Car History: Hyundai Accent
Known for its innovative car line-ups, Hyundai has made its name in the automotive industry. Since its inception, the company has rolled out models with state-of-the-art features and driving dynamics. That said, adding the Hyundai Accent to the compact sedan line-up is one such example.
The Hyundai Accent was launched in 1994 to replace the Hyundai Excel 1995 model. Throughout the history of the Hyundai Accent, it has gone through multiple modifications. Since then, it has made its place in the sub-compact car segment. Here are some known facts about the Hyundai Accent’s history and its progress through the years.
Hyundai Accent Generations
Hyundai was still new in the automotive market when the initial generations of Accent rolled out. To make its mark in the industry, Hyundai remodelled the Accent over the years. Currently, the model is in its fifth generation.
Here is the history of the Hyundai Accent and how it has evolved to this day.
HYUNDAI ACCENT FIRST GENERATION (1994-1999)
The first generation of the Hyundai Accent was introduced in the 1995 model year as a replacement for the Hyundai Excel. It was offered in two body types: three-door coupe and four-door sedan. Accent GT was an important model in the Hyundai Accent’s history and was launched in 1996. Its exterior housed fog lamps, a front air dam and a rear spoiler.

The first-generation Accent was powered by a 1.5 -litre four-cylinder engine. It came paired with a five-speed manual transmission and an optional four-speed automatic transmission.
HYUNDAI ACCENT SECOND GENERATION (2000-2005)
The second-generation Accent was available in two body types: a three and five-door hatchback and a four-door sedan. The front fascia featured a wide grille with vertical slits and angular headlights. The wheelbase was extended to 96 inches.

Due to the extended wheelbase, the cabin space of the car became much more spacious. A standard AC unit and front power windows were added.
The engines offered included:
- A 1.3-litre engine which generated 86 hp
- A 1.5-litre engine with 90 hp
Both engines were paired with a five-speed manual transmission.
HYUNDAI ACCENT SECOND GENERATION FACELIFT (2003)
The Hyundai Accent’s second generation received a facelift in 2003. The tail lights were made taller while the size of the reversing lights decreased. Moreover, the exterior adopted a curved look as compared to the old Accent.
The engine options available for the facelifted version included:
- A 1.3-litre engine which produced 84 hp. It was available with a four-speed automatic and a five-speed manual transmission.
- A 1.5-litre engine generated 102 hp. It was mated with a five-speed manual transmission.
- A 1.6-litre engine which produced 105 hp. It was paired with a four-speed automatic and a five-speed manual transmission.
HYUNDAI ACCENT THIRD GENERATION (2006-2011)
By the time the third generation was introduced, Accent had become Hyundai’s best-selling product. The car adorned a simple, curved exterior with rounded edges. The wheelbase was extended to 98 inches.

The interior was offered with grey upholstery and door panels. It also included a 6-speaker CD stereo, height-adjustable seat belts and power door locks.
The models of the Hyundai Accent new generation were powered by the following engines:
- A 1.4-litre engine with 97 hp
- A 1.6-litre engine with 112 hp
Both engines were paired with a four-speed automatic and five-speed manual transmission.
HYUNDAI ACCENT FOURTH GENERATION (2012-2016)
The fourth-generation Hyundai Accent was introduced under different names for various markets. It was offered as a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback.
The interior was upgraded with an improved infotainment system, power windows and remote keyless entry. In addition, heated side mirrors and upgraded air conditioning were also added.

The fourth-generation Hyundai Accent models were powered by the following engines:
- A 1.4-litre VVT engine with a five-speed manual transmission. It generated 107 hp.
- A 1.6-litre inline-4 engine with a four-speed automatic and five-speed manual transmission. It came with a direct fuel injection and generated 123 hp.
- The 1.6-litre was upgraded and came paired with a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. It produced 138 hp.
HYUNDAI ACCENT FIFTH GENERATION (2017- PRESENT)
The fifth and current generation of the Hyundai Accent was launched in 2017. The hatchback body style was discontinued for this generation. The exterior is enhanced by a big grille and swept-back headlights. LED headlights and taillights are also added to give the car an elegant look.
The interior features a digital dashboard with a five-inch thin-film-transistor TFT display on the centre console. There is also a seven-inch infotainment system screen, a USB port and four audio speakers.

The engine options include:
- A 1.6-litre engine mated with a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. It generates 130 hp.
- A 1.6-litre Smartstream engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission. It produces 120 hp.
The fifth-generation Accent comes with the following safety features:
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
- Advanced airbags and crash protection
- Electronic stability control (ESC)
- 6-airbag system
These were the details and specs of the Hyundai Accent history. From a spacious interior to comfortable drivability, this car offers all. Therefore, if you want to avail these features, you can go through these used Hyundai Accent cars for sale in the UAE.
Moreover, if you are interested in other car models of this make, here are used Hyundai cars for sale in the UAE that you can sift through.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on different Hyundai Accent models.