Toronto, Ontario — February 19, 2017 — Hyundai has premiered its all-new Accent at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto. According to a statement from Hyundai, we can expect to see the Accent four-door sedan starting to show up in markets in the third quarter of 2017, with the new Accent 5-door landing in the next quarter.
The Accent was launched in 1994 and has been through a number of design changes over the years, resulting in the fifth-generation vehicle premiered at the AutoShow. The 2018 model uses 54.5 percent Advanced High-Strength Steel (AHSS). The previous generation of the Accent used just 41.5 percent AHSS. The AHSS used was provided by Hyundai Steel, a company established in Korea by Hyundai in 1953.
Structural adhesives have been used to enhance the new Accent’s rigidity. Torsional rigidity has been improved by 32 percent through the use of 98.5 metres of structural adhesive.
According to a statement from Hyundai, this new, rigid chassis improves quality perception, noise isolation, and driving dynamics. The application of Advanced High-Strength Steel improves collision performance without adding unnecessary weight, which helps reduce fuel consumption and deliver better driving feel. The Accent is also equipped with “the latest in safety technologies and convenience features” according to a statement from Hyundai.
Hyundai has also improved the new Accent’s front side members and inner side sill to improve collision protection. The front crumple zones have been increased, front side air bags have been upgraded, and reinforcements have been made to improve the car’s performance in small overlap crashes.
What does all this mean for repairers? According to a report from Repairer Driven News, “Hyundai, unfortunately, is the only major OEM without repair procedures available in the U.S., which makes things a little trickier in terms of knowing what constitutes a correct structural repair. However, shops can seek guidance from Hyundai’s technical website, and “Ask I-CAR” for advice on the metal and Hyundai vehicles in general.” The RDN report also notes that I-CAR’s recommendation, in cases where OEM procedures are not available, is to avoid any sectioning and replace any parts at the factory seams.
Compared to the last generation, the Accent is 29mm wider and the overall length is increased by 15mm, yet its height remains unchanged, all of which combines to give the car a more grounded stance. The wheelbase is 10mm wider, pushing the wheels further to the corners and improving interior roominess.
A six-airbag system is standard along with Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Traction Control, and ABS.
The Accent offers a wide array of advanced safety technologies, including Autonomous Emergency Braking, which utilizes a front forward-facing radar to detect a vehicle and warn the driver of a potential collision. If the driver does not react to avoid the impact, the system will apply emergency braking. The new Accent also comes with a rear view camera with dynamic guidance.
An advanced infotainment system that includes a 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen system and rearview camera will be available in select markets. The 7-inch display will also include both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering app-based navigation, streaming audio, and voice-controlled search capabilities. The Accent also offers dual iPhone/USB and auxiliary input jacks.
You can check out a video on the launch in the player below.
