Car Statistics: Hyundai - Accent  Series 94 (3 stars)

Styling (3 stars)

With its curvy lines and solid front face, the Accent is a contemporary, smart-looking supermini. The large headlamps maybe give the front a slightly bulbous look, but the car certainly doesn't look cheap. The curvaceous side profile looks good, as does the rear styling.

Handling (3 stars)

The handling is perfectly competent, but there is little poise or polish to it. Steering is direct and accurate but disappointingly devoid of feel or feedback and there is some body-roll to contend with.

Comfort (3 stars)

Although the car can feel a little floaty at times, the ride remains comfortable on most surfaces and the Accent feels settled both around town and on the motorway.

Quality (3 stars)

Although the Accent does not feature the most expensive of materials inside, it feels well screwed together and durable. Hyundai has been making good progress in various cusomer satisfaction surveys and there is the reassuarance of a five-year warranty to fall back on.

Performance (3 stars)

The Hyundai's 1.4-litre four-cylinder produces 96bhp, that's plenty of power for the car around town, but life on the motorway can be more of a struggle. Although the five-speed manual gearbox has a light and easy change, the engine does become coarse when revved hard.

Roominess (4 stars)

A decent length gives the Accent good legroom front and rear, but headroom is not so good in the back. Bootspace is impressive and the seats are easy to fold down, but annoyingly they don't fold quite flat.

Costs (3 stars)

Fuel consumption is reasonable with the manual version returning 45.6mpg. Group 6 inurance is not too much of a hardship even if it is slightly above the class average, but don't expect to get much of your money back come resale time as residual values are not strong.

Value (4 stars)

Air-conditioning, front electric windows and a radio CD-player are standard fit, along with alloy wheels and a rear spolier. But safety equipment is poor compared with modern standards.

Stereo (2 stars)

You get a radio and a CD player, but that's about it. If you want to find out where you're going, you'll have to buy a map or an aftermarket sat nav system.

Other

Replacement: 2012

NCAP rating: 1half

Best models: 1.5 CRTD GSi diesel

Worst models: Expensive 1.6 CDX 5-door auto

Overall Rating (3 stars)