2012 Hyundai Accent Gets Most Power, Fuel Economy in Its Class [Montreal Auto Show]

Hot on the heels of the debut of the Veloster at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Hyundai has unwrapped the all-new 2012 Accent at the Montreal Auto Show. This comes as a surprise as Hyundai Motor America had said the car wouldn’t break cover until the New York Auto Show in April.

A vehicle that made its name in the industry as being a low cost option for those on a budget, Hyundai aims to keep that price structure while out-doing the competition in every other aspect.

Keeping the same styling seen on the Sonata and the new Elantra, the 2012 Accent is powered by a direct-injection 138-hp 1.6-liter 4-cylinder that makes 123 ft-lbs of torque and according to the Canadian press release gets 4.7 L/100 km highway and 6.4 L/100 km regardless of whether you choose the 6-speed automatic or manual. That works out to an incredible 50-mpg highway and 37-mpg city. (Those numbers are, however, imperial and in the U.S. you’re looking at closer to 41-mpg and 30.5 mpg).

Having grown in size, the new Accent is now 70mm (2.7-inches) longer between the wheels and 5mm wider. This not only makes for added interior space, but the Accent also delivers a sizable amount of cargo volume with 14 cu-ft of trunk space with the sedan and 17.2 cu-ft with the hatch. Despite all this, weight was kept to a minimum, with the new Accent sedan weighing just 2,392 lbs, while the hatchback model is slightly heavier at 2,429 lbs.

UPDATE: Click Here to Read AutoGuide’s 2012 Hyundai Accent Review

[ If the video won’t work for you, watch it at AutoGuide’s YouTube channel here]

Official Canadian market details can be found after the jump and details could change for U.S. market cars:

PRESS RELEASE

HYUNDAI ACCENT: UNEXPECTED SAFETY, DESIGN, AND TECHNOLOGY

MONTREAL, Quebec (January 13, 2011) – Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. introduced the all-new 2012 Accent today at the Montreal International Auto Show. Available in four-door and five-door formats, Accent redefines expectations in the subcompact category by offering the company’s attractive “Fluidic Sculpture” design, best-in-class fuel economy, and a full complement of standard safety features. Despite surprising technology and a significant increase in safety features, Hyundai will hold the line on pricing from the prior generation to continue delivering unmistakable value to customers.

HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2012 ACCENT

§ All-new fourth generation of the Accent subcompact

§ First vehicle to receive all-new 1.6-litre GDI “Gamma” engine, paired with 6-speed automatic or manual transmissions

­ Estimated 4.7 L/100 km highway fuel consumption

­ Engine delivers power and fuel economy superior to competitors

§ A long list of standard safety features

­ VSM, ESC, TCS, ABS with Brake Assist and EBD

­ Four-wheel disc brakes

­ Six standard airbags

§ Class-above total interior volume

­ A subcompact car with the roominess of a compact

§ Hyundai’s signature “Fluidic Sculpture” design

§ Strong value – more content and best-in-class fuel economy without an increase in price

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY FOR SUPERIOR FUEL ECONOMY

The 2012 Accent’s all-aluminum 1.6-litre Gamma 4-cylinder engine utilizes the latest engine technology to deliver a class-leading 138 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque and an estimated best-in-class 4.7 L/100 km highway fuel economy rating.

The engine’s most notable feature is its use of Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI), a first for the subcompact category. By precisely controlling the injection of fuel, GDI allows for better fuel economy, increased power, and reduced emissions. The application of Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts allows for further improvements in efficiency, fuel economy, and emissions. To optimize breathing at all engine speeds, a Variable Induction System (VIS) is employed. Other elements resulting in reduced fuel consumption include an Alternator Management System, an offset crankshaft design, and electronic throttle control. To reduce lifetime operation costs and increase reliability, the Gamma features a maintenance-free silent timing chain.

*Estimated fuel consumption

Several other systems have been improved over the outgoing model, each contributing to increased fuel efficiency. All models feature 6-speed automatic or manual transmissions with well-spaced ratios for smooth and efficient power delivery. Low-rolling resistance silica tires and a slippery shape (0.30 cd) reduce friction with the road and the air. Finally, the ActiveECO function modifies engine and transmission control to smooth out throttle response. By turning on the ActiveECO function, drivers can realize up to a seven percent increase in real-world fuel economy. The real-world result of these efficiencies is an estimated highway driving range of 915 km.

Despite the additional content, safety features, and technology packed into the all-new Accent, Hyundai has avoided the typically associated penalty of increased weight. A lower curb weight corresponds to an improvement not only in fuel economy, but all other dynamic areas. In fact, Accent offers the best power-to-weight ratio in its class by far, providing drivers with both low fuel consumption and responsive performance.

SAFETY AS STANDARD – BECAUSE IT JUST MAKES SENSE

Hyundai doesn’t believe that consumers should have to pay a premium for safety, so a long list of safety features are included as standard equipment on all 2012 Accent models. A total of six airbags protect occupants in the event of a collision, including two front impact airbags, two front seat-mounted side impact airbags, and curtain side-impact airbags for front and rear passengers. Active front head restraints and seatbelt pretensioners work in conjunction with the airbag system to aid in preventing injury.

The Accent’s underlying structure is engineered to protect occupants using a Collision Load Dispersion mechanism. The vehicle’s structure distributes the force of an impact in three ways to minimize floor deformation and maintain the integrity of the cabin.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control work together to help deliver confident handling in all conditions. Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) integrates control of the ESC and motor-driven power steering (MDPS) to provide handling assistance in slippery conditions or in sudden cornering scenarios. The system can deliver up to 8 Newton-meters of counter-steering effort when required to assist the driver in maintaining control of the vehicle.

A key safety element for any vehicle is its braking system. Accent is the only car in the subcompact segment to offer four wheel disc brakes as standard. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) featuring Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) is also included. EBD examines the effect of vehicle load on weight distribution and apportions the braking force between front and rear axles so as to maximize stopping ability. In the event of a panic stop, BA ensures that maximum braking force is applied.

SMALL OUTSIDE, BIG INSIDE

Accent rides on a 2,570 mm wheelbase and is 1,700 mm in width, representing an increase of 70 mm and 5 mm respectively over the outgoing model. As a result, Accent enjoys superior interior volume and passenger space. Total length of the new model is 4,370 mm for 4-door versions and 4,115 mm for the 5-door. While the car’s exterior dimensions are consistent with those of traditional subcompacts, Accent is classified by Transport Canada as a compact sedan thanks to its interior volume. To provide perspective, Accent 4-door features more total interior volume than the Honda Civic.

Convenient storage spaces are included throughout the cabin, including bottle holders in each door and a storage tray at the base of the centre console. A deluxe centre console is available, a feature not seen on Fit, Aveo, Fiesta, or Mazda2. Split and fold 60/40 rear seats are available for increased cargo flexibility when transporting longer items.

FEATURES AND AMENITIES WORTHY OF MORE EXPENSIVE VEHICLES

Choosing a subcompact sedan no longer means foregoing comfort and convenience features. A standard 6-way adjustable driver’s seat and standard tilt steering wheel work in conjunction to provide a comfortable driving position. Power door locks, standard on all Accent models, can be paired with the convenience of available power windows, remote keyless entry, and power heated mirrors. A 4-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with iPod / USB / AUX ports is standard equipment. Those seeking added listening enjoyment can opt for a 6-speaker, 172 watt AM/FM/XM/CD audio system featuring Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity and steering wheel audio controls. Cruise control, air conditioning, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, and a power sunroof are all available.

CONFIDENT HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS

The first step toward confident handling dynamics is a rigid structure. To this end, the 2012 Accent employs high-tensile strength steel for a structure which is 22 percent stiffer than the previous generation and 38 percent stiffer than the Toyota Yaris. Increasing the stiffness of the structure allowed Hyundai engineers more flexibility in terms of suspension tuning. The end result is a better balance between handling precision and ride comfort. Accent employs a MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs, twin-tube gas shock absorbers, and a 21 mm stabilizer bar. The rear suspension is a torsion axle setup with coil springs and monotube shock absorbers.

ATTRACTIVE DESIGN

The 2012 Accent joins the Hyundai line-up sporting the company’s increasingly popular Fluidic Sculpture design. The vehicle’s exterior lines are intended to be futuristic, dynamic, and sleek. In a segment typically associated with staid designs, Accent stands out from the crowd. While the styling provides an attractive form, it’s also functional, featuring a slippery 0.30 coefficient of drag. Five-door models include a sporty trunk lid-mounted spoiler. For an assertive stance, 16” alloy wheels are available.

HYUNDAI AUTO CANADA CORP.

Hyundai Auto Canada, established in 1983 and headquartered in Markham, Ontario, is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout Canada by Hyundai Auto Canada and are sold and serviced through more than 195 dealerships nationwide.