Oriental-Hyundai Sdn Bhd is a firmly established outfit in the automotive scene with a long history of being a leader in the market place. Together with their marketing arm Kah Bintang Sdn Bhd, this group has been in the forefront of the automotive industry for quite a number of years. It is diverse in both upstream and downstream activities that include even the plantation industry in Indonesia. In addition, it will easily be one of the four leading groups in the motor industry and the years of experience acquired has led them to being well established.

The first generation Accent was launched way back in 1975 and it has always been considered as the entry level model for the Hyundai brand. This model is a facelift of the 6th generation Accent that was first launched in 2006. It is another global model for the brand that now comes with even more refinement and therefore the tagline ‘An Accent like no other’. Although it is only considered entry level, it ups the antae by offering the features which are normally found in the 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre segments. This is not at all surprising due to the current trend among all the automotive brands meaning, the traditional model segments are merging to offer the best for the customers. It also boasts of impressive fuel consumption.

In terms of market presence, a total of 48 sales outlets comprising of 14 branches and the balance 50% 3S centres are available. There are also 42 authorised service outlets throughout Malaysia and it includes the latest 3S centre in Puchong. This will be reassuring for fleet customers who are always concerned about efficient and effective after sales back-up services.

The stance of this new Accent is much higher compared to its predecessor to offer a higher seating position which results in better all round view for the driver and easy entry. A new radiator grille supports the appealing frontal and the flushed bumper profile design. The rear is also given a decent make-over with well proportioned rear combination lamps. A feature that will make heads turn is the chrome exhaust muffler incorporated into the rear bumper. The global fuel price concern is now very evident locally and this has caused many companies to take another look at their fleet in terms personnel and their entitlement. This Accent is very appealing to those in the middle management level besides the professionals and businessmen. To add sporty touch, there is a rear spoiler and side skirting.

One of the hidden secrets of this Accent is its interior that defies the exterior appearance and proportion. In terms of interior volume it 2.605 m³ which makes it bigger than the Audi A4 and the baby Merc C300. This fact again underlines the fact that this car will more than take on models in a bigger cc category. The two-tone dash with dark top combined with the beige colour bottom makes the interior bright and roomy. The cockpit felt good to go along with the adjustable ‘Avant-Garde’ leather wrapped steering wheel and the leather seats. The twin dial instrument cluster also comes with a multi information display. There is also an array of add-ons to make the occupants comfortable besides the unique reverse talking sensor. The 2-Din stereo sound system has the CD/MP3/WMA/RDS data feature with a USB and Aux-in. A 3.5mm jack is available for direct wire input for mobile phones and iPod. The cargo bay is enough to accommodate at least 2 golf bags and when more space is required, the rear seats have the 60/40 split and foldable feature.

In terms of the oomph, the DOHC 4-in-line 1.6-litre engine is transverse front mounted driving the front wheels. It has the CVVT or Continuously Variable Valve Timing system and rated to deliver peak power of 112 PS at 6000 rpm with the torque of 14.8 kg.m at 4500 rpm. The fuel system in place is the sequential multi-point programmed type. It has a 4-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic and Lock-up torque convertor. The hand shift feel was impressive as it has the Variable Pressure Control System using hydraulic pressure for shifting that varies with the rpm. We found its performance commendable and on our short ride heading down south, it reached 150 km/h at 3300 rpm while the cruising speed of 110 km/h was reached at 3500 rpm. Besides offering a good ride, the engine was very willing and the cabin well insulated from the exterior noise.

As most new models, the body comes on a safety cell concept and in the US NHTSA crash test for frontal collision; it scored the maximum 5 Star for both the passenger and the driver. The body is reinforced further in the front and the side with add-on enhancements. The steering wheel is collapsible and the driver has the airbag with load limiter in addition to 4 channel sensor ABS. The front brakes are disc and the rear drum while the central locking and keyless entry features complete the safety area.

The warranty offered is 50,000 km or 2 years whichever comes first with 3 free service excluding materials. A typical service cost after the 3 years service period is RM226.70 inclusive of semi-synthetic motor oil change and RM349.70 for fully-synthetic oil. The service maintenance package includes inter-alia engine oil, filter and drain nut washer replacement, engine flush, engine treatment, fuel system treatment and inspection with Hyundai’s computerised testing equipment.

The insurers on the panel are Asia Insurance and Lonpac. The motor coverage comes with 100% money back guarantee on the sum insured together with Hyundai’s 24 hours assistance which includes assistance in auto, travel, medical, home and other services. Amongst the other services are free roadside repair, emergency towing services, car replacement service, arrangement for hotel accommodation, information transmission during emergency and emergency travel assistance.

The price on-the-road with insurance RM 73,888 for private registration and RM 74,336.68 for company registration with the colour choice of Sapphire Silver, Sunbeam Silver and Knight Black.

For all further enquiries, call 1 800 88 6822.

All prices quoted valid as per 14 February 2008.