Autoblog

Hyundai and Kia recalling 1.6M more models for faulty brake switch

Jeffrey N. Ross — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Hyundai, Kia

In what is likely the largest recall campaign for Hyundai and Kia, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced a recall of more than 1.6 million models due to a faulty brake switch. This is in addition to almost 700,000 Hyundai and Kia models recalled for the same problem back in 2009.

In more than 620,000 Kia models and 1 million Hyundai products for the 2007 through 2011 model years, the brake switch could malfunction causing the brake lights to not illuminate, which could lead to accident. Other possible issues with a faulty switch include the cruise control not cancelling with the brake pedal, the push-button starter not working properly and the shift interlock not disengaging causing the transmission to be stuck in Park. To fix the problem, the brake lights switch will be replaced.

Due to the large number of units being recalled, both automakers are issuing a notice by next month with parts not expected to be ready until June. The full list of affected vehicles and the NHTSA press releases are posted below.

Continue reading Hyundai and Kia recalling 1.6M more models for faulty brake switch

Hyundai and Kia recalling 1.6M more models for faulty brake switch originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Chevrolet Spark gets EPA rating of 32/38 MPG

Chris Tutor — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Chevrolet

Chevrolet can't be too happy with the EPA numbers for its tiny Spark. Equipped with the 1.2-liter engine and five-speed manual, the smallest Chevy in history gets 32 miles per gallon in the city, 38 on the highway for a combined EPA number of 34 mpg. Not bad, but not what we and, presumably, Chevy, were hoping for. Add the optional automatic transmission, and the numbers drop to 28 city, 37 highway and a combined number of 32 mpg.

When we first saw the Spark at the Geneva show in 2009, the Spark was expected to get a combined number of 47 mpg, though that may have been forecasting a European rating.

With its small size and small, 1.2 liter, 85 hp engine, it's easy to think of the Spark as super efficient. The similarly-sized Smart ForTwo gets a combined EPA number of 36 mpg, while the larger Hyundai Accent gets 34 as well.

In fact, the Spark's larger stablemates, the Cruze Eco and Sonic, can do almost as well if properly equipped. Both cars gets a combined 33 mpg with the turbocharged 1.4 liter and manual six-speed transmission. The Sonic even breaks the 40-mpg barrier in highway driving and the Cruze Eco gets an even better 42.

The moral of this story? Looks like a sixth gear makes a huge difference in fuel economy. And if you don't mind paying a little more, you can get a larger Chevy with better EPA numbers.

2013 Chevrolet Spark gets EPA rating of 32/38 MPG originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jul 2012 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent and Chevy Sonic top Consumer Reports subcompact shootout

Zach Bowman — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Sedan, Hatchback, Chevrolet, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota

Consumer Reports has just wrapped up an evaluation of subcompact sedans, and the Kia Rio EX has rolled out ahead of the class. The four-door beat out its corporate clone, the Hyundai Accent and the Chevrolet Sonic to take the top spot. Evaluators pointed to the sharp handling and well-optioned interior in the Rio as reasons for the vehicle's win. The newly redesigned Nissan Versa and unloved Toyota Yaris filled out the top five sedans. And what of the baby hatchbacks? CR once again credited the Honda Fit as leader of the pack, followed closely by the Versa Hatchback and Rio Hatchback.

The organization found fault with the base Chevrolet Sonic's fuel economy, and found the turbocharged LTZ model to be too expensive. Evaluators also felt the Sonic Turbo "didn't live up to its sporty aspirations."

We'll politely agree to disagree on that one.

All of the vehicles in the evaluation are either too new or scored too low in CR evaluations to earn a coveted Recommended rating. Hit the jump for a look at the full press release and debate amongst yourselves in Comments.

Continue reading Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent and Chevy Sonic top Consumer Reports subcompact shootout

Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent and Chevy Sonic top Consumer Reports subcompact shootout originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #273

Dan Roth — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 16:45:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Geneva Motor Show, BMW, Honda, Hyundai

Geneva Motor Show Recap

Episode #273 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan hosts and is joined by Autoblog Executive Editor Chris Paukert and Zach Bowman. Topics range far and wide around our recap of the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. Your questions and comments power the end of the 'cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. We've embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #273:

Geneva Motor Show recap

In the Autoblog Garage
2012 Hyundai Accent
2012 Honda Civic Hybrid
2012 BMW 740i

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Paukert, Zach Bowman

Runtime: 01:21:01

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Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com

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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #273

Autoblog Podcast #273 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Hyundai Accent Five-Door

Zach Bowman — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Hyundai, First Drives, South Korea

Serving Notice To The Subcompact Segment

2012 Hyundai Accent Five-Door - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been a busy two years in the subcompact world. Newcomers like the Ford Fiesta and Mazda2 have made it clear they intend to give models like the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris and segment volume leader Nissan Versa a run for their small-displacement money. Even General Motors is getting into the fray with the upcoming 2012 Chevrolet Sonic after years of trying to pass off the Aveo as legitimate transportation. So when Hyundai announced it was taking the knife to its Accent, we knew to expect good things.

The Korean automaker hasn't been one to mess around lately, and vehicles like the all-new Elantra and redesigned Sonata have helped push the manufacturer to the highest market share in the company's history - 5.6 percent in May. With the segment's first direct-injection four-cylinder engine, the buyer's choice of a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, an impossibly low MSRP and 40 mpg highway from every model, it's clear that the 2012 Hyundai Accent is intent on eclipsing the competition.

Continue reading 2012 Hyundai Accent Five-Door

2012 Hyundai Accent Five-Door originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jun 2011 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dodge updates Attitude for Mexico with latest Hyundai Accent, forgets badges *UPDATE

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 26 May 2011 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Dodge, Hyundai

What you're looking at is not the 2012 Hyundai Accent, it's the 2012 Dodge Attitude. Yes, we see the Hyundai badge. No, we aren't kidding.

Dodge has, for quite some time now, sold a rebadged version of the Hyundai Accent in Mexico under the Attitude moniker. (Hyundai, as an automaker, is otherwise absent from the Mexican market). And while the previous-generation Attitude was simply a rebadged version of the old Accent sedan, it appears that the 2012 model doesn't even go that far.

We got our first glimpse at the U.S.-spec Accent at the 2011 New York Auto Show earlier this year, and while our market will benefit from the functionality of the five-door hatchback configuration, the Dodge Attitude will only be available as a sedan. A 1.4-liter gasoline engine is standard, with a 1.6-liter powerplant available as an option.

UPDATE: Looks like the Accent isn't the only Hyundai vehicle being given the Pentastar treatment in Mexico. The Korean automaker's Starex van (known as the iLoad and iMax - seriously - in Australia) also wears a Dodge nameplate in Mexico, though like the Attitude, the Hyundai badges have remained intact. The Dodge H100 is available in both cargo van and passenger van configurations. (Hat tip to owenrec!)

Dodge updates Attitude for Mexico with latest Hyundai Accent, forgets badges *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 May 2011 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is the age of the sub-$10,000 car passing?

Chris Shunk — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hatchback, Hyundai, Nissan

As you've likely noticed, new cars aren't getting cheaper. Pack enough options onto a new C-segment hatchback or sedan, and it's not difficult to elevate the MSRP to $25,000 or more. At the same time, there are still plenty of B-segment and C-segment vehicles that can be had for $16,000 or less, and the base Nissan Versa can still be snagged for $9,990; albeit with zero options and no radio. The same goes for the cheapest Hyundai Accent, which starts at $9,985.

How much longer can Nissan continue to offer a new car for under $10,000? USA Today thinks those days are about over, as the 2012 Versa is set to bow at next week's New York Auto Show. The new Versa appears to be better looking and more refined than the model it replaces, making a $10,000 price tag unlikely. The new Accent is another probable candidate to drop its $10K model. It's also expected to make an appearance in New York, and should be markedly improved over the current car in all respects.

So, does the arrival of the next-generation Nissan Versa and Hyundai Accent mean the end of the $10,000 vehicle? Does it even matter? While the ultra-cheap stripper models are handy marketing tools for their manufacturers, a shopper with $10,000 to spend can get a lot of car for that money on the used market. With a radio and A/C to boot.

[Source: USA Today]

Is the age of the sub-$10,000 car passing? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Apr 2011 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai puts on an Accent with 2012 Verna hatch at Guangzhou

Noah Joseph — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, China, Hatchback, Hyundai, Misc. Auto Shows

2012 Hyundai Verna/Accent five-door - Click above to enlarge

China is no less important a market for Korean automakers than it is for their Japanese competition. So after unveiling the new Verna sedan in Beijing this past April, Hyundai is back in the People's Republic with its new Verna hatchback. The vehicle was unveiled at the Guangzhou auto show, where Nissan also debuted its new Sunny global sedan.

Of what interest is this to North American buyers, you ask? What you're looking at is essentially the new Accent five-door that will be sold on these shores. Only in China, the model carries a different name and will be produced locally by joint venture with the Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Company.

There it will be offered with two four-cylinder engines from Hyundai's Gamma family: a 1.4 with 78.7kW (105 horsepower) and 135.4Nm (100 pound-feet) of torque, and a 1.6 with 90.4kW (121 hp) and 155Nm (114 lb-ft). So fa,r all we have is the solitary image you see above, along with the press release after the jump, but you can bet there will be more before Hyundai puts its accent on the Verna for Western consumption.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Hyundai puts on an Accent with 2012 Verna hatch at Guangzhou

Hyundai puts on an Accent with 2012 Verna hatch at Guangzhou originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai confirms 2012 Veloster for Detroit, Accent for New York

Steven J. Ewing — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, New York Auto Show, Hatchback, Hyundai

2012 Hyundai Veloster spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

During a media briefing this week, Hyundai officials confirmed that its highly anticipated Veloster hatchback (name subject to change...) will debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January. This comes as no surprise, since the car was originally rumored to debut at the Paris Motor Show earlier this year or possibly at next week's LA Auto Show.

Hyundai has yet to confirm what will power the sporty little hatch, but based on what we learned during a powertrain deep-dive we attended, we're pretty certain that the automaker's new 1.6-liter Gamma four-cylinder engine will be found underhood. With the help of direct injection, this engine is estimated to produce 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque while still returning at least 40 mpg on the highway. It will also be mated to a new six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

In not-as-sporty news, Hyundai also revealed that the upcoming 2012 Accent will make its public debut at the New York Auto Show this spring. Once again, mum's the word on what to expect in terms of powertrain, equipment levels and pricing, but we do know that the Accent is expected to achieve 42 mpg highway when it debuts.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Hyundai Veloster

[Images: CarPix]

Hyundai confirms 2012 Veloster for Detroit, Accent for New York originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Nov 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Preaching with an Accent: Pastor who held off burning Quran gets a free Hyundai?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc., Government/Legal, Marketing/Advertising, Hyundai, Celebrities

Brad Benson is used to drumming up publicity. The former New York Giants offensive lineman owns the Mitsubishi and Hyundai dealership in South Brunswick, New Jersey, that bears his name, and has for the past several years upped his business' profile by airing a series of radio ads that sound more like talk shows.

Back in 2003, he publicly offered Saddam Hussein a new car if he left Iraq. The late dictator never took him up on the offer, so Benson probably never thought he'd get called on most recent radio appeal either. He was wrong.

When the controversy surrounding Terry Jones was at its highest, Benson went on the air and offered the Florida pastor a free Hyundai Accent provided not to burn the Quran as planned in protest of the Ground Zero Mosque project. Following a public outcry that included personal appeals made by President Obama, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and General David Patraeus, Jones ultimately decided against the controversial book burning.

A few weeks after the controversy subsided, Benson was surprised to get a phone call from one of Jones' representatives inquiring about when and how he could collect the car he was promised, a 2011 Hyundai Accent worth $14,200. Jones reportedly plans on donating the car to a center for battered Muslim women, and after initially contemplating reneging on the offer or leasing Jones the car for a year, he has decided to make good on his offer.

Ultimately, the publicity surrounding the issue may bring Benson more customers to offset the cost of the car.

[Source: Associated Press via The New York Times | Image: Brad Benson Hyundai]

Preaching with an Accent: Pastor who held off burning Quran gets a free Hyundai? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Korean-spec Hyundai Avante interior gives sneak peek inside 2011 Elantra

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Hyundai, South Korea

2011 Hyundai Avante (Elantra) interior - Click above for high-res image

Even though we have yet to see official images of the U.S.-spec 2011 Hyundai Elantra, we have a pretty good idea of what will be heading our way in the coming months. Hyundai debuted the new Avante sedan (the Elantra's Korean market equivalent) at the Busan Motor Show this past April, and now the first interior snapshot of the Avante has been leaked out.

If you've been in the new 2011 Sonata, you know that the family sedan's cabin is a giant leap forward in the right direction. The center stack is awash with curves and angles that pay homage to the automaker's new "fluidic sculpture" exterior design. And styling aside, we're willing to bet that Hyundai hasn't skimped out on high-quality materials for the less-expensive Elantra's innards, either.

This more attractive, better-tailored interior will do well when matched with the swoopier lines of the new Elantra's exterior. That - combined with Hyundai's new 138-horsepower, 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder - will mean that other new cars in the budget sedan segment (this means you, Ford Focus and Chevrolet Cruze) will need to watch their backs. If the new Elantra is being positioned as a baby Sonata, the competition should indeed be stiff. Top tip, Monkaroo!

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Elantra / Avante

[Source: Hyundai Blog]

Korean-spec Hyundai Avante interior gives sneak peek inside 2011 Elantra originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next-gen Hyundai Accent caught totally undisguised

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Sedan, Hyundai

2011 Hyundai Accent spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Looks like we were spot on in our assessment of what we happened to catch out testing near Disneyland in California. As we suspected, the car in question is the next-generation Hyundai Accent, a fact you can clearly discern by comparing our spy shots and an earlier Korean "naked" shot with the two images in our gallery below from auto.ifeng.com.

As you can see, the next-gen Accent takes on a mini-Sonata look, with a heavily-rounded, arcing greenhouse, a prominent chrome-topped grille, and deeply-sculpted sheetmetal everywhere in between. Note also the absolutely massive headlights situated above squared-off fog lamps.

Still second-guessing what you may be gazing at? Take a closer look at the decklid. From what we can tell, the badge on the right reads Verna - that's the Accent's moniker in some foreign markets (including South Korea). See for yourself in our image gallery below. Thanks for the tip, Rudy!

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Accent Spy Shots

[Source: auto.ifeng.com via GenCoupe Forums]

Next-gen Hyundai Accent caught totally undisguised originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Apr 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 Hyundai Accent caught testing near Disneyland

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Sedan, Hyundai, South Korea

2011 Hyundai Accent prototype - Click either image for high-res image gallery

Typically when we show you spy shots, you're seeing photographs taken by people not directly employed by Autoblog. Today, however, is different. Yours Truly and Drew Phillips were driving back from San Diego after the Aptera state-of-the-state address. We were getting off the phone with Senior Editor Damon Lavrinc when I said, "And Drew's going to pull out his camera and look to his right." Thar she blows, a fully dressed up prototype, about to exit the freeway in heavy, mid-day Irvine traffic.

We pull up next to the car at the bottom of the off ramp. "Don't look at them!" Drew advised, wanting to wait until we had at least one clear shot until we alerted them of our true nature. Still, we were scrambling to figure out what was idling next to us. At first glance, I thought the compact, obvious B-segment car might be a Ford Fiesta sedan. But every Fiesta we've ever seen sports rear drums, not big discs like this camo'd car. Also, the side mirrors looked different. However, we could see the top of the center stack and it featured lots of sharp looking chrome bits, quite like the diminutive Ford. "It's definitely a Fiesta" I said confidently to Drew. "Look at the interior."

"Isn't that a Hyundai "H" on the steering wheel?" Drew pointed out. And so it was. Then the light turned green. We got in their rear three-quarter blind spot, and Drew's Nikon suddenly exploded in a volley of "Click-Click-Click-Click." We tailed them until the next light and then Drew leaned across me and let 'er rip. At this point, the Accent's passenger (we had already determined that this must be the new Accent) had made us. Drew jumped in the back seat and slid his lens out the window and began firing. The jig was up - but the game was on. Click through to the jump to read the rest of what happened.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Hyundai Accent

Continue reading Spy Shots: 2011 Hyundai Accent caught testing near Disneyland

Spy Shots: 2011 Hyundai Accent caught testing near Disneyland originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2012 Hyundai Accent

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Hyundai

2012 Hyundai Accent - Click above for high-res image gallery

With all the new product coming out of Hyundai, the Azera and Accent are beginning to stand out like the proverbial sore thumbs. To rectify the latter, Hyundai has begun testing the next Accent in the Great White North.

Since the upcoming Veloster will fill the hatch-sized space in Hyundai's line-up, there's a good chance that the next Accent will only be available in sedan form when it hits the market in the next two years. In four-door form, the Accent employs the now-standard sweeping roofline of its bigger Sonata sibling, and underneath the camouflage we expect a similar fascia and liberal application of chrome.

Early indications suggest that the i20's platform will be used to underpin the new Accent, with power supplied Hyundai's next generation 1.6-liter inline four, capable of producing around 140 horsepower. If all goes according to plan, we suspect the all-new Accent will make an appearance later this year or early next, with sales beginning in the middle of 2011.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Hyundai Accent

Spy Shots: 2012 Hyundai Accent originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai releases 2010 Accent details, pricing, talks up Blue's fuel economy

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Hatchback, Hyundai

2010 Hyundai Accent - Click above for high-res image gallery

The big news for Hyundai's updated 2010 Accent is its increased fuel efficiency. The Korean automaker has managed to improve average miles per gallon by four percent in the city and three percent on the highway by means of low-friction engine internals, aero improvements, low-resistance tires and a so-called "smart" alternator system.

Interestingly, the least expensive Accent for 2010 is the new Blue model, which will start at $9,970 (plus destination) and will be aided by revised transmission gearing and a lowered ride height to manage a combined 31 miles per gallon. Also new on some models is an iPod USB port that both charges the music player and allows for its control through the equally new steering wheel audio controls.

Power for the Accent comes from a 1.6-liter four cylinder engine that features continuously variable valve timing which results in 110 horsepower and 106 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices include a standard five-speed manual (which is rowed with a B&M shifter on SE models) or an optional four-speed automatic. Manual models will get an EcoShift light while autos receive a green ECO light to indicate when the driver is achieving optimal fuel efficiency.

Price? As previously mentioned, the entry-level Blue model can be had for under $10K - allowing it to maintain the title of cheapest new car available in the United States. The least expensive Accent with an automatic transmission goes for $12,995, and at the opposite end of the spectrum, top-of-the-line SE three-doors start at $16,995. Add an extra $720 for shipping, regardless of trim. Click past the break for the complete press release.

Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Accent

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Hyundai releases 2010 Accent details, pricing, talks up Blue's fuel economy

Hyundai releases 2010 Accent details, pricing, talks up Blue's fuel economy originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IIHS tests roof strength on microcars, Smart Fortwo comes out on top

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Sedan, Safety, Hatchback, Chevrolet, Honda, Hyundai, Mini, Smart, Toyota

IIHS microcar roof tests - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has just tested the latest batch of the smallest cars on the market to determine the strength of their roofs in the event of a rollover accident. Coming out on top with a "good" rating was the Smart Fortwo, which isn't all that surprising - due in large part to the runabout's diminutive size, Daimler put lots of effort into the design of its so-called Tridion safety cell.

Somehow, we're equally as unsurprised that the Chevy Aveo scored the lowest of the six automobiles tested. Chevy's least expensive car earned a "marginal" rating from the Institute. Sitting in between those two bookends were the Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, Mini Cooper, and Toyota Yaris, all of which scored "acceptable" ratings.

It's interesting to note that the Smart Fortwo fared quite a bit better in this kind of test than in the Institute's series of frontal offset crash tests versus a Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan. Click past the break for the official press release.

Gallery: IIHS microcar roof tests

[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

Continue reading IIHS tests roof strength on microcars, Smart Fortwo comes out on top

IIHS tests roof strength on microcars, Smart Fortwo comes out on top originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oh, it's on! Hyundai Accent regains Cheapest Car in America title

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Hyundai, Nissan

Less than a month after Nissan announced its $9,990 blue-light-special Versa Sedan 1.6, Hyundai has one-upped them. Or should that be one-downed? The 2009 Hyundai Accent has regained the title of Cheapest New Car in America with a starting price that undercuts the Nissan by a Jackson. Priced at $9,970, it is now the least expensive new car on the market. And Hyundai didn't reduce content to get the price down. It's essentially the same Accent you could have bought last month, just with a lower MSRP.

That's a hard deal to pass up, but that's not all bargain shoppers! Act right now and you'll be getting some free peace-of-mind, as well. According to the most recent J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study, it's also the "Most Dependable Sub-Compact Car" on the market. With Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, a 7-year/unlimited-mile anti-perforation warranty and 5-year/unlimited-mile roadside assistance protection, it tops the Nissan there, as well.

The $9,970 pricetag applies to the 2009 Accent GS 3-door with a manual transmission, which comes with a 110-hp 1.6-liter four-banger, power steering, airbags all around and even a tire pressure monitoring system. If you absolutely have to have an automatic or four doors, however, the price jumps quite a bit. The Accent three-door with automatic transmission starts at $12,070; the Accent GLS 4-door with a manual transmission starts at $12,920; and the "sport-tuned and comprehensively equipped" Accent SE 3-door with manual transmission starts at $15,070. Freight adds $695 to each. So we'll call this one the cheapest hatch in America and the Nissan gets to keep cheapest sedan honors, for now at least.
[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Oh, it's on! Hyundai Accent regains Cheapest Car in America title

Oh, it's on! Hyundai Accent regains Cheapest Car in America title originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2008 Hyundai Accent SE

Dan Roth — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Budget, Hatchback, Hyundai, New Car Reviews

2008 Hyundai Accent SE - Click above for high-res image gallery

Dismal little car. That's what you'd hear 20 years ago when the conversation turned to Hyundai. The Excel wasn't as terrible as a Yugo, or even as horrifically unreliable as sneering Peugeots, but it wasn't exactly welcomed with open arms. Back then, even Japanese brands were still targets of xenophobia; who was this Korean company trying to fool?

Hyundai persevered, and now the South Korean industrial giant is making vehicles that garner good recommendations and carry one of the best warranties in the business. Hyundai's Accent could be considered a spiritual successor to the unloved Excel, and it carries on that car's basic formula of delivering a comparable car for less money than the competition. What do you give up to get a car that's not stripped, yet still cheaper?

Gallery: Review: Hyundai Accent SE

Continue reading Review: 2008 Hyundai Accent SE

Review: 2008 Hyundai Accent SE originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IIHS: In crash, Versa good, Rio, xB not so much

Chris Tutor — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Safety

Due to the popularity of small, fuel-sipping cars, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has smashed up some of the newest offerings. And, as if you needed further proof to get optional side air bags on your next car, the minimally-bagged Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Scion xB and Toyota Yaris all got poor ratings while the Nissan Versa and Honda Fit, both with standard side airbags, and the Yaris with optional side bags, got top ratings in side crash testing

The Accent and Rio both come with standard air bags, but the tests showed significant driver injury was possible. Pity the xB owners who don't even have a choice of side air bags. The IIHS said that during testing, the xB's dummy's head actually struck the crash barrier. That's gotta hurt.

The IIHS also mangled a 2006 MINI Cooper and a Chevy Aveo with standard side bags. The MINI got an acceptable rating, while the Aveo scraped by with a marginal, just above poor.

Despite the Fit's remarkable side crash results, the Honda's front airbag didn't perform properly during the frontal crash. Honda says Fit owners can expect a recall to address the airbag's early-deployment.

For an IIHS summary of all the small cars tested, click here. For an IIHS summary video, go here.

[Source: The New York Times, The Associated Press via wcnc.com]

IIHS: In crash, Versa good, Rio, xB not so much originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Dec 2006 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai announces Accent pricing, adds a hatchback

Erin Mays — Tue, 13 Jun 2006 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Hatchback, Hyundai

Hyundai will add a hatchback accent to its lineup for 2007, coming in at just a smidge less expensive than the sedan. The hatch starts at $10,415 (plus destination) for the GS with a standard five speed manual transmission, and the SE, which is tricked out with ABS, more airbags, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a stiffer suspension, starts out at $14,495. The GLS sedan starts at $12,565. Automatic transmission is $1,000 extra on all models, and the hatch, as well as the sedan, comes standard with front, side-impact and side curtain airbags.

The move may help put Hyundai in the running with the likes of the new Nissan Versa, Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris, ideally pulling the Accent out of the hole that has its sales down 34.9 through May over the same period in 2005.

[Source: PRNewswire, Automotive News]

Hyundai announces Accent pricing, adds a hatchback originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jun 2006 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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