Car Review Hyundai Accent 2024

Review

Short version. Wanted a new car straight from the dealer, but without all the premium-status-overpay-for-the-badge nonsense. Had a Solaris before, drove it to the end, and honestly it just got old. Prices on it now are ridiculous, like it's not budget anymore, almost business class. The 2024 Accent came out cheaper, looked fresher, and most importantly — was available right away. No waiting lists, no «call us in a month». Dropped in, looked, thought for about 20 minutes and said — done, let's sign the papers.

First days after driving it out felt like I'd bought a new toy. Sitting inside, enjoying the new-plastic smell, driving slowly and thinking «damn, it's actually brand new». Compared to my 2018 Solaris this one felt quieter, softer, steering lighter — less effort overall. The digital instrument cluster annoyed me at first — I'm used to needles, kept looking in the wrong place a couple times, misreading the speed. But you adapt quickly. Overall not a massive «wow», more like a calm, sensible upgrade — like getting a new phone, no shock, just pleasant.

In the city it feels completely at home. Small, nimble, doesn't stress in traffic jams, slips through gaps, parking is effortless. Fuel consumption really impressed — normal driving, no aggressive stuff, 5.8–6.2 l/100 km easily. Even in winter never went above 7.5, which is great for a new car. On the highway up to 120 km/h it's fine, steady, relaxed. Beyond that it's the usual — tire noise, wind — but if you don't push autobahn speeds, it's bearable.

Some fun everyday moments. For New Year's we hauled a huge Christmas tree, like 2.5 meters tall. Was ready to tie it on the roof, but folded the rear seats and it fit inside. Branches were sticking out, had to vacuum the interior afterward, but the kids were laughing and saying the car had become «Christmas mode». Later drove my mother-in-law to the airport — bags, suitcase, packages everywhere — crammed it all in. She was genuinely surprised: «I thought there was no space at all in here». Turns out there is.

Of course, not without flaws. Cold start — first couple of minutes the engine runs rough, almost like a slight misfire, then warms up and smooths out. AC isn't perfect — when it's +35°C outside, rear passengers barely feel the cool air and start complaining. Door plastics sometimes creak, especially below -10°C — you really feel the budget nature. Rear seat space is tight — knees almost touching the front seatbacks, tall people complain right away.

Overall, without hype — it's a perfectly normal car for the money. No show-off factor, no wow moments, but also no constant headaches. Starts every day, drives, nothing broken yet (knock on wood), saves on fuel, looks modern. For city, work, dacha — spot on. Not a dream car, but definitely not a regret purchase. For now I'm driving calmly and happy — time will tell what comes next.