2012 Hyundai Accent Wins Motor Trend Hatchback Comparison

RACINE, WIS. (02/28/2012)(readMedia)-- There are plenty of fuel-efficient subcompacts on the market these days, but Motor Trend magazine recently set out to find the best of that affordable bunch with its comparison of economy five-door hatchbacks. The publication's editors pulled together seven new hatchbacks and put them through their paces, eventually declaring the 2012 Hyundai Accent SE the king of the subcompacts.

Besides having to be an economy five-door hatchback, each vehicle in Motor Trend's test was required to have a manual transmission. Motor Trend editors tested both performance and fuel efficiency, along with overall look and feel. The publication lauded the 2012 Accent, currently available at Hyundai dealerships, for its ability to out-accelerate the entire field while simultaneously returning the best fuel economy. Hyundai's tech-laden subcompact also had the second-lowest as-tested MSRP, adding value to its already long resume.

"Hyundai has been producing affordable cars for a long time, and the 2012 Accent is the culmination of everything they've learned in maximizing value," said Kristin Paxton, Sales Manager of Gentile Hyundai, a Racine, Wisconsin Hyundai dealership. "The Accent is more than just an affordable way to get from point A to point B; it's comfortable, refined and fun to drive."

The Accent comes with a direct-injected 138-horsepower engine that returns up to 40 mpg on the highway, giving it a range of more than 450 miles between fill ups. Motor Trend tested a model equipped with the six-speed manual transmission, but a six-speed automatic is also available for those who prefer to let the car do the shifting.

While the Accent tested as fastest in its segment, those looking for a sportier way to get around may want to opt for another Hyundai hatchback, the Veloster Turbo, when it reaches dealerships this summer. A unique four-door hatchback, the Veloster Turbo will come with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine that pumps out 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Even with all that power, the 2013 Veloster Turbo is estimated by Hyundai to still return up to 38 mpg on the highway.

The new Turbo trim builds on the standard Veloster, which features aggressive styling that deftly hides a single rear door on the passenger side. With all four seats occupied, the Veloster's hatchback opens up to 15.5 cubic-feet of cargo space, which is more than enough for urban adventures. Other options include a panoramic sunroof and a proximity key-entry system with a push-button starter.

"Today's fuel-conscious commuters also want something with more style and performance than what has previously been available," Paxton noted. "Hyundai has stepped up and produced the Veloster. It's a vehicle that other automakers wouldn't have dared produce, but our customers love it."

About Gentile Hyundai:

Gentile Hyundai has proudly served Wisconsin drivers for years with outstanding new and used Hyundai sales, service and parts. Featuring vehicles that range from the fuel-efficient Hyundai Accent all the way up to the luxurious Hyundai Genesis sedan, Wisconsin Hyundai drivers have come to rely on Gentile Hyundai for all their automotive needs. Visit their Hyundai dealership, located at 9503 Washington Avenue in Racine, or browse their online inventory at www.gentilehyundai.com. Their friendly staff can be reached by phone at 866-994-9834.