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

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.

[Source: Hyundai]

PRESS RELEASE:

Hyundai Announces 2010 Accent Lineup and Blue Edition Pricing

Accent Still the Lowest Priced Car in America

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Oct. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- How did Hyundai improve Accent's EPA fuel economy for 2010 without adding thousands of dollars to the price like a hybrid does? The answer is the introduction of the high mileage, low price "Blue" edition and smart engineering to all Accent models. Accent's fuel efficiency is improved by up to nine percent, reaching as high as 36 miles per gallon on the highway which is better than Honda Fit and Nissan Versa.


2010 Accent Manufacturers Suggested Retail Pricing

Model Engine Transmission MSRP
----- ------ ------------ ----
Blue 3-Door 1.6L Five-Speed M/T $9,970
----------- ---- --------------- ------
GS 3-Door 1.6L Four-Speed A/T $12,995
--------- ---- --------------- -------
GLS 4-Door 1.6L Five-Speed M/T $13,645
---------- ---- --------------- -------
GLS 4-Door 1.6L Four-Speed A/T $14,645
---------- ---- --------------- -------
SE 3-Door 1.6L Five-Speed M/T $16,195
--------- ---- --------------- -------
SE 3-Door 1.6L Four-Speed A/T $16,995
--------- ---- --------------- -------

Note: All prices in this release do not contain a freight charge of $720


ACCENT BLUE AND FUEL ECONOMY ADVANCEMENTS

All 2010 Accents receive lower friction engine components, aerodynamic improvements, lower-rolling-resistance silica tires, a "smart" alternator management system and other enhancements all aimed at reducing fuel consumption. The Accent Blue receives the same treatment plus revised transmission gear ratios and lowered ride height to achieve even greater fuel efficiency. The Blue edition is the lowest priced Accent, starting at $9,970. Accent Blue delivers up to 36 miles per gallon and the highest combined fuel economy of 31 miles per gallon in its lineup, achieving one of the highest mpg-per-dollar ratios in the industry. This new high mileage Accent will be identified with unique "Blue" badging.

Fuel Economy
------------
City Highway Combined
Model '09->'10 '09->'10 '09->'10 Percent Increase
----- -------- -------- -------- ------------------

Blue NA -> 27 NA -> 36 NA -> 31 NA
---- -------- -------- -------- ------------------
GS 3-Door A/T 26 -> 27 35 -> 36 29 -> 30 4 percent in city,
3 percent on hwy.
------------- -------- -------- -------- ------------------
GLS 4-Door M/T 27 -> 28 33 -> 34 29 -> 30 4 percent in city,
3 percent on hwy.
-------------- -------- -------- -------- ------------------
GLS 4-Door A/T 26 -> 27 35 -> 36 29 -> 30 4 percent in city,
3 percent on hwy.
-------------- -------- -------- -------- ------------------
SE 3-Door M/T 27 -> 28 33 -> 34 29 -> 30 4 percent in city,
3 percent on hwy.
------------- -------- -------- -------- ------------------
SE 3-Door A/T 26 -> 27 35 -> 36 29 -> 30 4 percent in city,
3 percent on hwy.
------------- -------- -------- -------- ------------------


To help Accent drivers get the most out of their cars Hyundai has added an economy indicator. The "eco indicator" on automatic transmission models is a green ECO light to indicate when the driver is achieving good fuel economy. Manual transmission models have an EcoShift indicator to inform drivers of the optimal time to shift.

NEW EQUIPMENT HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2010
-- High mileage, low price "Blue" edition
-- "Blue" edition available with air conditioning
-- New and improved EPA fuel economy for all other models
-- Standard iPod®/USB ports added to auxiliary input on all audio-
equipped models
-- Standard steering wheel audio controls on Accent SE, optional on
Accent GLS
-- Standard blue backlit gauges on all models
-- ABS is now available on Accent GS

-- Standard cruise control and sunroof on Accent SE

Steering wheel audio controls, blue back-lit gauges and an iPod/USB jack also make debuts on Accent. Now when an iPod is connected to the iPod/USB port, located in the front storage area, not only does it play music through the vehicle's six-speaker audio system, but also charges the iPod. The iPod/USB input also allows the driver to access tracks with the new steering wheel audio controls. This new system also enables both driver and passengers to easily view song/artist/title information and control the music from the audio head unit rather than from the iPod itself.

ACCENT "BLUE" Three-door - the perfect entry-level car

This year, Hyundai introduces a high mileage "Blue" edition of its Accent. When shoppers see the "Blue" badge it means the model delivers outstanding fuel economy without adding thousands of dollars to the price. In fact, the "Blue" model will be priced lower than any other Accent model, assuring it will be both efficient and economical. Hyundai is focused on achieving an excellent mpg-per-dollar ratio with its "Blue" models. Fuel-efficient modifications include low friction engine components, lower-rolling-resistance silica tires, an optimized thermostat, a "smart" alternator management system, improvements to the underbody airflow management, revised transmission gear ratios and lowered ride height.

Key standard equipment includes a five-speed manual transmission with EcoShift indicator, sport-tuned power assisted rack-and-pinion steering, dual front, side and head curtain airbags, variable intermittent windshield wipers, six-way adjustable driver seat with armrest, 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback, rear spoiler and rear window defroster. Accent builds on Hyundai's reputation for offering loads of standard equipment by also adding adjustable head restraints for all seating positions, cabin air filtration, tachometer, digital clock, two 12-volt outlets and remote hood release.

Accent GS

In keeping with Hyundai's high-value approach to standard equipment, the Accent GS offers standard automatic transmission, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, maplights, rear wiper, and bodycolor mirrors and door handles. Convenient storage areas are placed throughout the interior, including the front center console, driver storage tray and a rear storage tray. Two cupholders are ideally situated between the driver and passenger for easy reach. A 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback makes it easy to load large objects, or to mix cargo and passengers for maximum effectiveness. The roof-mounted micro antenna is aerodynamic, flexible and improves signal strength.

The GS Premium Package includes a 172-watt AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with 6 speakers and iPod/USB inputs, power windows with driver's window auto-down feature, power mirrors and door locks and remote keyless entry with alarm and panic alert. And for the first time, ABS is available on the GS as part of the Premium Package.

Accent SE - entry-level PERFORMANCE

The sport-oriented Accent SE takes value in an exciting new, fun-to-drive direction with the addition of the B&M Racing sport shifter. To complete the driving experience, the Accent SE features a sport-tuned suspension with unique springs, strut valving, stabilizer bar and steering gear - delivering in total a 70 percent increase in roll stiffness over the GS. Accent SE also features air conditioning, power sunroof, cruise control, a 172-watt AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers and auxiliary iPod/USB inputs, steering wheel audio controls, power windows with driver's window auto-down feature, illuminated vanity mirrors, power door locks, remote keyless entry with alarm and panic alert and power-adjustable exterior mirrors. On the outside, the 16-inch alloy wheels and P205/45R16 tires deliver enhanced road-holding capability, and fog lights keep the driver's path illuminated in adverse weather. The SE trim is equipped with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and metallic interior accents. Additional storage is available with a front passenger seatback pocket and front door bottle holders.

ACCENT GLS

To simplify the buying process, the four-door Accent sedan comes in a single GLS trim level with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. GLS trim offers a wide range of features, including several items that are either optional or unavailable on competitive vehicles such as a powerful 110-horsepower 1.6-liter CVVT engine, power steering, rear coat hook, 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback, AM/FM/XM /CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary iPod/USB inputs, driver and passenger illuminated vanity mirrors and standard air conditioning. There are a total of six airbags, including dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and roof mounted side-curtain airbags. Carpeted floor mats are optional. The GLS Premium Package includes ABS with EBD, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, power windows, mirrors, door locks, steering wheel audio controls and remote keyless entry with alarm and panic alert.

WARRANTY

The 2010 Hyundai Accent is protected by the Hyundai Advantage, America's Best Warranty. Coverage includes five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection, 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, and seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation coverage. In addition, Accent buyers receive 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at no extra charge for five years (no mileage limit) and that service includes emergency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses. There is no deductible on any of these coverages.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 790 dealerships nationwide.