1 More for Hyundai Sa's Accent Range

Hyundai SA has added a three-door, 1.6-litre hatchback – the Sporty one - to its already established line-up of 2007 Accent models with a long array of features.

According to the South Korean car maker, the Sporty Hatch’s power train, chassis and suspension have been optimized towards "responsive, fuel-efficient performance, well-balanced handling and top-notch ride comfort" while sticking with the company's three-year or 100 000km warranty and augmenting a two-year or 45 000km service plan.

Stanley Anderson, Hyundai SA's Marketing Director said that the Accent sedan has been a very successful model because since its launch in July 2006, the car has received enthuse reviews and their sales have reflected that, particularly when it got a nomination as a Guild of Motoring Journalists' car of the year finalist in 2006.

The director also said that the hatch is an excellent addition to the Accent family. It appeals quite a different type of buyer in the Accent segment, according to him, because it is all about an individual lifestyle and owning a vehicle that compliments that lifestyle.

The car maker perceives the hatch’s styling as similar to that of the sedan. The difference is that it has a nose that emphasizes a potential for fast-paced efficiency and its defined haunches are adding to its athletic aura.

Low in the front bumper, the twin recessed fog lights have been fitted. Other than that, the car comes with larger than usual 16" alloy rims shod with 205/45 low-profile tires.

An MP3-compatible audio system and air-conditioning, rear seats that be folded in a 60:40 split and the driver's seat that can be adjusted for height, reach and rake are located in the fascia's centre stack. Standard features include power-assisted and speed-sensitive steering, height-adjustable head restraints and seat belts, front and rear cup holders as well as a remote release for the fuel lid.

A four-cylinder, 1.6-litre, DOHC unit with continuously variable valve timing – engine that is the same as that in the sedan - is in the Sporty hatch. It has assured 82kW at 6000rpm and peak torque of 145Nm. However, as regards toxicity emissions, the Hyundai catalytic converter was not detailed. But we can expect a good one for this additional model in the range.

Anderson continued that the engine was designed and developed by Hyundai and is claimed to be tough and a technologically advanced unit with a bold, cast-iron block and aluminum cylinder head. Part of the package is a five-speed manual gearbox.

Anti-lock and electronic pressure distribution is present in the front disc and rear drum brakes. There is also a transponder immobilizer, remote control for the door locks and a full-sized spare wheel.