2010 Hyundai Accent Overview Change Vehicle

This 2010 Hyundai Accent overview explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2010 Accent, and includes Hyundai Accent safety, reliability, and fuel economy information.

Without resting on its laurels, Hyundai has again addressed fuel economy for the Accent's 2010 model year. All trim levels receive lower friction engine components, aerodynamic improvements, lower-rolling-resistance silica tires, a “smart” alternator management system and other enhancements all aimed at reducing fuel consumption. The result is a calculated four-percent increase in highway mileage, and a three-percent increase in city mileage.

Along those same lines, Hyundai has introduced a new “Blue” version of the Accent Coupe model. Carrying an entry-level price of less than $10,000, the miserly Accent Blue earns mileage ratings of 27 in the city and 36 on the highway — outstanding numbers within its segment.

Speaking of Blue, the Accent is now available with optional Bluetooth hands-free cell phone pairing, and standard equipment now includes iPod/USB ports for all stereo systems. Steering wheel audio controls are standard on the Accent SE (optional on Accent GLS), the gauge cluster is now backlit (in blue), and antilock brakes are available on Accent GS models. Lastly, Hyundai has added standard cruise control and a power sunroof to Accent SE models.

With the addition of the new Accent Blue, there are four models from which to choose in 2010: Blue Coupe, GS Coupe, SE Coupe, and GLS Sedan. By the way, those “coupes” are actually three-door hatchbacks. Like the official name fools anyone.

The Accent Blue is a stripped-down model with nothing on it. Not even a radio. Key features include 14-inch steel wheels, cloth seats, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, an interior air filter, and a rear defogger. Two option packages are available, the first including a stereo with an auxiliary audio input jack and iPod compatibility plus floor mats and Bluetooth, and the second adding air conditioning. The Accent Blue is only offered with a manual transmission.

Next on the trim level ladder is the Accent GS, but don’t assume this car is a major upgrade over the Accent Blue. It’s available in a wider variety of colors and can be equipped with an automatic transmission. As for standard equipment, it’s got plastic wheel covers, variable intermittent wipers, a rear window wiper and washer, a tilt steering wheel, overhead storage, and air conditioning. A stereo with a CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, iPod compatibility, and an auxiliary audio input jack is also included on the Accent GS. An optional Premium Package includes antilock brakes, Bluetooth, floor mats, power windows, power heated mirrors, and power door locks with remote keyless entry.

Choose the Accent GLS Sedan, and you’ll enjoy everything that comes standard on the GS Coupe plus a premium sound system and illuminated visor mirrors. A Premium Package adds the same equipment as it does to the GS Coupe, plus cruise control. The GLS Sedan can also be outfitted with a set of 15-inch alloy wheels.

The sporty Accent SE Coupe is the top model in the lineup, equipped with all of the GS Coupe’s standard and optional features plus antilock brakes, 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, sport-tuned suspension, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, metallic interior trim, a rear spoiler, cruise control, and a power sunroof. Bluetooth and floor mats are the only options on this model.

For a second straight year, Hyundai works to improve fuel economy for the Accent’s standard 110-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. With the standard five-speed manual gearbox, the Accent Blue is rated at 27 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, while other Accent models are expected to get 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. Add the four-speed automatic transmission, and the car should achieve 27 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.

While we have your attention, note that any Accent with an automatic transmission matches the Accent Blue, a model introduced and marketed as a fuel-economy leader. In reality, “Blue” is just a fancy name for “basic,” applied to one of two vehicles on the market with a base price under $10,000.

If you want antilock brakes, you’re going to need to pay extra, and if you want traction or stability control, you’re going to need to buy a different model. Antilock brakes are optional on the GS Coupe, GLS Sedan and standard on the SE Coupe. Every Accent comes standard with six airbags.

Leave it up to our crack federal government to finally test the Accent Coupe a year before crash-test standards change and two years before it goes out of production. Nice use of tax dollars, guys. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives both the Accent Coupe and Sedan 4- and 5-Star crashworthiness ratings across the board, except for a 3-Star rating for the Accent Sedan’s ability to protect a rear seat occupant in a side-impact crash.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is not quite as enthusiastic about the Accent’s crash protection, but a key measurement improves for 2010. In the IIHS’s tests for frontal-offset impact, roof crush strength, and, new for 2010, the rear-impact injury prevention assessment, the diminutive Hyundai gets an Acceptable rating. A Poor rating is assigned for the Accent’s ability to protect against injury in side-impact situations.

In terms of reliability, Consumer Reports offers no rating for the Accent as this review is written. J.D. Power and Associates predicts that dependability will be average, though it should be noted that the 2010 Accent received an award for initial quality from J.D. Power.

We’d like to recommend this affordable and efficient little Hyundai, which we think provides good value and is even fun to drive in SE Coupe format. However, those Poor crash-test ratings from the IIHS have us spooked. For that reason alone, it would be wise to also consider the Accent’s competitors in the subcompact car marketplace.

By Michael Harley and Christian Wardlaw