2013 Hyundai Accent Gains More Standard Features

The first law of economics is “there’s no such thing as a free lunch,” and that axiom certainly holds true with the 2013 Hyundai Accent. The entry-level version—the Accent GLS—leaves it plebian roots behind for the 2013 model year by filling its menu of standard equipment with some notable new features, but it also gets a notably higher new starting price.

In some ways, it marks the next logical step in the brand’s evolution away from its budget-conscious beginnings in this country: When the 2012 Accent debuted as an all-new model, it benefitted from Hyundai’s growing powertrain expertise and stylish “fluidic sculpture” design language, but the base model still had an MSRP that started at just $12,545. To put that number into context, rivals like the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit begin at $14,115 and $15,325, respectively. True, the starter Accent came sans air conditioning (among other things) and didn’t exactly contribute much in the way of volume, but it did help remind folks of Hyundai’s high-value reputation.

Nowadays, however, the brand is moving resolutely upscale—see the Hyundai Equus and Hyundai Genesis—and taking even its subcompact entry model along for the ride. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

2013 Hyundai Accent: What You Pay and What You Get

The 2013 Hyundai GLS with a manual transmission now has an MSRP that opens at $14,545, and here’s how that slots in amongst the mainstream subcompact contenders, all of which currently feature standard air conditioning: 

Nissan Versa sedan—$10,990

Ford Fiesta—$13,200

Chevy Sonic sedan—$13,865

Yaris—$14,115

Accent—$14,525

Fit—$15,325

On the other hand, the Accent’s upgrades for 2013 go far beyond a new standard climate system. The cabin of the base model also features a six-speaker AM/FM/Sirius XM/CD/MP3 audio system, complete with iPod and USB auxiliary input jacks, along with an integrated storage space for sunglasses and comfy cloth inserts for the doors. Outside, the Accent gets body-color side mirrors and door handles for a more sophisticated look, and those mirrors are heated and powered, too. Remote keyless entry with a panic feature is standard as well.

The range-topping Accent SE, with an MSRP of $16,095, also gets fine-tuned for 2013, gaining turn signals in its side mirrors and an optional power sunroof. (That price represents a $200 increase from last year; the midlevel Accent GS sees a $100 bump in price, to $14,795, while also adding heated outside mirrors.)

2013 Hyundai Accent: Under the Hood

This is where the Accent shines: Although its powertrain is unchanged from 2012, it still delivers some serious advantages in terms of both power and fuel efficiency. The Accent’s 1.6-liter I4 is one of Ward’s “10 Best Engines,” and relies on advanced technologies like gasoline direct injection, dual continuously variable valve timing, a variable induction system and innovative anti-friction coatings. The results: 138 hp, 123 lb.-ft. of torque and an EPA line of 30 mpg city/40 mpg highway/34 mpg combined with a six-speed manual transmission. And remember, the only effect of choosing Hyundai’s six-speed automatic is to lower the Accent’s combined rating by just a single mpg.

Except for the Sonic, none of the Accent’s aforementioned rivals offer more than 120 hp and 112 lb.-ft. of torque; the Chevy delivers the same 138 hp as the Accent, and 2 more lb.-ft. of torque, but it’s also a notably heavier car.

And the Hyundai caps off its powertrain advantage with best-in-class fuel economy regardless of transmission choice.