My first impression was, hey this car is sleek. Clean lines, and not too boxy like the old one, not that I don't like my car. According to Haji Rahim, Kah Bintang's operation director, the design were slightly altered to give it a trendy and youthful look. In the presentation done especially for THM, yesterday, members were informed of the new CVVT engine with the double over head cam (DOHC) that is the heart of this beauty. According to the fact sheet, the model comes with two capacity, the 1.4 manual transmission and the 1.6 automatic transmission. The maximum power ratio are 95/6,000 and 112/6,000 for 1.4 and 1.6 respectively while the maximum torque are 12.7/4,700 and 14.8/4,500 respectively.

Both models are using sequential multi-point programmed fuel injection with fuel capacity of 45.05 litres. As for the transmission, the 1.4 model uses 5 speed manual transmission and the 1.6 uses electronic 4 speed automatic with grade logic, override and lock-up torque converter. One thing that has been pointed out by Haji Rahim is the new system that has been installed in the new model. The car came with a system that would cut the power from the battery when the engine has been shut down. This is very good for those who often leave their headlamp on after getting up or down the parking lot, so owners don't have to call for town truck or jump started their cars.

Hyundai actually positioning this car as premium sedan car and for that the company made this model more spacious than the older version. The luggage space is more spacious without compromising the passenger's compartment. Like before, the company claimed the new model also fuel saving as per the UK, US and Canadian's reviews.

The new Accent won five stars with the US's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For more info, you could check the website at www.safercar.gov. However, the data that have been gathered on October 25, 2007 is only for 1.6 model. Only the 1.6 model is fitted with airbag, impact sensing door unlock, front height adjustable seatable and near flush pillar mount and front seatbelt pretensioner with force limiter.

Oh, the car REALLY have repeater this time! So no more dummy ugly looking yellow thing on the side of your car. Moving inside, the car did feels like having enough leg room even for tall people like me. The console looks clean, complimenting the cream colour interior. The seats uses leather upholstry. Looking for things inside of the car at night or in dimly lit places is no longer an issue. You not only have one light, but three, including in the glove compartment. I sort of like the feel of the car. The door shuts with a thud, like expensive car would do. The steering is very responsive, though too light, one need to get really familiar to it.

Behind the wheel, what my friend used to say, flashes. He said, driving my Accent, he felt like in a sampan. Like our old Accent, it 'swings' when I did the cornering. But hey, thay's just me. Others may not feel the same. We had the chance to test drive the car, and I did a few spin, though not the too fast too furious style. I think most members did not really pushed the car to the max, because of the space constrains - we did the test drive at the rooftop, four level above ground and in the freaking rain! The breaking is abrupt, though the sound is no music to my ears. I later found out the sound came from the rear drum. Performance wise, is hard to tell since we didn't tested the car on the road. So I don't know how is it like when manouvering, taking REAL corners, over taking and speeding. But will do just that once the car hit the dealers.

The car comes in four colours, but I forgot to asked which one, but one thing for sure you can get black, and two types of silver. It will be yours in a month time and bookings would take about a month. After all, it's brand new, hot from the oven.

Review by: SangDiva