Hyundai just showed off the all-new Accent at the Canadian International Auto Show. Since its launch in 1994, the car has steadily gained popularity and built a firm foundation for the fifth-generation model.

The 2018 Accent boasts of a bolder design, a sophisticated interior, a more efficient powertrain, noticeably reduced cabin noise, and significantly enhanced driving dynamics. It also has the company’s latest safety technologies and convenience features.

The Accent sedan will begin to arrive in markets globally from the third quarter this year, followed by the Accent hatchback the next quarter.


The 2018 Accent uses 54.5 percent Advanced High-Strength Steel (up from 41.5 percent in the previous generation) to raise its driving dynamics and safety. Apart from the solid body, the chassis also has a vastly improved torsional rigidity (up 32 percent) using 98.5 meters of structural adhesives to enhance rigidity.

This new, rigid chassis is expected to improve 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.

Meanwhile, improved ride comfort, handling, and stability are achieved through suspension developments. While the 2018 Accent’s steering feel has been refined with improvements to steering efficiency, enhancements to handling and comfort also have been made by lifting up the rear roll center and raising the leverage ratio of the rear shock absorbers. The standard Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS) system instantly adjusts to changing driving conditions for greater precision and steering feel while improving fuel economy.


The Accent wears the newest interpretation of Hyundai’s signature design language. It features Hyundai’s signature cascading grille, a visual design that’s integral to the company’s identity. The grille is flanked by wrap-around headlights and signature LED daytime running lights. It also has a sweeping roof profile and a sharp character line running the length of the car. At the back, the slim rear combination lamps are set atop the equally trimmed out bumper. Features such as 17-inch alloy wheels and side mirror LED turn signal indicators add to the premium feel of the car.

The car’s form is also functional, achieving balance between design and engineering to combine stand-out styling with aerodynamic enhancements. The underside of the car is sculpted for aerodynamic benefit, and a new front lip spoiler, together with reduced ground clearance of 10mm, contribute to the Accent’s efficient design.

The interior of the 2018 Accent continues the modern promise displayed by the car’s exterior. A driver-oriented layout with intuitive controls adds to the improved interior roominess, high-quality materials, and premium technology features raise the standard for subcompact vehicles.


A wide instrument panel features a reversing-camera system as standard with options of either a 5- or 7-inch color TFT LCD instrument display. Beneath the color screen, the control panel is laid out in a logical, horizontal pattern boosting ergonomics and ease of use.

The seat frame is engineered to be lightweight but extremely strong to help keep occupants safe in collisions, while the seat firmness is adjustable to help reduce driver fatigue over long distances.

The Accent also boasts total interior volume more commonly found in larger vehicles, the new car’s total passenger volume is up 36 liters, while the Accent 5-door’s passenger volume is increased by 38 liters. The trunk space also features greater space, increasing by a substantial 16 liters, partly due to the extended overall length. The trunk can also be expanded thanks to the 60/40 split-folding seats.


The 2018 Accent receives a revised powertrain tuned for improved fuel efficiency and every day drivability. The 1.6-liter Gamma four-cylinder Gasoline Direct Injected (GDI) engine produces 132 horsepower and estimated 161 Nm of torque. Compared to the previous generation Accent, the engine’s power band has improved with a 4.6 percent increase in torque from 1,500 rpm to make every day drivability easier. Specifically, the acceleration performance for 40-80 km/h and 80-120 km/h has been improved over the previous model by 0.2 and 1.3 seconds, respectively.

The 1.6-liter Gamma four-cylinder GDI engine is paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission, while fuel efficiency has also been improved by 7 percent overall. In the engine, components such as low-friction piston rings, a variable fuel pressure module, and upgraded software for the engine control module improve overall operation. Furthermore, with improvements to the return springs in the braking system, drive friction has been reduced. The automatic transmission has also been redesigned to reduce the unit’s overall weight by 2 kilograms and improve operational efficiency.

In addition, Accent vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions will include the company’s Drive Mode Select feature to adjust both powertrain performance and steering calibration, allowing the driver to customize the driving character by selecting from two modes: Normal or Sport, by simply touching a button on the center console.


In addition to the high-strength chassis, the Accent features several improvements to the 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.

A six-airbag system is standard along with Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Traction Control, and ABS.

The 2018 Accent offers a wide array of advanced safety technologies to provide another layer of protection for passengers. As a segment first, the Accent offers 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. Additionally the Accent comes with a rear view camera with dynamic guidance.


Most trims in the Accent will feature technologies that go beyond the subcompact competition in terms of driver confidence and convenience. For example, the Accent also offers a proximity key with push button start, so drivers never need to take out a key from their pocket or purse in order to start the car.

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 for seamless and intuitive operation of the most commonly used smartphone functions including app-based navigation, streaming audio, and voice-controlled search capabilities. The Accent also offers dual iPhone/USB and auxiliary input jacks.

2018 Accent Sedan Key Specifications (vs Current Model)

• Overall Length: 4,385 (+10 mm)
• Overall Width: 1,729 (+29 mm)
• Overall Height: 1,450 (+ 0 mm)
• Wheelbase: 2,580 (+10 mm)
• Curb Weight: 1,165 (+10 kilograms)
• Interior Passenger Volume: 2,555 liters (36 liters)
• Cargo Volume: 387 liters (+16 liters)

2018 Accent Hatchback Specifications (vs Current Model)

• Overall Length: 4,185 (+70 mm)
• Overall Width: 1,729 (+29 mm)
• Overall Height: 1,450 (+0 mm)
• Wheelbase: 2,580 (+10 mm)
• Curb Weight: TBD
• Interior Passenger Volume: 2,576 liters (+38 liters)
• Cargo Volume: 616 liters (+16 liters)