This month’s MAMA meeting highlighted Hyundai’s Accent, the brand’s least-expensive sedan that recently underwent notable updates for the 2018 model year. Michael Evanoff, Hyundai’s manager of product planning, delivered a brief presentation on the refreshed sedan before sending MAMA members out on test drives. New updates include:  

• Improved driving dynamics and an efficient powertrain
  
• Upscale exterior design, sophisticated interior and signature Hyundai design
  
• Advanced connectivity with available Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Hyundai Blue Link and SiriusXM satellite radio
  
• Safety from the available Forward Collision-avoidance Assist
  

The new generation Accent is slightly longer and wider than the model it replaces, but the EPA still classifies it as a compact sedan. Also on the exterior, the Accent shows off a new cascading grille design inspired by the cascading effect of molten steel.

The vehicle has available projector headlights with LED daytime running lights, available fog lights and standard functional air curtains, which help eliminate the turbulence in the wheelhouse area. Available LED taillights give the vehicle a more noticeable presence on the road.

Moving to the interior, Evanoff describes the new look as a contemporary intuitive design: easy to reach, easy to see, easy to understand.

Standard features include:

• Audio 5-inch color touchscreen, which works in conjunction with the rearview camera
  
• Standard rearview camera with dynamic parking guidelines
  
• Hands-free Bluetooth, steering wheel and audio cruise control
  
• Folding rear seats
  

Also available are push button start and hands-free Smart trunk (the vehicle can sense the driver is near from at least three feet away and the trunk automatically opens). Automatic temperature control is available as well in three stages – low, medium and high.  

New available infotainment and safety features include dual-charging/USB as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There’s also integration through Amazon Alexa and Google Home so that owners can make requests to those devices via their car. Hyundai Blue Link connected car system with safety advance alerts the driver of a potential collision; if there is no response, it will apply automatic break to avoid collision.

There are three 2018 Accent Trim levels: SE (core entry level), SEL (regular equipped) and Limited (highest equipped).

SE

• 5-inch color touchscreen with iPod/USB auxiliary input jacks
  
• Rearview camera with dynamic parking guidelines
  
• Bluetooth hands-free phone system
  

SEL

Includes SE A/T standard features plus:

• Display audio with 7-inch touchscreen
  
• Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
  
• Dual charging USB
  

Limited

Includes SEL features plus:

• Power sunroof
  
• Automatic Emergency Braking
  
• 17-inch alloy wheels
  

The 2018 Accent is hitting dealerships now with a starting price of $15,880.

Photo credit: Christian Lantry, Cars.com