SO if you looked at the title of this road test, or auto review as we like to call them, you’d be wondering why, in 2015, we’d be putting together a road test on the 2014 version of the pint sized Hyundai Accent, and its somewhat sporty variant, the SR.
Well wonder know more – it’s because the 2014 model is in fact still the current model, and will remain so until a new version hits the streets some time in 2015 – and at $18,990 drive away for the six speed manual variant of the Accent SR – it’s definitely worth a look.
Over and above the Active and Elite versions of the current model Accent, the SR comes with some nice features and some punchy specs, including a roof mounted rear spoiler, machined faced alloy wheels, projector style auto headlights, LED positioning lights and an upgraded engine package that includes direct injection.
You’ll find 103kW of power and 167Nm of torque from the 1.6L non-turbo engine under the hood, that delivers good straight line speed and puts it on par with some of its more expensive rivals.
The added bonus of cruise control on the manual (and the $2,000 dearer automatic) makes the Accent SR a nice car to drive, with its roomy interior and sporty handling creating a small car that’s comfortable and feels quick to get around in.
With no turbo (unlike some of its fancier, quicker rivals), the Hyundai Accent SR is also P-Plate friendly, an added bonus for those looking to get into something a little sporty without breaking the rules.
On the down side, the Accent SR lacks the refinement and interior quality of its more expensive big brother (the Hyundai i30 SR), and we found it hard to find a comfortable position to rest our arm while driving, with the arm rest in the door poorly positioned and made of hard plastic.
The door shape also means the window sill is oddly positioned, again making it uncomfortable as a rest point, and on the whole the attempted sporty interior probably doesn’t live up to the SR name – it feels a little too cheap for that – but it also doesn’t cost a fortune – so for the budget buyer looking for something different it will definitely suit.
The other place where the Accent struggles, even in the tuned up SR version is in the feel of the ride. For us it just felt hard, like the suspension and ride height were just a little off (enough to notice but not a massive concern given the price), and it definitely feels, and sounds, like the engine is working very hard at high revs.
Overall though, especially for the price, the 2014 Hyundai Accent SR is packed with nice little features; Bluetooth connectivity, USB, a massive 370 litre boot, and an average 6.1L/100km fuel consumption among them.
It’s safe too, with six air bags, ABS and traction control adding to a long list of standard inclusions, and the five year, unlimited kilometre warranty and discounted servicing putting it ahead of a number of its bigger name rivals.
Our test vehicle was provided by Hyundai Australia. To find out more about the 2014 Hyundai Accent SR, contact your local Hyundai dealer.
Vehicle: 2014 Hyundai Accent SR
Overall Rating: 3/5
Pros: Stylish good looks, Roomy interior, Great price.
Cons: Interior is average quality; arm rests are uncomfortable; Engine struggled on hills.
Will you be reviewing the i30 ?? Hope so .. Be interested to hear what you think!!
Yes we will be reviewing the i30. We have just completed our road test of the 2014 Hyundai i30 SR. The full review will be published on Sunday, February 8.