Hyundai drops the Accent, stops production
Hyundai Accent Executive
India's second largest passenger car manufacturer, Hyundai Motor India Ltd has stopped the manufacture of its entry-level sedan, the Accent. Launched more than 10 years ago, the Accent captured a significant market thanks to its responsive engine and spacious interiors. It was also offered with a Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDi) engine in later model years, but its popularity has waned in the face of fresh competition within the Hyundai family of products and outside.
Along with the Santro, the Accent was part of Hyundai's original lineup when it began setting foot in the Indian market in the early 2000s. The car was also available in a notchback variant called the Accent Viva. Hyundai stopped sales of the original sedan in 2008, but returned it to duty as the Accent Executive.
An official in Hyundai has confirmed the news. Sales of the sedan have been decreasing in past years due to non-availability of a diesel variant and smash-mouth competition in the sedan segment. The move has also been linked to the launch of new car that will compete in the hatchback segment. The new car will be priced between the i10 and i20 models. "We will be launching our small car both in petrol and diesel variants. The move to phase out the Accent is taken in that direction," another official said. The new car, code-named BA, is being developed by Hyundai in South Korea. The plan is to unveil the car at the Frankfurt auto show in September this year. The car will follow the 'Fluidic' design that defines Hyundai's i20, Verna, Elantra and Sonata models.
The Accent Executive drew power from a 1.5-litre petrol engine that churned out 94PS and 125Nm of torque. Power transmission was via a five-speed manual gearbox. The diesel version of the Accent, sold between 2002 and 2007, was powered by a 1.5-litre rig that produced 82PS and 187Nm of torque coupled mated to a five-speed manual transmission.
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1500cc
Manual
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123
16.36 Kmpl
