The 2012 Hyundai Accent is a complete overhaul of last year’s model. It is sold in sedan and five-door hatchback body styles with six-speed transmissions (manual and Shiftronic), more standard safety features and more advanced technologies, including a new direct-injection four-cylinder engine. Fuel economy is 30mpg city and 40 highway, on regular unleaded, according to the manufacturers.

Size-wise, the sedan is 3.5 inches longer but 62 pounds lighter than its predecessor. The aluminum engine (same 1.6-litre displacement as before), with plastic intake manifold, is 40 pounds lighter. Fifty-nine per cent of the car is made up of light but stiff high- or ultra-high-strength steel.

Overall interior space pushes its dimensions into the compact segment. Competitors are many, including the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Nissan Versa, Mazda2 and Toyota Yaris.

On sale now in the US, the sedan starts at US$13,205 or US$14,955 with the comfort package, which adds air conditioning; power windows; an upgraded audio system with iPod-USB inputs; cloth door inserts; and body colour mirrors and door handles. The sedan with Shiftronic, US$15,955, includes the comfort package. But to get Bluetooth and conveniences such as remote locking, a fabric upgrade, a sliding armrest storage box and alloy wheels requires the automatic with premium package, US$17,255.

The hatchback, sold in GS and SE trims, has starting prices that range from US$15,355 to US$17,555.

Standard safety features include six air bags; four-wheel disc brakes with ABS; electronic brake-force distribution; brake assist; electronic stability; and traction controls and active front head restraints.

All doors open wide, and the driver area, with a height-adjustable seat, is simple and readable. Hyundai offers an optional but must-have centre console box with a sliding, fabric-topped armrest.

The back seat is comfy enough, with foot room under the front seats and headroom for a 6-foot-2 male.

A 60/40 split folding seat is standard.

Hyundai addressed wind noise with such treatments as dual door seals, a sound-absorbent roof, foam in the roof pillars and a wheel-well liner to blunt noise from stones thrown by the tires.

The 138-hp engine is nearly silent at idle and doesn’t sound strangled when pressed for passing power. The Shiftronic, with gated shifter, integrates hill-start assist to prevent rollback when starting on an incline.

At local Hyundai dealer Key Motors, the Accent, which will be launched here later this year, is the same as the US model.

“Its only that we will order the right-hand-drive vehicle and the options may differ depending on price point,” said sales representative Mario Ffyffe.

In addition Ffyffe said the new Accent will be available here in either 1.6 Litre or 1.5 Litre, depending on order.

— Mark Maynard & Auto