Basic Accents (Hyundai Accent 1.3 Si 3dr)

Member Name: superguinness

Product:	Hyundai Accent 1.3 Si 3dr
Date:	21/07/01 (1739 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: cheap, reliable, electric aerial

Disadvantages: boring, dull, asexual even

The car - a 1998 1.3 Si Accent Coupe in old man's burgendy. The place - Sheffield, with the odd jaunt up and down the M1. The result - Drivability and handling 0 Reliability and economy 6, a very comfortable away win.

I bought my Hyundai in April 2001 after five years blasting about in Alfas (when they worked). I think the car saleswoman was a bit puzzled in my complete lack of interest in the car when I shuffled round the Hyundai dealership showroom and relunctantly asked them if they had any going cheap. You see, I really just wanted to get rid of the Alfa after four breakdowns too many, but still loved the spirit of Alfas despite these experiences. Anyway, she directed me to a rather nasty coloured Accent model out on the forecourt which at least was quite well looked after (it even had headlamp covers).

A short test drive confirmed the Accent's mind-numbingly boring drive qualities and hinted at its robustness and reliability. I did a bit of haggling and signed on the dotted line. So then, what did I get for my £3300? Well a 1998 R 1.3Si three door Accent Coupe with sunroof, electric windows, electric aerial, spoiler with integrated stop-lamp, an immobiliser, four wheels and a steering wheel. That meant no central locking, power steering, alarm or remote to blip and no, er, v-v-vrooom!

Fuel consumption is excellent - I only live a couple of miles from my place of work, so if I don't use it for much else during the week, a fiver does the job - not bad!

However, I have noticed a different attitude to it from other drivers when I use it on the motorway - people seemed to give me a bit more respect in the two litre Alfa and now are more inclined to cut out in front or tail gate. But in actual fact its got about 84 bhp which is plenty for a car you can nearly lift with one hand, so it is possible to surprise other drivers with a bit of acceleration sometimes.

Style wise I've seen worse, in fact, a lot wors
e - such as the style disaster known as the Mitsubishi Colt and not forgetting the new Suburu Imprezza. Actually the Hyundai could pass as a minature version old shape Imprezza (without the engine).

Overall - its cheap and cheerful and leaves me with (a lot more) money to spend on much more important things...such as 1. ITV digital, 2. new TV, 3. a holiday and 4. Beer. However I must get round to washing the Hyundai for the first time soon!

Summary: