Review: Hyundai LC Accent (2000-06)

Review: Hyundai LC.I Accent (2000-03)

Overview

Released in May 2000, the Hyundai LC Series I (LC.I) Accent was available as a three- or five-door hatchback or four-door sedan. Manufactured in Ulsan, South Korea, the Accent was powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission. The Accent was available in GL, GS and GLS variants – the full range is given in the table below.

G4EC ‘Alpha’ engine

The 1.5-litre G4EC ‘Alpha’ engine had a cast iron block, an alloy cylinder head, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, a knock sensor and a compression ratio of 10.0:1.

Dimensions and suspension

Compared to its X3 Excel predecessor, the LC Accent hatchbacks were 97 mm longer (at 4200 mm), 50 mm wider (1670 mm), 1 mm taller (1395 mm) and had a 40 mm longer wheelbase (2440 mm). Relative to the hatchbacks, the sedan models were 35 mm longer (at 4235 mm). The Accent had MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the LC.I Accent included a driver’s airbag and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters; a front passenger airbag was also available as an option.

Features: Accent GL and GS

Standard features for the Accent GL included a four speaker sound system with radio, cassette player and immobiliser. Beyond this, the Accent GLS added air conditioning, central locking and power windows and mirrors.

The range-topping Accent GS was differentiated by its 14-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift, white-faced gauges and rear spoiler.

2001 Accent Sprint and Lifestyle editions

In July 2001, limited run Sprint and Lifestyle edition models were released. The GL and GLS were both available in Sprint editions, with these models featuring alloy wheels, a CD player, rear spoiler and Sprint badging. Lifestyle editions were available for each of the variants and added a CD player and air conditioning to the standard features.

Review: Hyundai LC.II Accent (2003-06)

Overview

Released in March 2003, the Hyundai LC Series II (LC.II) introduced a revised range, new 1.6-litre G4ED Alpha engines with lower gear ratios, greater refinement and a subtle facelift. The Accent range was initially reduced to the three-door GL hatch with the GS and GLS variants discontinued. The five-door hatchback returned in May 2003, but sales to the general public only recommenced in 2004.

Visually, the LC.II Accent could be identified by its bonnet creases, black grille and boot lip; inside, there was a ‘metal flake’centre stack finish, tachometer, separate retractable cup holders, multi-weave seat fabrics and height adjustable rear head restraints. Handling was also improved with the introduction of wider, 14-inch 185/60 tyres.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the LC.II Accent included a driver’s airbag, front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters and anti-submarining front seat pans and rear seat ramps; an optional ‘Extra Safety Pack’added ABS and a front passenger airbag. From September 2003, however, a front passenger airbag was made standard.

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , a three-door LC.II Accent hatch received a three star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 18.95. In the offset crash test, protection from serious leg and foot injury was marginal for the driver. Furthermore, there was a high risk of serious chest injury in the side impact test.

Features

Standard features for the Accent GL included a four speaker sound system with CD player and MP3-compatibility, air conditioning, rear fog light, 60/40 split and folding rear seats and immobiliser.

September 2003: Accent update

In September 2003, standard features were extended to include remote central locking, power windows, power mirrors and an alarm; the driver’s seat was also revised for greater adjustment (i.e. height and forward edge tilt). Visually, these models could be identified by their cloth trim door inserts, rear registration plate garnish and body-coloured mirrors, door handles and side protection mouldings.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Hyundai LC Accent