Hyundai Accent

The Hyundai Accent (sold in some regions as the Verna) is a subcompact car produced in South Korea. It replaced the Excel in the company's lineup.

The Accent is produced for the Chinese market by the Dongfeng Yueda Kia Automobile Company, a joint venture with a Hyundai subsidiary, Kia. In Mexico, the Accent is marketed by DaimlerChrysler as the Dodge Attitude, previously Verna by Dodge. In Venezuela, DaimlerChrysler markets the Brisa de Dodge, which is based on an older model Accent. The Brisa is assembled by Mitsubishi Motors at its plant in Barcelona, Venezuela.

1995

The Hyundai Accent (X3) was introduced in the 1995 model year as a replacement for the Excel. It was still called Excel in some markets like the Netherlands and Australia. The X3 was called the Hyundai Pony in France. In Australia, the X3 proved so popular that it was the third best-selling vehicle in the country in both 1996 and 1998. In the latter year, it achieved more than 44,000 sales (a 5.5% share of the total market), a record figure for an imported car. Between 1994 and 2000, some 200,000 X3s were sold in Australia, making it arguably the most successful imported vehicle in the country's history.

2000

The Accent (LC) was updated with a larger body for 2000.

Engines:

• 1.5L 12-valve SOHC Alpha I4, 92hp (69kW) and 97ft.lbf (132Nm)
• 1.5L 16-valve DOHC Alpha I4, 101hp (75kW) and 98ft.lbf (133Nm)
• 1.6L 16-valve DOHC Alpha I4, 104hp (78kW) and 106ft.lbf (144Nm)

2003

For North America, the Accent was largely facelifted that time, with the car looking almost similar to the previous generation.

2006

Hyundai introduced a new-generation Accent at the 2005 New York International Auto Show. A new exterior, larger interior, and CVVT engine are the notable features. A hybrid version is expected in 2006 as a 2007 model.

A single trim level, GLS, is available in the United States. This sedan includes 6 airbags, power steering with tilt, four-wheel disc antilock brakes, and a 6-speaker CD stereo. Pricing starts at US$12,995, nearly $2,000 more expensive than a base-model 2005 car. A premium sport package, priced at $1,500, includes air conditioning, 15in alloy wheels, heated power mirrors and windows, and remote power door locks. An automatic transmission is $850, bringing the price of a loaded Accent to $15,345. Three-door hatchback version will arrive by spring 2006 as a 2007 model.