Redesigned Hyundai Accent grows slightly, takes on siblings' look

TORONTO -- The 2018 redesign of the Hyundai Accent brings the subcompact sedan’s styling into line with the brand’s other offerings.

The Accent, which made its world debut today at the Canadian International Auto Show, features a grille, headlights and wraparound taillights similar to other recently redesigned models in the Hyundai lineup such as the Elantra GT, unveiled earlier this month in Chicago.

The new Accent, 0.6 inch longer and 1.14 inches wider than its predecessor, is set to hit showroom floors in the fourth quarter in the U.S. and Canada. A five-door version of the Accent will be available for sale at Canadian dealerships in early 2018.

“The Accent five-door will be tailored specifically for the needs of Canadians,” Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. CEO Don Romano said at a press event today.

Pricing for the 2018 model was not immediately available.

The Accent comes with a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder 132 hp engine and a six-speed transmission. The new model has improved its fuel economy by 7 percent over its predecessor, according to Hyundai.

It is equipped with a back-up camera and has options for a 7-inch touchscreen display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as an optional autonomous emergency braking system.

The redesign comes following a strong 2016 for the model in the U.S., even in a weak market for new cars. Hyundai sold 79,766 Accents in the U.S. last year, up 30 percent from 2015.

Canadian sales in 2016 dipped slightly to 19,198 units, a drop of 0.9 percent from the year prior.