ENGINE: 1.6-liter twin-cam in-line four HORSEPOWER: 110 TORQUE: 106 lb feet 0-60 mph: 12.5 seconds 1/4 Mile: 19.0 seconds @ 72 mph 60-0 mph: 127 feet

2006 Hyundai Accent
Program #2552

Entry level car use to means a bare bones model, with modest features, and a value price. And that fit the subcompact Hyundai accent perfectly. But Hyundai, now one of America's top four import brands, intends to break that stereotype with the 2006 Accent. This third generation Accent is totally redesigned with more sophisticated styling, comfort, safety, and performance. But is this nameplate overhaul enough to shed the Accent's pedestrian image?

Well, beefing up on specs certainly gives the 2006 Accent sedan a better spot on the menu. Clearly offering much more than its predecessor, the new Accent has gone from fast food to family-style.

Still intended as supreme value, but with more sophistication, the Accent is Hyundai's response to the new wave of Japanese-brand subcompacts including the Scion Xa and Honda Fit.

At first glance, the Accent's deliberate lines and taut figure exude a smart, stylish look. Its shapely body is adorned with more than a few trimmings. A chrome-accented grille, aerodynamic headlights, a roof-mounted antenna and smoothly integrated taillights give the Accent a substantial presence.

Sitting atop standard 14 inch tires or optional 15's on alloy wheels, the Accent's longer body truly stands out. At about 2 inches longer, 1 inch wider, and 3 inches taller than before, the 168.5 inch long Accent has graduated from the kids table by being among the largest in its class. It wears a larger wheelbase too, up 2.3 inches to 98.4.

As for the main course, the front-wheel drive Accent serves up its power with a 1.6-liter twin-cam in-line four. Coupled with Variable Valve Timing, the engine has a slightly broader powerband than before. Peak output is 110 horsepower and 106 pound-feet of torque, which again puts it in the front row for its class.

Still, at the track, this newfound power translates to only modest numbers. 0 to 60 clocked 12.5 seconds, while the quarter mile begged 19 seconds flat at 72 miles per hour. That puts the Accent behind most of its rivals. And that's with our car's optional four-speed automatic. Shifts are smooth if in no particular hurry. The standard 5-speed manual would definitely be quicker.

Savoring the road is more possible now with the Accent sedan's 39% stiffer body. Supported by a capable MacPherson strut front suspension, and a semi-independent torsion beam rear suspension, the new architecture combines coil springs with gas dampers all-round to create a nicely comfortable ride.

And for easy maneuvering, power rack and pinion steering is standard. Quick and nimble on the turns, the Accent exhibits only moderate understeer. Planted and stable, you can anticipate a sportier ride than you expect in an entry level car.

For stopping, our Accent four-door relied on disc brakes fitted with standard ABS and Electronic Brake Force Distribution. A rarity in its small class. Stops occurred from 60 to 0 at 127 feet with no fade and slight nose dive.

Inside, the Accent boasts a volumized interior thanks to its new longer wheelbase and larger body. Hyundai has expanded the layout in every measurable dimension, providing one of the most generous cabins in its class. Aside from spaciousness, the handsome two-tone interior is smartly organized with large instrumentation, well-placed controls and convenient storage areas from front to back.

Standard features include tilt steering wheel, eight-way manual driver's seat, 60/40 split rear seatback, cabin air filter, and a 172-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers.

Taking the Accent up a notch, the Premium Sport Package features all the fixins— air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry with alarm, and heated power-adjustable exterior mirrors. And to swallow up your cargo, the Accent now offers a generous 12.4 cubic feet of storage. That's a near cubic foot gain from the previous model.

Another class-leading characteristic is Hyundai's commitment to passenger safety. The Accent's barrage of six standard airbags – two front, two side, and two curtains – gives it a distinct advantage.

Refusing to feast on fuel, the Accent consumes sparingly with government estimates of 28 city/36 highway on regular grade gas. The best we could manage was 28 during our test loop.

And with only one available trim level got the sedan, the GLS, pricing for the Accent 4-door is more straight-forward than ever. The base model starts at $12,995. Pile on the side dishes like the Premium Sports Package and automatic, and the tab is still most reasonable $15,410. And that's with Hyundai's ultra long warranties.

But if that still leaves a few value-starved buyers out to lunch, then note that for 2007 Hyundai has added a 3-door Accent hatchback. At $10,995 it is an impressive small car starter.

There's no question that the new 2006 Hyundai Accent has reinvented itself. While leading its class with upscale features, it has still maintained entry-level affordability. So you can put this one down as the blue-plate special of the day.