2006 Hyundai Accent First Drive
Hyundai?s redesigned compact sedan accentuates safety and unexpected amenities © 2009 Autobytel Inc. All rights reserved.
Written By: MyRide.com
Reprinted under license.

La Jolla, Calif. - In most every aspect of daily life, evolution and revolution perform a delicately balanced tightrope act. People are constantly trying to better themselves and expand their horizons while staying true to core values, religious groups grapple between pop culture and tradition, and society adapts to computer screens and blackberries taking the place of face-to-face communication. Making relevance and uniqueness coexist is a challenge, one that is on the mind of automotive executives like those at Hyundai.
Over the years, Hyundai has transformed from a company that offered one inferior small car into a powerhouse that sells near-luxury cars like the Azera and capable SUVs such as the Santa Fe and Tucson. There's also the 2006 Accent, the company's entry-level small car, a totally redesigned model that best demonstrates Hyundai's continued commitment to one of its main goals - offering customers capable cars that are well-backed and affordably priced.
Many automakers have attempted to spread their reach to each slice of the car buying pie, though inexpensive compact cars have received little attention because they are usually unprofitable. Until now, that is. Hyundai claims that most shoppers who check out the 2006 Accent will be first-time buyers or those looking for a second car, but with gas prices as high as they are, buyers across the demographic scale are considering smaller, more fuel-efficient cars. Regardless of what draws them in, individuals contemplating the purchase of an Accent will find a car with a strong focus on safety, economy, and unexpected creature comforts.