Top Cars for Tough Times

Though falling gasoline prices have eased driving costs in recent weeks, economic uncertainty and the feeling that $4.00-a-gallon fuel may come around yet again is causing those in the market for a new car to consider ones that are not only more fuel efficient, but are inexpensive to purchase. Fortunately there are several small cars out there these days that fit the bill, and while they're far from being the most luxurious vehicles in existence, they don't necessarily make their owners feel unduly penalized for their frugality, either.

Here's a quick look at several subcompact sedans and hatchbacks for 2009 that are not only the lowest-priced models on the market, but generally carry fuel economy ratings that are surpassed only by costlier hybrid-powered models. They're not the top performers on the road, certainly aren't the roomiest and for the most part only offer a modicum of features, but they get the job done and do so with inherent thrift as their main virtue.

* Hyundai Accent. As of this writing the lowest-priced car sold in the U.S. at $9,970 (for the hatchback; the sedan starts at $12,920), the subcompact Accent affords essential four-passenger transportation and good fuel economy without feeling overly cheap. It's 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine produces a barely-adequate 110 horsepower, though the reward comes with an estimated 27-city/35-mpg fuel economy. Six air bags, a 100,000-mile warranty and a five-speed manual transmission come standard, with a four-speed automatic gearbox available.

* Kia Rio. Corporate cousin to the Hyundai Accent, the Kia Rio comes in specific, curvier styling, though it's likewise offered in sedan and hatchback models and packs a 110-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and a choice of a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Its sticker price starts at $11,495, though the hatchbacks are priced higher. Six air bags and a 100,000-mile warranty are included. As with the Accent, the Rio remains a worthy alternative to a used Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic for about the same price.

Pougkeepsie Journal

2008 Hyundai Santa Fe: Mid-size crossover delivers on features and value

Last year, Hyundai bowed with its second generation Santa Fe, which continued its role as an urban crossover but with an all-new look, increased interior space, high-tech safety features and value packaging.

Prior to the actual design execution, Hyundai engineers benchmarked several high-end unibody construction crossovers, which ultimately resulted in producing a considerably more upscale vehicle than the previous generation. The new Santa Fe combined class-leading safety technologies, advanced and improved power trains, as well as a host of functional and versatile features, both inside and out.

The design was all-new and on the contemporary side, something Hyundai referred to as "assertive grace." The Santa Fe was one of the first to break the traditional elemental boxiness inherent in many early SUVs. The nose is rounded and aerodynamic with a hood that slopes gracefully up to the sharply angled windscreen. The fender line rises progressively toward the elevated beltline, which finally swoops dramatically upward to meet the rear tilt of the "D" pillar. The rear backlight dips low for improved visibility, and headlight and taillamp profiles match.

There are still two engines available to power the Santa Fe: a 2.7-liter, Mu DOHC, 24-valve, 185 horsepower V6; or a 3.3-liter Lambda V6 that generates 242 horses and 226 pound-feet of torque. There are three transmission choices - a five-speed manual, standard with the smaller V6; an optional four-speed automatic with Shiftronic (also for the 2.7-liter motor); and finally, a five-speed Shiftronic automatic, which comes standard with the 3.3 V6. Front-wheel drive is the standard drive configuration, with an optional Borg Warner all-wheel drive system available.

The Santa Fe continues to be offered in both five- (standard) and seven- (optional) passenger versions with a choice of three trim levels: the well equipped base GLS, a full-featured SE model and the top-of-the-line Limited.

Santa Fe SE and Limited models come with 18-inch alloy wheels for a more aggressive appearance. Roof rack side rails are standard and aid in defining the simple side profile, while adding to the SUV functionality.

My test 2008 Santa Fe came in Limited trim with the 3.3-liter motor and five-speed Shiftronic. It was in the AWD configuration with a Slate Blue metallic exterior and beige interior with faux dark wood trim accents. The base sticker read $29,600, while the navigation system and carpeted floor mats upped the final amount to $31,470.

Summary

The 2008 Santa Fe is an exceptional CUV. It is attractive inside and out and drives and handles well with satisfying responses in acceleration, positive steering input and a compliant, comfortable ride quality.

For 2008, the Santa Fe Limited has gotten even better by adding a 605-watt Infinity Logic 7 audio system and power sunroof to the long list of standard equipment and an all-new navigation system to the list of optional equipment.

Santa Fe is an ideal consideration for consumers in search of a mid-size CUV, since it provides more than enough choices to tailor and personalize it to suit individual tastes and requirements. Its affordability is perhaps misleading in that the value approach to content in no way affects its attention to detailed fit and finish quality levels. Combine that with what Hyundai calls "America's best warranty" and it appears that the Santa Fe is on track for continued success despite the increasingly stiff competition in the market segment.

2008 Hyundai Santa Fe

Base price: $29,600
Price as tested: $31,470
Engine/transmission: 3.3-liter, 242-horsepower V6; five-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 106.3 inches
Length: 184.1 inches
Width: 74.4 inches
Height: 67.9 inches
Curb weight: 4,121 pounds
Fuel capacity: 19.8 gallons
Fuel consumption: 17mpg city/24mpg highway

Arv Voss
The San Francisco Chronicle

Three Hyundai Models Earn Top Safety Pick Awards

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 11/25/2008 For a second year in a row, three Hyundai models earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) Top Safety Pick award. The Hyundai Veracruz and Santa Fe received awards in the midsize SUV segment and the Hyundai Entourage in the minivan segment. All winning vehicles are recognized for their ability to protect passengers in front, side and rear crashes.

This marks the fourth year in a row the Entourage has received the Institute's highest honor in the minivan category and second year in a row for the Veracruz and Santa Fe. All three vehicles also earned five-star crash test ratings, the highest government rating under NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program, for both frontal and side impact.

Top Safety Pick awards recognize vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side and rear crashes based on ratings in the Institute's tests. Each vehicle's overall evaluation is based on a variety of measures including injuries to dummies, vehicle's structural performance, restraint performance, etc. Winners are also required to be equipped with the latest crash prevention technology, electronic stability control (ESC) -- which is standard on all three Hyundai Top Safety Pick vehicles and 67 percent of all Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S.

According to the IIHS, "Consumers are the biggest winners. No matter what kind of vehicle buyers may be considering, now they can walk into just about any dealership and find one that affords the best overall protection in serious crashes."

"Hyundai remains committed to the implementation of advanced safety technologies, such as electronic active head restraints, introduced on the 2009 Hyundai Genesis," said Michael Deitz, manager of product development, Hyundai Motor America. "We're pleased that three of our models are Top Safety Picks again this year."

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 790 dealerships nationwide.

2008 Hyundai Tiburon GT Road Test Review

More and more Hyundais are on the road now. It's a fact. Whether considering the Accent, Elantra, Sonata, Azera, Tucson, Santa Fe, Veracruz, Tiburon or the new Genesis, the Korean car manufacturer has seen its share of increased sales over the past decade, and for good reason. Not only are its new products exceptionally good, but a great warranty backs them all up. Truly, Hyundai is on such a roll of good fortune that it's not only one of the last companies left building a sport coupe, but it's got another one on the way.

The Tib's staying power alone has made it a bit of an anomaly in a shrinking segment. One by one its rivals have fallen, from the Honda Prelude to the Toyota Celica, Mazda's Presidio to Chrysler Group's Diamond Star cars; the Mitsubishi Eclipse the last remaining of the three and one of only a handful of front-drive sport coupes that remain available at all, although Scion's tC kind of replaced the Celica. Somehow the Tiburon continues to lure in the tuner market as well as regular folks just wanting a fun-to-drive, great looking commuter car that's easy on gas.

If you hadn't heard, Tiburon is Spanish for shark and this Korean carnivore of a car is seriously scaring its competition into hiding. Just look at it. Whether it's the base model GS that starts at a mere $17,270 or the top-line GT Limited, they look darn good thanks to European styling influences that deliver solid driving dynamics on both base and top-line trim levels.

The Tiburon comes with two engine choices. The entry-level 2.0-liter inline-four with 138 horsepower and 136 lb-ft of torque is easy on the pocketbook when initially buying and then while refueling, and plenty fun to drive, while the 24-valve, DOHC, 2.7-liter V6, which produces 172 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 181 lb-ft of torque at 3,800 rpm, is a real blast to drive in this small, lightweight package.

Along with its nicely endowed engine, the Tiburon GT has a European sport-tuned suspension that makes for some fun in the corners. Whether I was tackling tight turns or just driving through city streets, the ground-hugging Tiburon and its front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link suspension setup glides super smoothly over dry or wet pavement and holds its own in the curves when called upon. And with the addition of standard P215/45R17 tires and 17-inch alloy wheels, this street shark remains cool and collected and feels very stable at highway speeds.

And getting to highway speeds felt and sounded good. The low-note grumble from the dual exhaust was quite mellifluous. It wasn't too throaty and wasn't so loud that it attracted negative attention. Rather, the V6-equipped Tib gives off a refined note of sporty athleticism. Furthermore, the optional smooth-shifting four-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic manual mode was just the one to do the trick. While I would have liked to harness all of the V6's 172 horsepower with the standard 6-speed manual transmission, the 4-speed automatic was just perfect for all the city and highway driving I was forced to endure. Plus, it's a lot easier on the legs when stuck in grid-lock traffic, which is something I frequently find myself in.

Inside my Tiburon tester's cabin was a sea of plush, black leather mixed with sport seats and metal grain trim. What I love about the interior is its simplistic nature, with a modern flare. It's not a 'busy' looking cabin by any means, which adds to its appeal. It does, however, have quite the fancy audio system, as I would expect this shark of a car to have. The Clarion AM/FM/CD stereo comes complete with a plug/MP3/SD Memory Card reader featuring Music Catcher II technology, 4 speakers, tweeters and more. Additionally, the backlighting colors of the stereo can be changed. The button saying "Color" changes the hue of the instrumentation around the center stack to either pink, blue, green, orange and many more. Or, there is an option to mix things up and have the colors continually changing. It's a great touch to an already great system. The only criticism that I had was the writing on the buttons. It was way too small. But after fiddling with the system for a while, I familiarized myself with what was what and it was smooth sailing.

As sporty as the Tiburon is, it wouldn't be a complete package if it didn't have top-notch safety features. Along with 4-wheel power-assisted disc brakes with ABS, the Tiburon hosts dual front airbags along with front seat-mounted, side impact airbags. The body of this shark is constructed with a steel safety cage complete with side-impact door beams and front and rear crumple zones to protect passengers inside.

Practicality-wise, the Tiburon is a great 2-passenger car even though it seats 4. I say that because my friend Jamie, who measures in at 5'3", couldn't sit in the rear seat comfortably as there is only 34 inches of headroom back there. Her head touched the top, which made for an awkward ride. In order to refrain from making contact with the ceiling, she had to sit hunched over. Not so nice. Also, when I went over speed bumps or any kind of noticeably irregular pavement, you can probably guess what happened! Ouch is right. Her head ended up just where she didn't want it. Now, the rear seats would be great for younger kids or shorter individuals, but not for anyone Jamie's size or taller.

Just because there wasn't a lot of people-room didn't mean there wasn't a generous amount of cargo space in the liftback trunk. In total there are 14.8 cubic feet, with the rear seats filled with groceries, shopping goodies, personal items or what have you. Visibility was also pretty good for a sports coupe. The C-pillars weren't too thick and the rear window wasn't too high, making parallel parking or backing up as easy as can be in a 2-door.

Overall, the 2008 Hyundai Tiburon GT has a commanding road presence and offers its driver some 'colorful' amenities. Not to mention a 5-year/60,000 mile comprehensive warranty and a 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty. Fuel economy is also pretty reasonable with an estimated 17 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway. And it looks so darn good. It's no wonder why the streets are now infested with sharks... Korean sharks that is.

In The Autoblog Garage: 2008 Hyundai Accent SE

Dismal little car. That's what you'd hear 20 years ago when the conversation turned to Hyundai. The Excel wasn't as terrible as a Yugo, or even as horrifically unreliable as sneering Peugeots, but it wasn't exactly welcomed with open arms. Back then, even Japanese brands were still targets of xenophobia; who was this Korean company trying to fool?

Hyundai persevered, and now the South Korean industrial giant is making vehicles that garner good recommendations and carry one of the best warranties in the business. Hyundai's Accent could be considered a spiritual successor to the unloved Excel, and it carries on that car's basic formula of delivering a comparable car for less money than the competition. What do you give up to get a car that's not stripped, yet still cheaper?

Recent history has seen Hyundais roll off dealer lots as well-equipped, attractively anonymous cars that lack engaging driving dynamics. That's not so much the case anymore, as our time with the Accent has proven. The first check mark in the Accent's plus column is styling that's normal. It's even dull, and that's fine when faced with the ugly visages of any Scion, the ungainly proportions of a Versa, or the outright confusion of a Focus.

Deliciously conventional, the Accent has clean flanks broken by a strong stroke carved across its middle and a mildly sporting hatch profile. The 3-door we sampled carried the top SE trim level, coming with body color mirrors and door handles, a rear spoiler, foglamps, and handsome 16-inch alloy wheels as highlights among the nearly all-inclusive package of goodies. It's base price was $15,280 with the only option being sporty floormats.

The Accent SE runs with a pack of cars that includes the Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, and Suzuki SX4 wagon. All are less conventionally styled than the Accent, and on virtually every measure, the Hyundai is competitive. Measuring tape doesn't tell the whole story, though.

Like the exterior, Hyundai's not stretching to break new ground with the interior. Spend some time in the hell-box interior of an xB and you'll cry tears of joy the first time you plant your tukas in the Accent. Rather than be different for the sake of it, Hyundai delivers a clean, simply operated human-car interface rendered in decent materials. The radio sits up high, easily reached, and just below it are three knobs for the HVAC - no fiddly rocker controls here. Because we're lazy auto journos, we missed audio controls on the leather wrapped steering wheel, but the stereo is right there.

The seats are econo-car fare, though bolstered halfway decently and supportive in the right spots. Cloth upholstery in two tasteful patterns should endure at least until the warranty runs out in a decade. There are touches of bargain bin inside, however. The seat brackets, especially for the rears, are right out in the open, not dressed in like on some other cars, which adds a touch of cheap. The door panels are made of a plastic that will quickly become marred with scratches, too. Our sampler was already showing signs of wear in this area. Overall, materials are midpack for the class, with low-luster coverings on the dash and upper door panels, non-flimsy controls, and faultless ergonomics. It's a richer feeling cockpit than you'd expect, and the simple gauge package is thankfully where it belongs, right in front of the driver.

Hyundai's 1.6-liter four-cylinder kicks it with a DOHC 16-valve layout and a slightly gravel voice that'll happily bellow all day. 110 horsepower and 106 lb-ft of torque have 2,500 lbs to bear, and when channeled through the five-speed transaxle, the Accent can even be mildly entertaining. The shifter isn't a model of precision, but the startlingly chunky setup OEM'd by B&M feels good in the hand and the ridiculously oversized machined aluminum lockout ring is a conversation piece. Our favorite powertrain feature by far was the honest-to-goodness throttle cable. No drive by wire actuation here; press the pedal and you get a response without latency.

A sporty suspension tune is also part of the SE up-rating. MacStruts up front and a torsion beam out back are time honored ingredients for the sporty hatch recipe. Hyundai stuffed plenty of rubber under the Accent SE, wrapping the 16-inch alloys with 205s for plenty of stiction. SE-specific springs and shocks keep body motions in check while you're flinging the Accent SE around by the scruff of its neck, exercising the model's specific steering rack and stabilizer bar. Even with a disc/drum combo platter, the brake pedal is firm and confident. And while the Accent ultimately understeers, it's got the moves and the traction to keep you grinning. The ride winds up being firm without being harsh, though the Accent can't manage the supple chassis dynamics of a Volkswagen Rabbit.

Sharp responses aren't everything, and the Accent works just dandy as a daily driver, too. Adults will fit in the rear seats, though the Accent will likely not be the staff car of an NBA franchise. Hatchbacks have winning flexibility, and the Accent happily hauled plenty of bulky items, construction materials or whatever for us. One disappointment during the Accent's stay was fuel economy. While the EPA rates the Accent SE at 27 mpg city and 33 mpg highway when equipped with the 5-speed, we only acheived 27.5 mpg with a highway-heavy commute.

Maybe we were having more fun than we thought with the Accent, and that's why we didn't see the type of fuel economy we were expecting. Rare is the small car that can mix it up on a back road at the hands of a competent driver and give fits to the poseurs in sportier cars. We're not sure we'd be as enthusiastic about the softer GS or GLS Accents, but the SE tickles our automotive enjoyment centers without creating an achy wallet.

©2008 Dan Roth / Weblogs, Inc.

Hyundai Accent is light on the budget

Frugal buyers intent on saving money at the gasoline pump and the car dealership shouldn't overlook the Hyundai Accent hatchback.

The three-door 2008 Accent has been the top-ranked, gasoline-powered, compact hatchback in government fuel economy ratings, with a city rating of 27 miles per gallon and a highway rating of 32 mpg when fitted with manual transmission.

Better yet, the soon-to-be-arriving 2009 Accent hatchback, with a mildly tweaked four-cylinder engine, has an even higher rating: 27/33 mpg for a combined city/highway rating of 33 mpg.

Hyundai's entry model, the Accent 3-Door hatchback has a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price, including destination charge, of just $11,645 with manual transmission and $12,645 with automatic transmission for 2008 models. For 2009 Accent hatchbacks, base prices are $100 higher.

It's worth noting that the low starting prices include items not normally found on base models of small, entry-level cars: a generous amount of standard safety equipment, including six air bags as well as a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty on powertrain components and five years of company-provided roadside assistance.

In comparison, the 2008 Toyota Yaris 3-door model starts at $12,210 with manual transmission. But curtain and side air bags are optional on the base Yaris. The Yaris also only comes with three-year/36,000-mile standard warranty coverage for its powertrain components.

By comparison, the popular Honda Fit hatchback with five doors includes the standard air bags that the Accent has but pricing starts at $15,220 for a 2009 model with manual transmission, and the standard powertrain warranty coverage is good for just three years/36,000 miles.

Unfortunately, there are no federal government crash test ratings for the Accent hatchback to show how much passenger protection is provided by the safety equipment. And while Consumer Reports magazine lists the Accent's predicted reliability as average, another annual survey released in August put the Accent hatchback at the top of the small-car hatchback segment in durability.

Specifically, the Accent topped the Scion xA and Chevrolet Aveo in J.D. Power and Associates' Vehicle Dependability Study that measures problems experienced by original car owners of 3-year-old vehicles. So, Power's study relates to the 2005 Accent hatchback.

Accent buyers must get accustomed to riding in a lightweight car.

The test Accent, a 2008 SE 3-Door with manual transmission, weighed just under 2,500 pounds.

Doors closed with a less-than-solid sound, there was buffeting and some noise that came into the interior from nearby semitrailers, and the Accent SE felt light traveling on its uplevel, 16-inch tires.

But in normal driving, the Accent didn't overtax its 110-horsepower, 1.6-liter, four cylinder engine with continuously variable valve timing.

Using the five gears in the manual transmission carefully, I worked to get decent get up and go in city traffic as I tapped the engine's 106 foot-pounds of torque that came on at 4,500 rpm. On the highway, the Accent's four cylinder became buzzy as I sought to pass other cars on uphill sections of road.

But, looking at the gasoline gauge after days of driving, I didn't mind the performance-vs.-gas-usage trade off.

This car can travel nearly 400 mixed city/highway miles on a single tank of regular fuel. Even at $3.70 a gallon, a fill-up of the 11.9-gallon tank costs less than $45.

The Yaris hatchback has a 106-horsepower, four-cylinder engine producing 103 foot-pounds of torque at 4,200 rpm.

The front-wheel drive Accent comes with a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam axle in back. In the SE, the front stabilizer bar is thicker than in other models, and the suspension is "sport-tuned."

But the handling still seemed more mainstream than sporty. The same is true of the power-assisted, rack-and-pinion steering.

Headroom in the Accent's back seat is a commendable 37.8 inches compared with 33.8 inches in the back of a Yaris hatchback. But as in many small hatchbacks, three adults sit closely in the back seat of the Accent.

I wish the car looked a bit richer or sporty. Instead, it is plain and rather uninspired, inside and out. And the tester was the Accent SE with the larger wheels and tires. Base Accents ride on small, 14-inch tires.

Still, there were features inside the test car that surprised me.

For example, the Accent SE 3-Door had a fold-down, driver-seat armrest on the right side, and there were many bottle holders and cupholders in both front and back seats.

But the round dials for the climate control system felt flimsy, and the seats -- especially the back-seat cushion -- had a cheap foam feel.

I enjoyed the flexibility that the hatchback offered. With rear seats folded down, I had room to stow several suitcases and boxes. Maximum cargo room measures 15.8 cubic feet vs. 14.2 cubic feet in a Honda Fit.

U.S. sales of the Accent were up 56 percent through the first seven months of this year and are on track to be the highest since calendar 2008 when more than 71,000 were sold.

Azera tries to escape the shadows

With the faster, more luxurious Genesis grabbing headlines at Hyundai these days, some have openly wondered about the future of the brand's erstwhile flagship. That's a shame: The Azera delivers the sort of comfort and quality a large sedan ought to offer - and, in typical Hyundai fashion, its price is hard to beat.

Introduced two years ago to replace the XG 350, the Azera comes in GLS and Limited trims for 2008. Hyundai has discontinued the midlevel Azera SE.

Stately but forgettable, the Azera's styling may be its biggest limiter. It follows Hyundai lineage - I parked next to a newish Sonata, and the Azera seemed, appropriately enough, like a gussied-up version of its midsize sibling. I just question if that's a good thing: Hyundai's styling legacy smacks of bulbous takes on whatever Toyota and Honda are churning out. The Genesis shows signs of breaking that mold. The Azera, with its conservative 10-spoke wheels and old-school taillight bar, does not.

Conservative styling translates well in the cabin, whose mild contours and high beltline should find few detractors. The dash tries nothing new - it's the same dome-and-shelf routine that's been around since the early 1990s - but it's agreeable in a way the Toyota Avalon's airport-hangar dash isn't.

Overall quality rivals an Avalon or Buick Lucerne, which is to say it's premium but not quite at luxury-car levels. Dashboard panels fit tightly and feel soft to the touch, and most controls - save the navigation system's, which I'll get to later - click and turn with solid precision. I'm still a sucker for electroluminescent gauges, and the blue and white ones in the Limited look Lexus-sharp. (Conventional gauges go in the Azera GLS. Bah.)

The faux wood and imitation metal trim are sparing enough to provide an appropriate touch, though I'd like to see chrome door handles instead of the Azera's silver plastic ones. I'd also like to see Hyundai swap the Elantra-grade window switches for some of the well-tailored ones in the Genesis. On par with such luxury ilk is the 605-watt, 12-speaker Infinity stereo. It's optional on the Limited, and in my test car it cranked out rich, high-fidelity audio. Alas, it doesn't have an auxiliary input jack for portable MP3 players, something most cars these days have. Hyundai spokesman Miles Johnson told me the '09 Azera will offer a full USB hookup for iPods and the like.

New for 2008 is an optional navigation system supplied by electronics maker LG. It's the same one offered in the Santa Fe and Veracruz SUVs; the one in the '09 Sonata is a separate system. The LG unit doesn't feel as slick: Its buttons flex and wriggle in a way the climate controls don't, and usability is so-so. The zoom-in/zoom-out controls are physical buttons rather than onscreen ones, and there are clever functions like a route preview screen with turn-by-turn directions. I'd trade both for some other features that are lacking, such as an intersection finder that lets you input the city, more street names on the map, and a screen that's angled steeper so sunlight doesn't wash it out so easily. I can't argue with the price, however. The LG unit comes packaged with the 605-watt stereo for a very reasonable $1,750; navigation alone costs around $2,000 on the Lucerne, Avalon, and Taurus.

Leather upholstery is optional on the GLS and standard on the Limited. Its concentric stitching looks like it was designed sometime during the Dole campaign, but the cushioning does provide excellent long-haul comfort. Power front seats are standard; I found limited rearward travel, and anyone taller than 6 feet will probably sit all the way back.

The backseat's backrest sits at a snooze-inducing angle. I prefer something more upright, but if you frequently chauffeur kids or in-laws, it might be a godsend. Legroom is a few inches short of the Avalon and most Detroit competitors, but it should be more than enough for most adults. Headroom is competitive and downright roomy. Worth note: The footwells are crowded by a sizeable center hump - odd, given this is a front-wheel-drive car with no hump-requiring driveshaft.

Cabin and trunk volume are competitive with the segment, and a 60/40-split folding backseat augments cargo space. With the seat folded, the opening has some significant obstructions.

Depending on trim, the Azera gets a 3.3-liter or 3.8-liter V-6. My test car had the latter, whose whisper-silent startup belied its punch around town and on the highway. Passing power is fluid, and acceleration from low speeds can be sprightly.

I say "can be" because it isn't always. Like many automatics in this class, the Azera's standard five-speed auto is lazy as all getout. The gated shifter comes with a manual-shift function, but a Sport mode with more aggressive shift patterns would be more helpful. Many automatics offer this. Left to its own devices, the Azera's transmission stubbornly resists downshifting for more power until long after you need it. It's a frustrating tendency in a number of situations, from accelerating around a bend to passing on the highway. Third gear offers potent 40-to-60 miles per hour power, but inducing such a shift takes a concerted prod on the gas. The saving grace is midrange torque - the 3.8-liter engine offers plenty - and it means there's at least adequate power even as the transmission camps out in fourth or fifth gear.

The 3.8-liter drivetrain returns 17/26 miles per gallon city/highway, which is midway between the Avalon and V-6 Impala and V-8 competitors like the 300C, V-8 Impala and V-8 Lucerne. The 3.3-liter engine earns just 1 mpg more in city driving, so apart from being paired with the cheaper Azera GLS, it doesn't give much reason not to upgrade.

Ride quality is expectedly smooth, if a bit floaty, and there is plenty of body roll in the corners. I found the cabin suitably quiet at highway speeds.

Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes are standard, but like many in this class - the Nissan Maxima is one exception - the pedal feels spongy, and hard braking induces lots of nosedive. Likewise, overall handling puts comfort ahead of sportiness. The steering wheel turns with a light touch yet avoids the over-assisted feel of the Lucerne or 300. On the highway it has a secure on-center feel, and in close quarters it returns a 37.4-foot turning circle, which bests all competitors but the Avalon.

Eight standard airbags include side-curtain and seat-mounted side-impact airbags for both rows. Despite this panoply, the Azera earned merely "acceptable" side-impact scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. IIHS awarded "good" scores, the highest rating possible, for head and chest protection but lower ratings for pelvis and leg protection, as well as for the car's structural integrity. Frontal-impact IIHS scores are "good."

Other standard features include antilock brakes, traction control, and an electronic stability system. All five seats employ head restraints, and the front ones are active. The outboard rear seats have latch child-seat anchors, but they're buried deep in the cushion fold and difficult to access. All three rear positions have top-tether anchors.

Without the destination charge, the Azera GLS starts at $24,600, undercutting all but the Taurus and Impala. It comes better equipped than either one's base trim, with power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a six-speaker CD stereo, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Heated leather seats and a sunroof are optional. Both are standard on the Limited ($28,550), which also has the larger V-6, a power sunshade for rear-seat passengers and a 315-watt Infinity stereo. Beyond that, a slew of options emulates the stuff of genuine luxury cars - among them a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, a navigation system, power-folding side mirrors, a 605-watt audio system, and rain-sensing wipers. Fully loaded, the Azera tops out around $31,500.

Full-size cars are in a tough spot these days. The segment has dropped some 30 percent in sales so far this year, according to J.D. Power data, as buyers flock toward cheaper midsize cars with better mileage. Caught between the Sonata and Genesis, the Azera seems in a particular bind: The prospect of low-30s mileage may send some buyers toward the Sonata, while leather-trimmed dashboards and rear-wheel-drive performance could send others toward the Genesis. It's a shame, because in between is a fine sedan that's more refined than the Sonata and more comfortable - if less engaging - than the Genesis. The Azera has a distinct flavor that makes it worth keeping in Hyundai's lineup. I just hope buyers are willing to give it a try.

2009 Hyundai Azera
EPA fuel economy 17-18 mpg city; 26 mpg highway
Engines 234-hp, 3.3-liter V-6; 263-hp, 3.8-liter V-6
Transmission 5-speed automatic with overdrive and auto-manual

New or notable
3.3-liter or 3.8-liter V-6
Available navigation system
Standard stability control
Full-size dimensions
SE trim level eliminated

What we like
Cabin quality
Acceleration with 3.8-liter V-6
Seat comfort
Highway ride
Value for the money
Turning circle

What we don't
Lazy automatic transmission
Limited opening w/folding backseat
So-so navigation interface
No MP3 jack
No parking sensors
Mediocre gas mileage

© Copyright 2008 Globe Newspaper Company.
By Kelsey Mays
Cars.Com / August 31, 2008

2008 Hyundai Accent SE 3-Door

Expected quality freshened with added standard features

For more than 10 years, Hyundai's Accent has been building popularity on the U.S. automotive scene by offering good quality with often unexpected features and performance at affordable entry-level prices.

The 2008 model year is no different. The Accent lineup provides an impressive list of new standard features and equipment along with significant interior and exterior improvements, which tend to raise the bar in the compact market segment.

Enhancements include XM Satellite Radio with three months of free service, auxiliary input jack that allows iPods and other portable MP3 players to be connected directly into the audio system, tire pressure monitoring system, B&M Racing sport shifter (Standard SE only), new Mellow Yellow exterior color option available on GS and SE and rear center armrest with cup holders added to SE (standard on GLS).

The Hyundai Accent comes three ways - as a four-door sedan in GLS trim or a three-door configuration in either GS trim or the sportier SE trim level. All Accent models are powered by a 1.6-liter DOHC in-line four-cylinder engine featuring four valves per cylinder. The engine to provide a very broad powerband, coupled with high fuel efficiency and low emissions.

Performance peaks at 110 horsepower at 6000 rpm and torque is 106 pound-feet at 4500 rpm. There are two transmissions to choose from - the five-speed manual gearbox is standard and a four-speed transmission with overdrive is also available. With the manual transmission, the Accent's EPA mileage is 27 mpg city and 32 mpg highway while the optional four-speed automatic transmission delivers an EPA rating of 24 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.

The Accent GLS 4-door sedan has a distinctive look with upscale styling cues like the chrome-accented grille. The door handles, mirrors, side moldings and rear garnish trim combine with bold tail lights and character lines to deliver a strong presence. The roof-mounted micro-antenna provides improved radio reception, and the new 15-inch wheel design further enhances the design.

The three-door Accent GS and SE reflect Hyundai's sleek, confident design direction. Up front, the GS and SE feature an aggressive body-color grille with fog lights standard on the SE. Accent SE's high-performance P205/45R16 tires and lightweight five-spoke aluminum wheels provide a more planted feel. The long wheelbase and elevated seating positions increase the feeling of interior spacious. A rear spoiler and wiper are standard on the Accent SE, adding to its sporty flavor.

Accent delivers more total interior volume than either the Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic - both cars that are a segment above Accent. The Accent four-door sedan has a total interior volume of 104.6 cubic-feet, besting the larger Civic sedan by 1.7 cubic-feet. The Accent also provides more passenger volume than Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris and Chevrolet Aveo. The three-door Accent has a total interior volume of 108.1 cubic-feet, making it roomer than the Civic Coupe by 12.9 cubic feet. The Accent three-door also delivers class-leading interior volume in the three-door segment with 15.9 cubic-feet of cargo space - 6.6 cubic-feet larger than the three-door Yaris.

Accent's interior consists of a two-tone interior color scheme with either a gray or beige theme or a sporty, black monotone available on three-door vehicles. Analog instrumentation is improved on the GLS and SE, while power steering, a tilt steering wheel and an eight-way adjustable driver's seat with fold-down armrest makes for comfortable extended travel. Convenient storage areas exist throughout, including bins in the front and rear center console. All Accents have a 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback for maximum flexibility. The Accent three-door's rear seats recline for additional comfort.

Standard features include two-speed variable intermittent wipers, adjustable head restraints, cabin air filtration, rear window defroster, tachometer, new rear coat hook, digital clock, two 12-volt outlets and remote hood and fuel filler door releases. Audiophiles will appreciate the available 172-watt AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with easy-to-use controls and a total of six speakers.

My test Hyundai Accent was a three-door in the sportier SE trim, with the standard five-speed tranny. The exterior sported an Apple Green metallic finish while the interior was executed in beige cloth and charcoal tones. The base price was established at $14,575. The optional aluminum door sills, sporty floor mats and freight and handling charge boosted the final sticker to reasonable $15,370.

Summary

The 2008 Hyundai Accent SE three-door is an affordable, spacious and sporty-looking compact vehicle. It comes with a surprising level of standard amenities and offers a substantial inventory of options, allowing the consumer to make it their own according their individual needs and tastes.

The ride quality is comfortable and the driving dynamics deliver nimble, responsive behavior. Sporty it is, a sports car it is not. The GS and SE three-door is best suited to singles or couples, while families with small children may want to opt for the four-door GLS sedan for the added convenience of installing a child car seat or booster. The moveable passenger seat in the three-door models presents a bit of a challenge for installation.

Don't expect to smoke the tires off-the-line or to experience excessive G-force - however acceleration is substantial enough to accomplish most intended tasks however. The engine is on the buzzy side when pushed hard, but it isn't intrusive. The focus of the Accent is to provide comfortable, efficient transportation that can be enjoyable to drive. Factor in the advantage of what Hyundai claims to be America's best warranty, including five years and 60,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and a 10-year/100,000-mile power train warranty, and choosing Accent can becomes an even more sound decision.

2008 Hyundai Accent SE 3-Door

Base price: $14,575

Price as tested: $15,370

Engine/transmission: 1.6- liter, 110-horsepower, four-cylinder; five-speed manual

Wheelbase: 98.4 inches

Length: 168.5 inches

Width: 66.7 inches

Height: 57.9 inches

Curb weight: 2,496 pounds

Fuel capacity: 11.9 gallons

Fuel consumption: 27 mpg city/32 mpg highway

Arv Voss

Tucson and Elantra Make Back-to-School Cars Lists by Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 09/03/2008 Kelley Blue Book's www.kbb.com recognized the 2008 Hyundai Tucson as a "Top 10 New Back-to-School Car" and the 2006 Hyundai Elantra as a "Top 10 Used Back-to-School Car." The "Top 10" lists are designed to help students and parents decide which vehicles are best to consider for their next automotive purchase by offering expert advice from www.kbb.com editors and top recommendations for getting to and from class in an economical and reliable new or used car.

"There are so many options these days, in both the new- and used-car realm, for safe, fun and affordable back-to-school rides," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst, Kelley Blue Book and www.kbb.com. "Hyundai offers vehicles that are better built and better equipped than ever before, and more importantly, they include potentially life-saving standard safety features at prices that parents and students will find difficult to beat."

The 2008 Tucson boasts safety and convenience with standard safety features like active front head restraints, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and six airbags. It also offers new entertainment upgrades to better fit a student's lifestyle, such as standard XM Satellite Radio® and an auxiliary audio input allowing drivers to listen to music from their iPod® or mp3 player.

The affordable 2006 Elantra earns high marks with a comprehensive list of standard and available safety features, earning five stars in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a "Good" score in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) crash testing. With more interior volume than key competitors Civic and Corolla, the Elantra provides comfortable and versatile seating for all.

All of the new cars on this year's Back-to-School lists from Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com feature starting New Car Blue Book Values of less than $18,000, while all used cars have a Kelley Blue Book Suggested Retail Value of less than $12,000.

"We're very honored to have our vehicles recognized by kbb.com as a smart option parents should consider for their children," said Tim Benner, national manager, Product Development, Hyundai Motor America. "The Tucson and Elantra come equipped with robust standard safety packages, expansive interiors and fuel-efficient engines - all at an affordable price. The Elantra and Tucson exemplify the quality and value that parents are looking for when they are shopping for the household fleet."

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through almost 800 dealerships nationwide.

Hyundai Hope On Wheels is Coming to Northampton!

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Hyundai and its dealers' commitment to supporting the fight against pediatric cancer. Since its inception in 2004, Hyundai Hope on Wheels, an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has donated more than $10 million to institutions nationwide to help kids fight cancer. In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Hope on Wheels and Hyundai and its dealers have expanded the program to make a donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's network of doctors engaged in pediatric cancer research. The Hope on Wheels Tour will be represented at all 240 of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light The Night Walks nationwide and will hold handprint ceremonies at select events.

Gary Rome Hyundai in Holyoke, MA has graciously teamed up with Hope On Wheels and will be attending the Northampton Light The Night Walk on Sunday, September 14th. Gary Rome Hyundai will be providing a Hope on Wheels Santa Fe vehicle for the event to be used during the handprint ceremony as well as to serve as a pace car for the Walk.

If you are a child patient/survivor or you will be walking with one of these individuals , please contact Rebecca.Longworth@lls.org or 508-810-1318 to reserve your place in the handprint ceremony.

Questions? Contact Rebecca. (See contact info above)

Hyundai Elantra moves up within its class

Every once in a while, a car will really surprise you - the 2008 Hyundai Elantra is one of those cars. Past Elantras offered a long warranty and a low price, but couldn't really compete with all-star compact sedans like the Honda Civic, Mazda 3 and Toyota Corolla. Now in its second year since a full redesign, the Elantra is the real deal, capable of standing toe-to-toe with the big boys. Plus, it still has that long warranty and low price.

Larger than the car it replaced, the supposedly compact Elantra is now considered a midsize sedan by the EPA. (Mind you, the EPA also classifies the Dodge Magnum as an SUV, so take it with a grain of salt.) Still, the Elantra is more spacious overall than its economy car rivals, and Hyundai is quick to point out that it boasts more interior volume than an Acura TL. The backseat is particularly impressive, as its high-mounted bench and generous foot room make it an easy fit for full-size adults.

The Elantra's 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is an old design and isn't as refined as those found in its Japanese competitors, but it's surprisingly responsive and returns pretty good fuel economy. It also runs clean, as it's classified as an Ultra-Low-Emissions Vehicle (ULEV) in most of the country, and a Partial-Zero-Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) in California, Oregon and the Northeast.

Once underway, the 2008 Hyundai Elantra continues to impress, with decent steering and handling responses, as well as a smooth ride and a stable demeanor at high speeds. It often feels like a more upscale car than it really is, an impression furthered by the handsome, well-constructed interior. Top-quality plastics and other materials are utilized throughout; however, they are betrayed by some cheap plastics here and there, as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel (on the SE trim) prone to making your hands feel a bit clammy.

As always, there are a multitude of choices in the small economy car segment.

Although top-ranked sedans like the Civic may be better known, the 2008 Elantra manages to keep up with them, matching or besting each in a number of different ways. In particular, it's hard to beat the Elantra's level of features, space and quality construction at such a low price. Of course, taking a test-drive of all these choices is recommended, but when it comes time to stop by the Hyundai store, prepare to be pleasantly surprised.

The 2008 Hyundai Elantra is a small sedan available in GLS and SE trim levels. The base GLS is sparsely equipped with 15-inch steel wheels, keyless entry, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, a tilt steering wheel and full power accessories. The GLS Popular Equipment Package adds air-conditioning, foglights, cruise control, vanity mirrors and a six-speaker stereo with CD/MP3 player, auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio. The SE includes this equipment, but adds 16-inch alloy wheels, a trip computer and a tilt-and-telescoping leather-wrapped wheel with audio controls.

This year's new SE Premium Package outfits the Elantra with heated seats and a sunroof. (The latter is a stand-alone option on the GLS.) Leather upholstery can also be added to this package.

The Elantra is front-wheel drive and powered by a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine capable of 138 horsepower and 136 pound-feet of torque. All trim levels can be equipped with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. In California-emissions states, automatic-equipped Elantras are certified as Partial-Zero-Emissions Vehicles (PZEV) and are rated for 132 hp. Fuel economy for 2008 is a very respectable 24 mpg city and 33 mpg highway regardless of transmission or which state it is sold in.

All Elantras come standard with antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and anti-whiplash front head restraints. The SE trim level adds standard stability control and brake assist for the ABS. In crash testing conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the 2008 Hyundai Elantra earned a top five-star rating in frontal-impact collision protection and a four-star rating for side collisions. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety frontal offset testing, the Elantra received a rating of "Good," the agency's top score.

The Elantra's interior quality is quite literally hit or miss. For instance, the dash-top grain and cool blue lighting looks like it could have been removed from an Acura. However, there are a few pieces here and there that wouldn't cut it in a Honda Civic. Still, the overall design is attractive and pleasing, looking as if it belongs in a much more expensive car. Your carpool buddies should be impressed. They'll also appreciate the Elantra's generous amount of space provided by the generous head-, shoulder, hip- and legroom found in both the front and rear seats. Storage is also plentiful, with plenty of cubbies and a 14-cubic-foot trunk.

Considering its so-so 138 horses, the 2008 Hyundai Elantra is decently quick out of the gates (zero to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds), especially when equipped with a manual gearbox. The engine suffers from a somewhat coarse demeanor above 3,500 rpm, however. More refined is the ride quality, which is smooth yet stable, even at high speeds, and is one of the Elantra's best attributes. Wind and road noise are also negligible.

Although its personality isn't overtly sporting, the Elantra is actually a capable handler. Body roll is moderate, but this Hyundai manages to hold tight through turns, offering plenty of grip and decent steering response.

From Edmunds.com

REVIEWS: 2008 Hyundai Accent SE

MEET THE OLD GUY

The Hyundai Accent led the modern subcompact rush. Sure, the late '70s and '80s were stocked with tiny fuel-sippers, but as those guys grew up, Hyundai started a whole new subcompact fad when it put the Accent on the road in 1995.

Except that it's not actually a subcompact. Under Environmental Protection Agency standards, the Accent's 108.1 cubic feet of interior space classify it as a compact car, in the same category as a Toyota Corolla and Ford Focus. But Accent prices start as low as $11,425, and as this story was written, a $1,500 rebate could get you into an Accent for less than $10,000. So it's certainly a subcompact in price.

It has the same traits as a subcompact: a buzzy four-cylinder engine, highway fuel economy over 30 mpg, a goofy name, and low curb weight.

And then there is perception. The three-door hatchback's diminutive dimensions beg you to compare the car with the Toyota Yaris and, in turn, the Honda Fit, Chevrolet Aveo and other subcompacts.

So the EPA is wrong and we're saying the Accent is a subcompact. Are years of experience and a bigger body enough for this pseudo-subcompact senior to beat some of the athletic new freshmen?

THE (LACK OF) STYLE

If the Hyundai Accent were to give you a call, it would probably show up on your caller ID as "Anonymous." It's not that the Korean car is moonlighting as a salesman hawking WiFi-enabled toilets, but that its styling is entirely forgettable. The Accent has none of the gaping grilles and chunky C-pillars that seem to be the youthful calling cards of modern subcompacts.

The windows strictly follow the roofline and a simple beltline. The car may look simple, but from the driver's seat the window profile translates into exceptional visibility in every direction, aided by the rear-seat headrests that tuck in low to the seatbacks.

With our test car's base price of $15,195 we were surprised to find fog lights and 16-inch alloy wheels as standard equipment. Those touches, along with the impressive list of interior equipment, keep the high-end SE model away from econobox status.

JUST DON'T TOUCH ANYTHING

The simplicity of the exterior design carries over to the interior, where you'll find that the controls are predictably placed and intuitive to use. Three large knobs manage the climate control, while the radio interface's equally safe design appears a bit dated. It may all be easy to use, but the Accent falls far short of the Honda Fit's stylish interior.

With touches of silver, our car's gray and black interior was attractive enough. But the plastics are hard and cheap feeling, especially in the door-mounted armrests, which bruise elbows. The steering wheel's thin rim and plastic feel contradict the fact that it's actually wrapped in leather. We did, however, like the look and feel of the leather-wrapped shifter. Our first impression of the firm seats was that they were more baseball bleacher than La-Z-Boy, but over time they proved to be quite comfortable even on long trips.

Accessing the rear seats can be a bit tricky, but once in back, passengers still have enough leg room for in-town travel without complaining. The 60/40 split folding rear seat also works well with the hatch to create a large cargo area. We easily stacked the car with a large tent and several bags of gear and still had plenty of room to stand up a bike (with front wheel and seat removed).

The Accent's list of standard equipment is what we've come to expect of subcompacts: power windows, locks and mirrors; keyless entry; air conditioning and a CD player. There's also the full salvo of safety equipment including six air bags, anti-lock brakes and a tire pressure monitoring system.

As an early 2008 model, our Accent lacked an auxiliary audio input and satellite radio, two features that are quickly becoming mandatory fare in this segment. Hyundai has since added the equipment as standard on SE hatchbacks and all sedans (and raised the starting price by about $200).

IT'S NOT FAST, BUT IT IS FUN

Making 110 hp from its 1.6-liter engine, the Accent slots right between its competitors in power, beating the Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, and Chevrolet Aveo but yielding to the Nissan Versa and Suzuki SX4. True to the subcompact creed, it is not fast off the line but is willing to play when driven aggressively. Keep the revs above 3000 rpm and you'll have no problem swiftly merging onto highways, or passing slower vehicles.

In SE trim, the Accent comes standard with a B&M Racing sport shifter attached to the five-speed manual gearbox. Shifts are quick and easy to find, yet still a bit clunky. Paired together, the engine and transmission provide adequate acceleration and an engaging drive. Fuel economy is competitive, with manual Accents rated at 27 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, and automatics delivering 24 mpg and 33 mpg, respectively.

TURN WHEELS FOR MORE FUN

At just about 2500 pounds, the Accent hatchback is of average weight in the subcompact class. But this universal low-weight characteristic is often what makes the other subcompact universal characteristic - low power - tolerable. Get the car up to speed and it's a blast to snake through turns.

Low weight alone does not make a car handle well. Body roll and understeer in the Accent are minimal, controlled by Hyundai's sport-tuned suspension with stiffer springs and dampers. The set-up uses coil springs working with struts in the front and a torsion bar suspension in the rear. The low-profile Kumho tires are a good match for the Accent, working hard to grip rather than squeal through turns. Steering is well weighted, but could be improved by offering more feedback.

MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE

The Hyundai's most endearing quality may also be the least expected - how well it drives. The Accent is most comfortable in the fringes between city and country, where roads twist but speeds are kept in check. Drive it hard between 20 and 50 mph, keeping revs in the middle of the tachometer and the steering wheel constantly spinning to discover the true character of this car.

Once you get away from a stoplight, even city driving in the Accent is enjoyable. Turning down a new street invites a downshift to turn on the power and pull out of a quick corner. Cloverleaf highway on-ramps are also a great place to demonstrate the Accent's handling prowess, keeping power on tap in second gear for full-throttle acceleration once the ramp straightens out.

But once on the highway, the Accent begins to show some more serious flaws. Cruising at 80 mph had us wondering why earplugs didn't come as standard equipment with this car. At nearly 4000 rpm, the four-cylinder engine roars while you're casually keeping up with traffic. A sixth gear that put revs much closer to 3000 rpm would be a welcome change, even if that meant a downshift to fifth would be needed for highway passing. In fact, the noise was so invasive, this car may be one of the few we actually wish would actually pack on some weight. Fifty pounds of strategically placed insulation could probably go a long way toward making the Accent a better highway commuter.

Rough road surfaces occasionally take control of the Accent's short wheelbase and sport-tuned suspension. Cracks rattled the car and our heads nodded like Bobble Head dolls as the car bounced over grooved roads. For the most part, the highway ride was an acceptable compromise for what was gained in low-speed handling. Further damaging highway credibility, the Accent fails to offer cruise control, even as an option.

DON'T BE SO SUPERFICIAL

The Accent certainly isn't the car for anyone looking to make a style statement. We'd also be wary of owning an Accent if our daily commute involved lengthy highway driving. But if you can look past the design and like to strike fear into the hearts of jaywalkers by bombing around blind turns, the Accent might just fit your unfashionable, driving-enthusiast lifestyle.

We like the Hyundai Accent's mechanicals, equipment list, and price, and in these categories, the car is very competitive against its peers. In driving dynamics, the car is a leader, offering great body control through turns and power that can be played with. We just wish it was a bit more suave on the highway and had even a touch of style. The Accent may retain its starting position on the field, but it definitely won't be homecoming king.

By Eric Tingwall

Hyundai Accent Named Most Dependable Sub-Compact Car

HYUNDAI BRAND JUMPS EIGHT RANK POSITIONS IN YEARLY DEPENDABILITY STUDY / PROBLEMS-PER-100 VEHICLES DROP OVERALL BY 14 PERCENT / HIGH-MILEAGE ACCENT AT THE TOP OF ITS CLASS / ALL MODELS IMPROVED OVER LAST YEAR

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 08/07/2008 The fuel-efficient Hyundai Accent, which gets up to 35 miles per gallon on the highway, today was named the most dependable sub-compact car by J.D. Power and Associates in its 2008 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). The highly regarded study measures problems experienced by original owners of three-year-old (2005 model year) vehicles. The study is based on the responses of more than 52,000 owners of new vehicles bought between November 2004 and April 2005.

In addition to the highest ranking by Accent, Hyundai on the whole made dramatic improvements in its overall dependability scores:
- The number of problems per 100 vehicles over the entire product lineup dropped 28 points to 200, a 14 percent increase over 2007, almost tripling the industry average improvement of 10 points.
- In the "non-premium" segment, Hyundai improved from 13th place to sixth place.
- Hyundai's score placed it 13th among the 38 nameplates measured in the study and placed it ahead of the industry average for the first time.
- Each product in the Hyundai product portfolio improved over last year.

"Our continued dedication to quality is paying off for consumers, and this year's Vehicle Dependability Study is further demonstration of the strides we are making," said Barry Ratzlaff, Hyundai Motor America director of product quality. "Customers deserve higher levels of quality at the time they buy their vehicle and throughout its lifetime. Our improving initial quality and long-term dependability show that we've responded in a meaningful way for the long term."

Ratzlaff went on to say that with the results achieved in this year's dependability survey that Hyundai had reached a top tier of only a small number of brands that are above industry average in both initial quality and dependability.

The Accent scores registered only 187 problems per 100 cars, a more than 20 percent improvement over 2007 results. This improvement was mostly accounted for by measured improvements in the engine, climate controls and seating categories.

The VDS study measures problem symptoms of three-year-old vehicles primarily in categories such as ride, handling, braking, temperate controls, seats, engine performance, driving dynamics and interior and exterior durability. The VDS is one of three J.D. Power and Associates quality studies, along with the Initial Quality Study (IQS) that measures quality after 90 days of ownership, and the Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) study that measures customer perceptions on the design, content, layout and performance of their new vehicles.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through almost 800 dealerships nationwide.

Hyundai Motor America and its Dealers Launch National Hope on Wheels Tour to Support Pediatric Cancer Research

2008 Tour Will Donate More Than $1.6 Million and Commemorate 10 Years of Hyundai Dealers Supporting the Fight Against Pediatric Cancer

Fountain Valley, Calif., 06/25/2008 The 2008 national Hyundai Hope on Wheels™ Tour launched yesterday in Los Angeles with a ceremony to honor the pediatric cancer patients at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. The Tour will visit 32 children's hospitals across the country from June through November, donating a total of $1.6 million to support the fight against pediatric cancer.

Hyundai Hope on Wheels is the united effort of nearly 800 Hyundai dealers across the U.S. to raise awareness about pediatric cancer and celebrate the lives of children battling the disease. The 2008 Hope on Wheels Tour will highlight the need to support the training and education of the next generation of doctors. Donations made this year will fund the research of one doctor at each institution, as selected by the hospital's pediatric oncology supervisors. These medical professionals, known as Hyundai Scholars, are in the third or fourth year of a qualified fellowship program in pediatric cancer research, or are in the first seven years of their medical practice specializing in pediatric oncology.

"Between 1975 and 2003, the five year survival rate of childhood cancer rose from 58 percent of patients to almost 80 percent of patients, due to major advances in treatments," said Dr. Leonard Sender, Chairman of the Hyundai Hope on Wheels Medical Advisory Board and Division Chief of Oncology at Children's Hospital Orange County. "Hyundai and its dealers have shown a strong commitment to the fight against pediatric cancer, and, as physicians, we appreciate their grasp of the need to support the medical professionals who conduct the vital research that propels us forward in the search for better treatments and ultimately a cure."

New England-area Hyundai dealers started a local initiative in 1998 to raise money for the Jimmy Fund at Boston's Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Ten years later their work has grown into the Hope on Wheels national program. Since the inception of Hope on Wheels, Hyundai and its dealers have donated more than $10 million to fund pediatric cancer research.

"Hyundai and its dealers are so proud that our local, grassroots efforts have grown into a national organization that supports hospitals across the U.S.," said Oscar Leeser, President of the Hyundai National Hope on Wheels Dealer Board, and El Paso, TX Hyundai dealer. "The Hope on Wheels Tour recognizes the hospitals that are leading the fight against pediatric cancer and honors the brave children who have faced this disease, sharing their stories with other children and families across the country."

As the tour travels across the country, it will visit each hospital that has been selected to receive a donation to present a check and host a Handprint Ceremony, the cornerstone of the Hope on Wheels Tour. The Handprint Ceremony celebrates pediatric cancer patients' lives and treatment milestones by capturing their colorful handprints in ink on a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicle, sharing their hope with other children and their families across the country. Hope on Wheels has collected hundreds of handprints and will add many more this summer as the 2008 Tour crosses the country.

At the 2008 kick-off ceremony at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Hyundai representatives introduced the 2008 National Youth Ambassador for the Hyundai Hope on Wheels program, Miss Sammy Heim. Sammy, a brave ten-year-old from Yorba Linda, California, was diagnosed with a soft tissue tumor called Rhabdomyosarcoma nearly two years ago. Throughout her treatment, Sammy's strength and positive attitude never wavered, and now that she is in remission, she is dedicated to helping other children battling cancer.

"I don't want other innocent kids to have to go through what I did," Sammy said. "If we didn't help raise money for cancer research, a lot of kids would have died because they wouldn't know what it was or how to cure it." She added, "I want to help raise money for cancer research, too." The Hope on Wheels Tour has donated more than $10 million to children's hospitals nationwide and collected hundreds of handprints from children fighting pediatric cancer. The complete list of 2008 Hope on Wheels Tour stops, including benefiting hospitals, is available at www.hopeonwheels.com.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 780 dealerships nationwide.

HOPE ON WHEELS

Hope on Wheels™ is the united effort of more than 780 Hyundai dealerships across the U.S. to raise awareness about pediatric cancer and celebrate the lives of children battling the disease. Hope on Wheels is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Hyundai Elantra beats Toyota Corolla in Consumer Reports' test of five small sedans

Redesigned Toyota Corolla gets excellent 32 mpg in CR's stringent fuel economy tests

Yonkers, NY -- After testing a group of compacts and subcompacts, Consumer Reports judged the Hyundai Elantra SE best with an "Excellent" overall road test score. But three other compact cars, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Corolla and Ford Focus, also achieved "Very Good" ratings in a report on gas-saving sedans published in the July issue.

The Corolla achieved a very impressive 32 mpg overall in Consumer Reports' real-world fuel economy tests. That's among the best gas mileage CR has seen in a conventional gasoline-powered car with an automatic transmission. Only the smaller Honda Fit (32 mpg) and Toyota Yaris (33 mpg) subcompacts do as well or better.

Two Chevrolets were also tested as part of this group, the Cobalt and Aveo. Both ranked near the bottom of the pack. Among compact sedans, the Cobalt ranks 17th out of 19 vehicles tested. Among subcompacts, the Aveo ranks last among the 12 vehicles tested.

Prices for the six cars in CR's tests range from $16,205 for the subcompact Aveo LT to $19,106 for the Impreza 2.5i which is all wheel drive. Even with prices under $20,000, the best of today's small cars provide many convenience features, comfortable interiors, good refinement, and improved fuel economy.

Full tests and ratings of the test group appear in the July issue of Consumer Reports, which goes on sale June 3. The issue features a cover package of stories on gas-saving cars, with CR's ratings on a total of 31 small sedans and 21 top used cars with great mpg figures. The reports are also available to subscribers of www.ConsumerReports.org.

The Elantra's top rating in the small sedans class shows how far Hyundai has come in the last decade. Its cars used to be unreliable and unrefined, with low scores in CR's tests. Now, some compete with the best in their classes.

Formal evaluations on these vehicles were completed earlier this year, which allowed Consumer Reports to name the Elantra SE its Top Pick in the small sedan category for its Annual April Auto issue. It outpoints the Honda Civic EX with a manual transmission by just a fraction of a point--but also comes with standard electronic stability control, a very important safety feature.

Of the vehicles in this report, Consumer Reports is Recommending the Elantra, Impreza, and Focus. CR doesn't have reliability data yet on the redesigned Corolla. The Cobalt scores too low in CR's road tests to be Recommended; its reliability has been average. The Aveo also scored too low in testing to be Recommended; its reliability has been below average. Consumer Reports only Recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on CR's Annual Car Reliability Survey of its more than seven million print and web subscribers, and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.

The Elantra SE is a well-rounded package with a quiet, roomy cabin, a comfortable ride, and nice fit. It provides excellent braking and very secure emergency handling, aided by the SE's standard electronic stability control. Fuel economy is respectable at 27 mpg overall. The Elantra SE ($17,980 Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price as tested) is equipped with a 132-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and four-speed automatic that delivers reasonable acceleration and smooth and responsive shifts. The Elantra delivered the shortest braking distances and achieved a Very Good score in CR's emergency handling tests. The nice-sized trunk can be expanded by lowering the 60/40-split rear seatbacks.

The redesigned Impreza is a pleasant and practical car with the most comfortable ride of any small car tested by Consumer Reports. It has more rear-seat room, a quieter cabin, and better fit and finish than the previous model. While its handling is still fairly agile, the Impreza isn't as sporty to drive as its predecessor. Its standard all-wheel-drive helps in slippery conditions but saps fuel economy: its 24 mpg ties for lowest in this group with the Cobalt. The Impreza 2.5i ($19,106 MSRP as tested) is powered by a 170-hp, 2.5-liter flat-four-cylinder engine and was among the quickest in this group from 0 to 60 mph. The car's optional four-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. Braking is very good. The small trunk can be expanded by folding down the 60/40-split rear seatbacks.

The pleasant and refined Corolla provides a comfortable ride, an improved driving position, and a roomier rear seat, compared with the previous model. But the interior fit and finish isn't quite as good. Aided by optional electronic stability control, handling is responsive and secure if not sporty. The Corolla LE ($18,404 MSRP as tested) is powered by a 132-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that accelerates reasonably and gets excellent fuel economy. In highway driving, the Corolla gets 40 mpg. The four-speed automatic transmission is smooth and responsive. Braking is very good overall. Trunk room is adequate and can be expanded by folding the 60/40-split rear seatbacks.

Ford's freshening of the Focus doesn't hide the fact that the underpinnings for this car's design are nine years old. The Focus was once CR's top-rated small car, but now it rates only midpack. It retains some of its strengths--agile handling, a composed ride, and a roomy interior. But interior fit and finish and noise remain weak points. The Focus SES ($18,490 MSRP as tested) is equipped with a 130-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers average performance. The four-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. Braking is very good, though stopping distances are longer than in the previous generation Focus. There's ample trunk room, and the trunk can be expanded by folding the 60/40-split rear seatbacks.

The Cobalt offers plenty of equipment for the money, especially when you factor in sale incentives. The Cobalt LT tested carried an MSRP of $17,450. But it is a lackluster car that falls short in several areas, including powertrain refinement, fit and finish, seat comfort and driving position. Recent tweaks have improved fuel economy and reduced engine noise a bit, but those changes also compromised acceleration, braking, and cornering grip. The Cobalt's 148-hp, 2.2-liter engine delivers decent acceleration but just 24 mpg overall in CR's tests. The optional four-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. The moderately sized trunk expands when you fold down the 60/40-split rear seatbacks.

Recent upgrades to the Aveo haven't made it competitive in its class of subcompacts, which include Honda's Fit and the Toyota Yaris. It suffers from a stiff ride, uncomfortable seats, a noisy cabin, clumsy handling, and slow acceleration. Its 25 mpg overall fuel economy is disappointing for such a small and slow car. But at least the Aveo features relatively easy access, decent trunk space, and a tight turning circle. The Aveo LT ($16,205 MSRP as tested) is powered by a 103-hp, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers only fair acceleration. The four-speed transmission shifts smoothly enough. The 60/40-split rear seatbacks fold forward to increase cargo space.

With more than 7 million print and online subscribers, Consumer Reports is one of the most trusted sources for information and advice on consumer products and services. It conducts the most comprehensive auto-test program of any U.S. publication or Web site; the magazine's auto experts have decades of experience in driving, testing, and reporting on cars. To become a subscriber, consumers can call 1-800-234-1645. Information and articles from the magazine can be accessed online at www.ConsumerReports.org.

Hyundai Entourage Wins AutoPacific 2008 Ideal Vehicle Award

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 07/10/2008 Automotive research and consulting firm AutoPacific announced that the Hyundai Entourage won the 2008 Ideal Vehicle Award with a "Best-in-Class" rank in the Minivan Segment. The victory marks the second consecutive top performance for Entourage in this competitive study.

AutoPacific's third annual Ideal Vehicle Awards (IVA) ranked auto manufacturers for how closely their 2008 model-year cars or trucks came to matching owners' expectations and criteria. The vehicles that customers said they would change the least were considered the most "ideal."

"Earning a five-star safety rating, owners gave the Entourage kudos for its safety features," said George Peterson, president, AutoPacific. "Owners complimented the exterior styling including wheels and tires, and gave the Entourage high ratings for passenger room, seat firmness and interior lighting."

To determine the winners, AutoPacific asked owners to rate their new car or truck on how close it came to "ideal" in the following areas: exterior size; passenger roominess; cargo space; driver's seat comfort; driver's seat visibility; interior technology; power; ease of getting in and out; interior storage compartments; and tires and wheels.

"We are pleased to accept the Ideal Vehicle Award for the Entourage for the second year in a row," said Brandon Ramirez, manager, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. "With its superior standard safety features, quality interior convenience features and an impressive exterior design, the Entourage is truly a great deal for value-conscious families."

The 2008 Hyundai Entourage uses a powerful 3.8-liter V6 engine and a five-speed automatic transmission - all backed by Hyundai's 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty. It includes standard safety features like electronic stability control (ESC), six air bags, active front seat head restraints, which have earned the Entourage a top five-star crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) and a TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) - the best rating ever for a minivan. The IVA ratings reflect input from buyers of new vehicles purchased from September 2007 through December 2007. Over 33,500 respondents provided input for these awards.

AUTOPACIFIC

AutoPacific is a future-oriented automotive marketing and product-consulting firm. Every year it publishes a wide variety of syndicated studies for the automotive industry. The firm also conducts extensive proprietary research and consulting for auto manufacturers, distributors, marketers and suppliers worldwide. Additional information can be found at www.autopacific.com.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif. is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai cars and sport utility vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by more than 790 Hyundai dealerships nationwide.