Automotive
The fifth iteration of the Hyundai Accent made its debut at the Orange County International Auto Show. The vehicle’s development demonstrated significant improvements in both size and functionality.
Hyundai enhanced the Accent by incorporating more High Strength Steel produced in their own steel plants. Thanks to the extensive use of HSS, the overall steel consumption decreased, resulting in a body that was 32% more robust with just an additional 11 kg (22 lbs) in weight for the unibody structure.
From certain perspectives, the 2017 Accent bore a resemblance to a scaled-down version of the Sonata. Although smaller than its executive sedan counterpart, it retained commendable proportions and sophistication. Typically, compact four-door vehicles suffer from poor aesthetics due to the disparity between the tall greenhouse and the rest of the body. However, the fifth-generation Accent managed to make even its large cascading grille look appealing.
The cabin boasted a contemporary design and comprehensive features for its time. It showcased a tidy instrument panel with traditional circular dials. The infotainment setup included a standard 5-inch TFT screen mounted on the center console, with an optional larger 7-inch display available. Additionally, a rearview camera came as standard equipment.
Under the hood, the 2017 Accent offered up to four gasoline engines and three diesel options, depending on the market. The base transmission was a 6-speed manual, complemented by optional choices such as a 6-speed automatic, a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, and a CVT.
