2006 Hyundai Accent First Drive

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Introduction

Hyundai Accent - 2006 First Drive: In most every aspect of daily life, evolution and revolution perform a delicately balanced tightrope act. People are constantly trying to better themselves and expand their horizons while staying true to core values, religious groups grapple between pop culture and tradition, and society adapts to computer screens and blackberries taking the place of face-to-face communication. Making relevance and uniqueness coexist is a challenge, one that is on the mind of automotive executives like those at Hyundai.

Over the years, Hyundai has transformed from a company that offered one inferior small car into a powerhouse that sells near-luxury cars like the Azera and capable SUVs such as the Santa Fe and Tucson. There's also the 2006 Accent, the company's entry-level small car, a totally redesigned model that best demonstrates Hyundai's continued commitment to one of its main goals - offering customers capable cars that are well-backed and affordably priced.

Many automakers have attempted to spread their reach to each slice of the car buying pie, though inexpensive compact cars have received little attention because they are usually unprofitable. Until now, that is. Hyundai claims that most shoppers who check out the 2006 Accent will be first-time buyers or those looking for a second car, but with gas prices as high as they are, buyers across the demographic scale are considering smaller, more fuel-efficient cars. Regardless of what draws them in, individuals contemplating the purchase of an Accent will find a car with a strong focus on safety, economy, and unexpected creature comforts.

Features

For compact car buyers afflicted with the indecisive gene, the 2006 Hyundai Accent may be the perfect choice - there is but one trim available, the GLS, leaving the issues of color and a few select options as the only stumbling blocks. Those add-ons include air conditioning, a four-speed automatic transmission, power windows, power door locks with keyless entry, power mirrors, and upsized 15-inch alloy wheels with 195/55 Kumho tires.

Those are nice options, but the 2006 Hyundai Accent sedan already comes well equipped at its estimated starting price of $11,995, which includes a $495 destination charge. The three-door version, due to go on sale in the spring of 2006 as a 2007 model, will likely feature a lower starting price.

Among the items included in that sub-$12,000 base price are a four-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission; power steering; body color door handles, bumpers, and mirrors; antilock disc brakes; two front, two front side, and front and rear side curtain airbags; and fold-down armrests for the driver and rear passengers. There's also a 172-watt, six-speaker audio system with a single-disc CD player that offers surprisingly good sound quality; dual illuminated vanity mirrors; a tilt steering wheel; an eight-way adjustable driver's seat; and, of course, Hyundai's stellar warranty. That includes ten years or 100,000 miles of powertrain coverage; five years or 60,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage; and seven years/unlimited miles of corrosion protection. As an added bonus, Hyundai throws in five years/unlimited miles worth of roadside assistance.