Familiar shape for all-new Accent, but it’s gained some latest-gen technologies inside

TOP TO bottom, inside and out, Hyundai’s all-new Accent, revealed to the world at this week’s autoshow in Toronto, is pretty much the evolution you would have expected from the Korean carmaker’s compact sedan.

The shape has a familiarity about it, yet it’s grown in length and width and has a more mature appearance thanks to its straighter creases. Front and rear it resembles the latest Elantra, except that the grille now takes on the so-called cascading theme pioneered by the new i30 hatch.

Inside there’s a lot of latest-generation Tucson going on, with a sober but functional design that incorporates a 17.8cm touch-screen infotainment system which features the latest in smart-phone pairing in the form of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The only engine mentioned at the reveal is a revised direct injection normally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol unit, rated at 98kW and 161Nm. It’s mated to either a sixspeed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox.

Expect a more refined feel thanks to an improved chassis and stiffer structure that uses 13 percent more high-strength steel, meaning passive safety will be improved too.

We’re currently awaiting confirmation on when the new compact sedan is due to reach South African shores.

- www.motoring.co.za