2016 Hyundai Accent gets some touchups, starting at $14,745

(August 28, 2015) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. — Hyundai has announced that for the 2016 model year the Accent gets minor changes, including more consistent trim-level naming and some packaging updates. The 2016 subcompact Accent arrives in dealerships this month at a starting price of $14,745.

The Accent Sedan and Accent Hatchback are the vehicle’s two distinct models. For naming consistency, Accent GLS and Accent GS have been renamed to Accent SE Sedan and Accent SE Hatchback, respectively, for the 2016 model year. Accent Hatchback continues to offer a Sport trim, with sportier visual cues and driving dynamics over the SE trim.

Since launch, Accent’s product success has garnered attention from automotive and industry experts, being awarded various coveted awards and accolades. Last month, for the second year in a row, Accent earned the highest honor in the J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS) for the small-car segment. In 2014, Accent also received “Most Appealing Small Car” in the J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) study. This marked the first time a nameplate has ranked highest among non-premium brands in both APEAL and IQS in the same year.

Accent’s exterior features bold styling characteristics. Shoppers will notice the striking machine-finish 16-inch wheel design standard on the Accent Sport Hatchback and available on the SE Sedan equipped with the Style Package. The front grille, updated last year, enhances the Accent family across all trims while a projector headlight with LED accents adds a premium look to Accent Sport Hatchback and Accent SE Sedan equipped with the Style Package. On the rear of the vehicle, a stylish taillight design enhances the look of Accent Sedan with an eye-catching light signature.

In the interior, a reversed LCD display added last year enhances readability with its high-contrast look and an available leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob adds a premium touch to the cockpit drivers will enjoy.

Selected as one of Ward’s 10 Best Engines in 2012, the Accent’s all-aluminum 1.6-liter Gamma four-cylinder engine features the latest innovations in engine technology to deliver 137 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque and up to 27 mpg city and up to 38 mpg highway EPA-estimated fuel economy rating when equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission.

The engine’s most notable feature is its use of Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI), the first car with GDI technology in 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 increased efficiency, improved fuel economy and reduced emissions.

Other elements resulting in reduced fuel consumption include an Alternator Management System, an offset crankshaft design, variable induction system and electronic throttle control. To reduce lifetime operation costs and increase reliability, the Gamma engine features a maintenance-free silent roller timing chain and innovative anti-friction coatings such as a CrN Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating.