Hyundai Accent SR arrives
Sporty new Hyundai Accent hatch gets Veloster-derived engine and re-worked suspensionHyundai has introduced a toughened-up version of its sub-i30 Accent hatch for under $20K, and it amounts to more than just a glued-on spoiler and a new set of wheels.
Joining the Hyundai i30 SR, which we rated as the best-handling Hyundai in Australia earlier in the year, the Accent SR makes use of a locally developed sports suspension set up that sharpens the car’s handling and general on-road behaviour.
The Accent SR replaces the Elite hatch and is priced $2,000 above the base multi-point models, tagged at $18,990 for the six-speed manual and $20,990 for the six-speed auto.
The new model adopts a beefier version of the 1.6-litre petrol engine that sees kilowatts jump from 91kW to 103kW, and torque stepped up from 156Nm to 167Nm.
The engine, dubbed GDI Gamma, comes from the Veloster coupe and is also adopted by the top-shelf Accent Elite sedan. It uses direct fuel injection (the base 1.6-litre engine has MPI multipoint fuel injection) and variable valve timing to wring out the extra power and torque.
Fuel economy is rated at 6.1L/100km for the manual and 6.6L/100km for the auto.
Hyundai has put some serious work into re-tuning the suspension as well, a collaborative effort by Australian and Korean Hyundai engineers. It was developed locally using the Marulan Circuit between Goulburn and Mittagong south west of Sydney.
Hyundai says the shock absorbers and spring rates were comprehensively revised, with Hyundai claiming sharper turn-in, quicker response and improved body control, along with enhanced ride quality.
And if you're after the aforementioned spoilers and alloy wheels, the SR Accent doesn’t disappoint with new machined-face 16-inch wheels (lesser models use 14-inchers), a rear spoiler and identifying badges on the hatch and above the front wheel arches.
The SR Accent also gets more fruit, such as dusk-sensing projector beam headlights with LED positioning lamps and cruise control as standard.
It offers the choice of five exterior colours: Sunflower, Crystal White, Phantom Black, Veloster Red and the SR-only colour, Sonic Silver metallic.
Like all other Accent models, the SR gets a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
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