Hyundai: Upstaged by siblings

Hyundai. Photo / Supplied

Hyundai chief operating officer Tom Ruddenklau has a novel take on Europe's woes. He's convinced if the euro goes down the tubes, the resulting drop in demand for new cars will free up supply for New Zealand.

What's new

Meantime, he ended 2011 by launching the newest Accent sedan and hatch, forcing a niche below Elantra sedan and between its i20 and i30 siblings; larger than Yaris, smaller than Corolla. Climbing the Hyundai model tree will feel more natural once the next, bigger, pricier i30 arrives but, for now, it's an embarrassment of compact riches in Hyundai showrooms.

The company line

With final year figures still coming, Hyundai's on track for an increase in year-on-year sales of over 20 per cent, but Ruddenklau says he could have sold more cars had stock been available. He's not worried a free-falling euro would cause sufficient ructions in the NZ market to prevent Europe-sourced stock from selling.

What we say

Accent is smart enough and will suit those happy with reliable, if basic, bread-and-butter motoring, with generous specification, including six airbags and stability control part of the five-star crash-test rating, 16-inch alloy wheels, and Bluetooth for $31,990. The Elite adds extras like a reversing camera plus sensors and push button start for $35,990 - though there's no cruise control.

However, the solid specification might not sway those seeking a more involving drive or better-quality materials.

Hyundai may have to cut its cloth to suit a new industry landscape in 2012, with Japanese rivals free of tsunami-affected plant closures and back with renewed supply chains and a thirst for sales.

On the road

Our brief launch drive suggested Accent is uninspiring on the go, partly because of over-relaxed performance from a 1.6-litre 91kW/156Nm petrol engine which needs more pep. It's not helped by the four-speed auto that boasts over-crude changes in gear and a sad tendency to hunt up and down when you just want to accelerate. Those not frightened by self-shifters can get a five-speed manual on special order (six-speed for the 1.6-litre 94kW/260Nm diesel I wasn't able to try), which may solve the problem for $1500 less.

Perhaps it was a mistake for Hyundai to use Accent's launch to showcase the sharp-looking Veloster hatch due to launch early 2012 from $49,990, or the smart, refined i40 wagon arriving soon from $49,990, for both overshadowed the launch star.

Why you'll buy oneYou're a fleet manager and it ticks your boxes.

Why you won'tLacklustre performance trumps handsome looks.