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2007 HYUNDAI ACCENT GS AND SE ARRIVE
35 Custom Accessories Will Enable Accent Owners to Personalize their Vehicle

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., November 1, 2005 – Hyundai Motor America unveiled the 2007 Accent SE three-door at the 2005 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show today. Poised for even greater popularity, the new 2007 Accent three-door model (available in GS and SE trim) complements the all-new 2006 Accent GLS four-door, which will go on sale this November. The Accent GS and SE three-door models arrive next spring at Hyundai showrooms across the U.S.

With more than 35 custom accessories being developed, buyers will be able to modify Accent GS and SE to suit their individual style.

Redefines compact cars
“Our all-new Accent lineup is going to set the pace in the compact segment,” said Bob Cosmai, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. “Consumers will be blown away by the amount of substance and standard safety features found in this new model."

The three-door Accent GS and SE overcome consumers’ preconceived notions of compromised performance, comfort and safety in an economy car. Six airbags and standard antilock brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) provide segment-leading safety for all passengers. The class-leading 110-horsepower (est.)*, 1.6-liter DOHC in-line four-cylinder engine with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT), sport-tuned suspension and 16-inch alloy wheels with P205/45VR16 tires (SE model) enhance the car’s fun-to-drive character. Accent GS and SE have the most interior volume in the segment at 108.1 cu. ft.* and more standard features than Chevrolet Aveo and Kia Rio.

“There is a renewed interest in tuning and accessorizing compact cars, and Accent defies the laws of economy in this very competitive segment,” said John Krafcik, vice president, Product Development and Strategic Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “The Accent GS and SE are fun-to-drive, affordable sport compacts right out of the box and they will have more personalization accessories available than the Scion xA.”

Personalization
Vehicle personalization is a growing trend, increasingly important to new car buyers. According to SEMA, drivers spend $31 billion annually on specialty appearance items and performance parts. Hyundai plans to offer more than 35 Accent accessories at launch, as dealer- or port-installed add-ons, enabling buyers to make their Accent unique. The accessories will include a ground effects kit, cold air intake system, Kenwood MP3 satellite-ready radio, aluminum pedals and doorsills, iPOD holder, chrome exhaust tip and many others. Factory-installed personalization options include a 220-watt, AM/FM/6-CD changer premium audio system with six-speakers and Accent’s first power sunroof.

Design
Externally, the Accent GS and SE reflect Hyundai’s sleek, confident design direction, borrowing from the aerodynamic, clean look of the E3 concept car unveiled at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show. Up front, the vehicle features a bold bodycolor grille and aerodynamic halogen headlights. Bodycolored exterior mirrors and door handles complement the sporty styling. Sleek character lines continue to the rear of the vehicle. Accent SE’s high-performance V-rated P205/45R16 tires and lightweight five-spoke aluminum wheels provide terrific handling and a big dose of street credibility. A long wheelbase and higher seating positions increase the spacious feeling of the interior. A rear spoiler and wiper are standard on all three-door Accents.

Class-leading Engine
Starting with the 2006 models, all Accents have newfound power under their hoods with a 1.6-liter DOHC in-line four-cylinder engine that features four valves per cylinder with CVVT. The DOHC and CVVT combination helps to give the engine a very broad powerband, coupled with high fuel efficiency and low emissions.

With the better-breathing CVVT performance has improved; horsepower now peaks at 110 (est.) at 6000 rpm (an almost six percent increase), and torque is 106 lb.-ft. (est.) at 4500 rpm. These numbers put the Accent at the top of its class in terms of horsepower.

Besides the added performance it provides, CVVT also helps the engine operate more cleanly, and for 2007 the Accent is expected to be certified as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV). Part of the Alpha engine family, the Accent’s powerplant is a tough and technologically advanced unit that features a rigid cast-iron block and lightweight aluminum cylinder head. Engineered for the long haul, the Alpha is backed by a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.

Two Transmission Choices
For peak performance, the Accent GS and SE come standard with a five-speed manual transmission that has lower gearing for quicker acceleration and a more sporty personality. Also available is an optional four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive lock-up torque converter to maximize fuel economy at highway speeds.

Capable Suspension
The 2007 Accent’s body bending stiffness is up 39 percent from the last generation model. This stiff architecture allows the all-new, affordable Accent to deliver a comfortable ride and responsive handling thanks to a front MacPherson strut suspension with coil springs and gas shock absorbers, and a coupled torsion beam rear suspension with coil springs and gas shock absorbers. A 21.0-mm diameter front stabilizer bar helps reduce body roll when cornering, and tunes the Accent’s at-the-limit handling for maximum predictability. Rack-and-pinion steering with engine-RPM sensing assist makes for low-effort maneuvering around town, combined with a secure feel at high speed. The SE trim delivers even more road-holding capability with a sport-tuned suspension.

Larger Interior
The Accent three-door’s larger silhouette pays comfort dividends inside, with the most interior volume (passenger and cargo) in its class. The total interior volume has increased to 108.1 cubic feet, giving the Accent three-door an unexpectedly spacious feel and besting the all-new 2006 Honda Civic coupe by 14.9 cubic feet. The driver’s seating position has been raised two inches, compared to the 2005 Accent, for better comfort and the higher eyepoint that most drivers prefer. Rear passengers enjoy class-leading 53.1 inches of rear shoulder room and the 2007 Accent three-door features class-leading cargo volume of 15.9 cubic feet compared to 2006 model year competitors.

A powerful 172-watt AM/FM/CD audio system is standard, and features a built-in equalizer and large-format head unit with easy-to-use controls. A total of six speakers are positioned throughout the interior; one in each front door, a pair in the rear and two high-mounted tweeters to help add audio clarity and detail.

Class-leading Safety Features
The new Accent perfectly illustrates Hyundai’s devotion to passenger safety. In accident-avoidance features, the Accent bests competitors with powerful four-wheel disc brakes as standard equipment (old-school drum rear brakes are common in this market segment). A four-sensor, four-channel anti-lock brake system (ABS) is also standard. By independently modulating the brake pressure applied to each brake caliper, the Accent’s ABS helps the driver maintain vehicle steering control in slippery conditions and in emergency maneuvers. Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) is integrated into the ABS, automatically adjusting the braking force to front and rear axles based on the vehicle loading conditions.

In the event of a collision, the Accent is well equipped to protect its passengers. In low speed impacts, the Accent’s five-mph front and rear bumpers help minimize damage. In harder collisions, its steel unibody structure is engineered to dissipate crash energy as its crumple zones deform, while bodyside reinforcements help maintain the integrity of the passenger compartment. Hood buckling creases and safety stops help control the deformation of the hood in a frontal collision.

Inside, there’s an energy absorbing steering column, and all five seating positions feature three-point seatbelts and adjustable headrests. The rear head restraints are shingle-style for improved visibility. The front seatbelts have pretensioners and load limiters. A child seat LATCH system in the rear seat area provides a safe and secure place for kids.

A total of six airbags work in concert with the restraint systems to provide an additional line of defense in frontal and side collisions. There are two advanced frontal airbags, plus two front seat-mounted side-impact airbags. Two roof-mounted side-curtain airbags help protect the front and outboard rear passengers in side impacts. The Accent three-door’s complete suite of airbags is standard—a significant advantage over competitors like Chevrolet Aveo and Scion

Quality and Value
Taken in total, the Accent’s many strengths make it the clear value leader in its segment. Class-leading safety technologies give it an important edge, and the Accent delivers more standard features than Aveo or Rio. It’s got the most interior volume (passengers and cargo) among its rivals making it remarkably comfortable. Plus, the most powerful engine in the class provides responsive performance, and is another important asset.

Accent GS
In keeping with Hyundai’s high-value approach to standard equipment, the Accent GS not only looks good, it also has a remarkable array of desirable features. To accompany the sporty charcoal interior, the 172-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers enhances the driving pleasure. Large, legible analog instrumentation keeps the driver informed, while a tilt steering wheel and an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat with fold-down armrest insure long-haul comfort. Convenient storage areas are placed throughout the interior, including the front center console, driver storage tray, front seatback pockets, and door storage pockets in the front doors. Each front door storage pocket can also accommodate a beverage bottle, plus there are two more cupholders in front. A 60/40-split fold-down rear seatback makes it easy to load large objects, or to mix cargo and passengers for maximum effectiveness.

Standard features are comprehensive and not typically found in this segment, including two-speed variable intermittent wipers, rear wiper, rear spoiler, driver and passenger illuminated vanity mirrors, cabin air filtration, rear window defroster, tachometer, digital clock, two 12-volt outlets, and remote hood and fuel filler-door releases. To minimize sunlight glare, all Accents come standard with a windshield shade band.

Accent SE
The sport-oriented Accent SE takes value to a new level. SE features air conditioning, power windows with front illuminated switches, driver’s window auto-down feature, power door locks, remote keyless entry with alarm and panic alert, and heated power-adjustable exterior mirrors. On the outside, the 16-inch alloy wheels and P205/45VR16 tires deliver road-holding capability, and fog lights keep the driver’s path illuminated in adverse weather. The SE trim is equipped with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. To complete the driving experience, the Accent SE features a sport-tuned suspension. A power sunroof option is available as a standalone option, and Sun & Sound Package combines a 220-watt premium audio system with AM/FM/cassette/six-disc in-dash CD changer with equalizer and amplifier and a power sunroof.

Warranty
The all-new 2006 Hyundai Accent is protected by the Hyundai Advantage, America's Best Warranty™. Coverage includes five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection, 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, and seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation coverage. In addition, Accent buyers receive 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at no extra charge for five years (no mileage limit) and that service includes emergency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses. There is no deductible on any of these coverages. Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai cars and sport utility vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 670 dealerships nationwide.

*Based on the 2006 segment comparison