DriveTech

2007 Hyundai Accent SE three-Door

The Accent is a great commuter car

If you read last week's review, you're probably expecting a Ford today. But Heller Ford Hyundai was so excited about getting the new 2007 Hyundai Accent, the management asked if it could switch from Ford to Hyundai. I figured with fuel prices where they are, I would take the thrifty little Accent that gets 28 miles per gallon in the city and 37 on the open road.

The Accent is in its third generation and there are many good things about this model. For example, Hyundai increased the interior room so taller passengers can comfortably sit in the backseat. The seats up front and in the rear are also comfortable and the rear seats fold flat 60/40 for those trips to the warehouse store.

The interior went through a make over and it looks pretty sporty. The dash is done nicely, with just enough gauges to keep you informed. There's factory A/C and a good little AM/FM/CD audio system with six well-placed speakers for a nice concert sound that comes standard. But Heller decided to up the audio system and ordered this Accent with an AM/FM/cassette/six-disc CD changer premium audio system which pumps out 220 watts. It also had a "Sun & Sound Package," which includes a power sunroof and map lights.

My Accent came with a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission bolted to a peppy little 1.6-liter dual overhead camshaft four-cylinder CVVT (Continuous Variable Valve Timing). The four-cylinder engine puts out a thrifty 110 horsepower and 106 pound-foot of torque. Plus it has sport-tuned suspension, power rack and pinion steering, four-wheel disc brakes and ABS, as well all standard equipment. You get 16-inch alloy wheels and P205/45VR-16 tires for maximum control on corners and the open road.

I would have preferred a manual transmission and there is a five-speed available, but I wanted to see how the automatic handled the on ramps. It did just fine - I just put my foot on it and off I went. The ride is very comfortable and would make a great commuter car or even a car for a high school or college student. With Hyundai's award-winning warranty, your kid should graduate from college before the warranty runs out. That way, you won't have any out-of-pocket expenses for major repairs.

A few more standard features worth mentioning include the tilt steering wheel and adjustable head restraints. The rear spoiler, door handles and outside mirrors are all painted the same as the car. You also get fog lights, rear window wiper, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, illuminated vanity mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel, air filtration, a rear window defroster, metallic interior accents, tachometer and a digital clock.

The driver's seat adjust manually eight ways and my test car had a cloth-like material that stayed cool during the drive to Alpine. Once the ice-cold A/C kicked in, I was very comfortable.

Let's go into the safety features since I'm sure you're thinking this car is just too small. I don't have the Insurance Crash Test results on the three-door Accent, but the four-door received five out of five stars. That's thanks to the standard dual front airbags, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, crumple zones and beams in the doors for maximum safety.

Stop by Heller Hyundai in the Escondido Auto Park or call (760) 745-3361. This Accent based out at $14,915 and with options came in at $16,830.

If I were looking for an entry-level car or a commuter, this would be my choice mainly because of the Accent's history for reliability plus its outstanding warranty. So if you're looking for a car for the kid or yourself and want to get fantastic fuel mileage, put the Hyundai Accent on your list.

Next week, who knows what I will get from North County Jeep/GMC/Kia?