic feet, which is class leading compared to 2006 model year competitors.

The finish and details of the interior are designed to reset expectations in the Accent's market segment. There's a handsome two-tone interior color scheme with either a gray or beige theme. Large, legible analog instrumentation keeps the driver informed, while a tilt steering wheel and an eight-way adjustable driver's seat with fold-down armrest insure long-haul comfort. Convenient storage areas are placed throughout the interior, including the front center console, driver storage tray, front seatback pockets, and door storage pockets in all four doors. Each door pocket can also accommodate a beverage bottle, plus there are two more cupholders in front and another pair in the fold-down rear center armrest. A 60/40-split fold-down rear seatback makes it easy to load large objects, or to mix cargo and passengers for maximum effectiveness.

Hyundai has traditionally delivered high feature content for the money, and the Accent builds on that history. Standard features are comprehensive, including two-speed variable intermittent wipers, driver and passenger illuminated vanity mirrors, cabin air filtration, rear window defroster, tachometer, digital clock, two 12-volt outlets, and remote hood, trunk and fuel filler-door releases. To minimize sunlight glare, all Accents come standard with a windshield shade band.

A powerful 172-watt AM/FM/CD audio system is standard, and features a built-in equalizer and large-format head unit with easy-to-use controls. A total of six speakers are positioned throughout the interior; one in each front door, a pair in the rear package tray and two high-mounted tweeters to help add audio clarity and detail.

CLASS-LEADING SAFETY FEATURES

The new Accent perfectly illustrates Hyundai's devotion to passenger safety. In accident-avoidance features, the Accent bests competitors with powerful four-wheel disc brakes as standard equipment (old-school drum rear brakes are common in this market segment). A four-sensor, four-channel anti-lock brake system (ABS) is also standard. By independently modulating the brake pressure applied to each brake caliper, the Accent's ABS helps the driver maintain vehicle steering control in slippery conditions and in emergency maneuvers. Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) is integrated into the ABS, automatically adjusting the braking force to front and rear axles based on the vehicle loading conditions.

In the event of a collision, the Accent is well equipped to protect its passengers. In low speed impacts, the Accent's five-mph front and rear bumpers help minimize damage. In harder collisions, its steel unibody structure is engineered to dissipate crash energy as its crumple zones deform, while bodyside reinforcements help maintain the integrity of the passenger compartment. Hood buckling creases and safety stops help control the deformation of the hood in a frontal collision.

Inside, there's an energy absorbing steering column, and all five seating positions feature three-point seatbelts and adjustable headrests. The rear head restraints are shingle-style for improved visibility. The front seatbelts have pretensioners and load limiters. A child seat LATCH system in the rear seat area provides a safe and secure place for kids.

A total of six airbags work in concert with the restraint systems to provide an additional line of defense in frontal and side collisions. There are two advanced frontal airbags, plus two front seat-mounted side-impact airbags. Two roof-mounted side-curtain airbags help protect the front and outboard rear passengers in side impacts. The Accent's complete suite of airbags is standard-a significant advantage over competitors like Chevrolet Aveo and Scion xA. Front seat-mounted side-impact airbags are extra cost options on the xA, and side-curtain airbags are not available on Aveo.

CLASS-LEADING ENGINE

For 2006, the Accent has newfound power under its hood, a 1.6-liter DOHC in-line four cylinder engine that features four valves per cylinder with CVVT (Continuously Variable Valve Timing). The DOHC and CVVT combination helps to give the engine a very broad powerband, coupled with high fuel efficiency and low emissions. The CVVT unit is positioned on the exhaust camshaft and controls the intake valve timing by advancing and retarding the intake cam in relation to the exhaust cam. The CVVT system increases volumetric and thermodynamic efficiency, which helps the engine deliver improved performance at high rpm. By optimizing valve overlap, NOx emissions are reduced due to the resulting Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) effect.

With the better-breathing CVVT, performance has improved; horsepower now peaks at 110 at 6000 rpm (an almost six percent increase), and torque is 106 lb.-ft. at 4500 rpm. These numbers put the Accent at the top of its class in terms of horsepower. Fuel economy is also competitive; with a manual transmission, the Accent's EPA estimated mileage is 32 mpg City, and 35 mpg Highway. With the optional four-speed automatic transmission, the Accent's EPA rating is 28 mpg City and 36 mpg Highway.

Besides the added performance it provides, CVVT also helps the engine operate more cleanly, and for 2006 the Accent is certified as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV). Part of the Alpha engine family, the Accent's powerplant is a tough and technologically advanced unit that features a rigid cast-iron block and lightweight aluminum cylinder head. Engineered for the long haul, the Alpha is backed by a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.

TWO TRANSMISSION CHOICES

For peak performance, the Accent comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission that has lower gearing (for quicker acceleration and a more sporty personality). Also available is an optional four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive lock-up torque converter to maximize fuel economy at highway speeds.

CAPABLE SUSPENSION

The 2006 Accent's body bending stiffness is up 39% from the last generation model. This stiff architecture allows the all-new, affordable Accent to delivers a comfortable ride and responsive handling thanks to a front MacPherson strut suspension with coil springs and gas shock absorbers, and a coupled torsion beam rear suspension with coil springs and gas shock absorbers. A 21.0-mm diameter front stabilizer bar helps reduce body roll when cornering, and tunes the Accent's at-the-limit handling for maximum predictability. Rack-and pinion steering with engine-RPM sensing assist makes for low-effort maneuvering around town, combined with a secure feel at high speed.

QUALITY AND VALUE

Taken in total, the Accent's many strengths make it the clear value leader in its segment. Class-leading safety technologies give it an important edge, and the Accent delivers more standard features than Aveo or Rio. It's got the most interior volume (passengers and cargo) among its sedan rivals and upscale interior appointments make it remarkably comfortable and accommodating. Plus, the most powerful engine in the class provides responsive performance, and is another important asset.

ACCENT GLS

To simplify the buying process, 2006 Accent comes in a single GLS trim level with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. GLS trim includes a wide range of features, including several items that are either optional or unavailable on competitive vehicles in the segment, including a powerful 1.6-liter CVVT engine, 172-watt six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with equalizer, power steering, tilt steering wheel, driver and passenger illuminated vanity mirrors, and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS including EBD. There are a total of six airbags, including dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and roof mounted side-curtain airbags. Carpeted floor mats are optional, as is air conditioning, which is offered as a stand-alone option, or included in the optional Premium-Sport Package. The Premium-Sport Package includes air conditioning, power windows with illuminated switches, driver's window auto-down feature, power door locks, remote keyless entry with alarm and panic alert, heated power-adjustable exterior mirrors and 15-inch alloy wheels with 195/55VR15 tires.

WARRANTY

The all-new 2006 Hyundai Accent is protected by the Hyundai Advantage, America's Best Warranty(TM). Coverage includes five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection, 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, and seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation coverage. In addition, Accent buyers receive 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at no extra charge for five years (no mileage limit) and that service includes emergency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses. There is no deductible on any of these coverages.

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai cars and sport utility vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 670 dealerships nationwide.

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