Hyundai ACCENT CRTD GSI
Hyundai Aim Squarely At One Of The Fastest Growing Market Sectors With The Accent 1.5 Turbodiesel. Jonathan Crouch Reports
Given that Hyundais Accent appeals primarily to people in search of value, youd expect a diesel version to be a popular option. Surprisingly, its only in recent times that weve actually had one in the UK though it is at least now a core part of the revised range currently in British dealerships.
The 1.5-litre CRTD is one of the latest common rail-style diesel units and comes only in one five-door hatchback bodystyle and only with base GSi trim, priced at £9,195. The engine was designed in house at Hyundais Namyang RandD facility and underlines the Korean companys growing expertise in diesel technology. A fresh approach brings with it novel engineering solutions and the 81bhp common-rail three-cylinder turbodiesel is like no other mass produced engine.
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With a capacity of just 1493cc, it doesnt promise much in the way of fun behind the wheel, but that would be to ignore the 136lb/ft of torque available at just 2,200rpm. This gives the engine a smooth, unhurried feel, with more muscle than the 2.0-litre Di diesels found in
Vauxhall Astras. With a respectable 51.
4mpg average fuel consumption figure, the Accent CRTD shouldnt put too huge a dent in the monthly budget. Sure, 60mph in 13.8 seconds isnt going to lull you into the belief that youre behind the wheel of the Accent World Rally Car, but the gutsy torque and 106mph top speed mean that itll easily be able to cope with the cut and thrust of a typical British motorway. Show this Accent an on ramp and itll show you in-gear flexibility that will have most supermini drivers gamely grabbing gears to keep pace.
Like many three cylinder units, Hyundais has a not unpleasant off-beat thrum to it when it hits its stride. It reminds you what fuel its drinking with a bit of clatter on start up, but its not enough to get curtains twitching. Otherwise its a good report card. With 145grammes of CO2 issuing from its peashooter tail pipe for every kilometre travelled, its even an acceptably green citizen, falling into Group B.
"The three-cylinder turbodiesel is like no other mass produced engine."
At just over £9,000, the Accent CRTD looks good value against the spartan diesel variants of the Fords Fiesta and Citroens C3 that the same kind of money might buy you. Although few would argue that its a step back from the cutting edge, it still offers a lot of car for the cash. Driver and passenger airbags are standard equipment as is five speed manual transmission, central locking, electric front and rear windows and power steering. You also get a CD stereo, split-folding rear seats, ISOFIX child
seat mountings, alloy wheels and three three-point rear seat belts.
Anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and a remote tailgate release are also part of the deal. A thorough facelift has given the car a more modern look, though the Koreans ran out of budget by the time they got inside. Still, though the grey plastic is hardly of the highest grade or the most appealing hue, the cabin represents a workmanlike job which will be perfectly satisfactory for customers simply wanting A to B motoring. The seats are decently supportive and the five-speed shift is a far better than you might expect, thanks to a firm weighting and positive springing in the box.
The boot space is generous and the 321 litres of space can be well utilised thanks to the boxy shape, wide opening and low load height and the rear seatbacks fold to extend luggage space.
Hyundai have worked hard at reducing noise, vibration and harshness, and the Accent CRTD uses beefed up door seals and extra soundproofing to distance the passenger cell from the percussive business up front. Further development of the suspension and engine mounts has also reduced noise and vibration. On the road, this Accent handles predictably.
Theres plenty of weight and feel in the steering, the suspension absorbs bumps well and the car feels surprisingly agile when pushed hard through corners. Comfort and convenience remain the keynotes of this design. Certainly, the ease of changing gear and the lightness of the clutch and steering will very much appeal to the older buyers who form such an integral part of the Accents clientele. Hyundai betters many European brands when it comes to after-sales back up.
Included in the cost is a five-year unlimited mileage warranty together with three-year roadside assistance, a 24-hour help line and recovery package. Hyundai spokespeople are very positive about the future and its not hard to see why. Hyundai these days is a serious player in the world car game, with a network of Korean factories (plus others in countries such as India and Turkey) turning out 1.25 million cars a year (of which over 350,000 are Accents).
The Accent CRTD is a car that deserves more of the limelight than it has received. It could have been a big sales success for Hyundai, but its come relatively late to market and has been overshadowed by the availability of the same engine in the more modern Getz supermini. Hyundai may have missed an opportunity but if you need low-involvement, spacious and inexpensive transportation, theres no excuse for you to do likewise.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Hyundai Accent 1.5 CRTD GSI
PRICES: £9,195 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 4
CO2 EMISSIONS: 145g/km
PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 106mph / 0-60mph 13.8s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 39.2 (extra urban) 62.8 (combined) 51.4mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Driver and passenger airbags, ABS with EBD WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE: length/width/heightmm 4200/1670/1405mm
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