2020 Hyundai Accent Adds CVT, Drops Sedan
Another small car is about to leave the Canadian market. In addition to the Ford Fiesta and Nissan Versa Note, we have just received confirmation from Hyundai that the Accent 4-door sedan will not be back for 2020. However, the more popular Accent 5-door hatchback will continue to be sold here.
Oddly enough, it’s the opposite in the U.S. where the sedan will remain in the lineup, while the hatchback has never been offered since the launch of the new generation.
- Also: The Car Guide’s 2019 Best Buys: Hyundai Accent
- Also: 2020 Hyundai Elantra: Still Good Enough for Bronze
For those still interested in getting their hands on a 2020 Hyundai Accent, which will arrive in Canadian showrooms a bit later this summer, you’ll be pleased to know it’s more efficient than before thanks to a new 1.6-litre Smartstream engine with dual-port injection and a newly available Intelligent Variable transmission (Hyundai’s way of describing its CVT).
Compared with the outgoing 2019 model featuring a direct-injected engine and six-speed autobox, fuel consumption in the city drops from 8.2 to 7.3 L/100 km, which is not insignificant. On average, the 2020 Accent burns 6.7 L/100 km instead of 7.3. What’s more, unlike conventional CVTs, this one simulates gear shifts to make acceleration more pleasant.
On the other hand, power is down from 130 to 120 horsepower, while torque falls from 119 to 133 pound-feet. Who cares, right? Pretty much all Accent customers prefer to save at the pump than enjoy spirited performance. A six-speed manual transmission is still part of the standard equipment and it also sees a drop in fuel consumption, from 7.3 to 7 L/100 km in combined city-highway driving.
Inside, the five-inch colour touchscreen can be replaced by a seven-inch display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. A heated steering wheel, heated front seats, automatic climate control and push-button start are available, as well.
As for pricing, the 2020 Hyundai Accent carries a base MSRP of $14,899, just $300 above the 2019 model. In top-line Ultimate trim, expect to pay $21,599 plus freight and delivery charges.