2001 Hyundai Accent i review from UK and Ireland

One piece of trim around the front bumper needed re-gluing (warranty fix).

Control buttons on clock very stiff, clock replaced under warranty.

Performance is adequate rather than brilliant, but for a 1.3 it's quite nippy. Runs out of acceleration a bit past 65-70mph.

Interior a bit cheap and plasticky, but seems well put together with no rattles, although the drivers seat does squeak a bit (maybe due to my fat backside!!!)

Nice and easy to drive, great clutch and gearchange, steering is light and responsive, lacks a bit of feel though and grip is a bit lacking in the wet.

Brakes good, but a bit soft -- lots of braking power at high speeds, but not much assistance compared with some more modern designs.

Some nice design touches, such as the rubberised rear bumper covering around the hatch area to protect the paintwork, and the cup-holder mechanism on the dashboard. The car seems very logically set out to me as well.

Paintwork is very good. I can't see any blemishes on my car.

Car seems to be very reliable, but there is one complaint I have -- it isn't very refined. *All* Accents and Kia Rios I've driven seem to be the same -- not much sound-proofing, and the gearbox whines slowing down in second. It isn't severe, but it is annoying unless you put it out of your mind.

Overall, for the money, I'm happy.