1996 Hyundai Accent Coupe Si from UK and Ireland - Comments

I had the Crankshaft Position Sensor replaced, as sometimes the car wouldn't start, (although it would ALWAYS start eventually) I suspected this was actually a bad connection, as fiddling with it always started the car, but I had it replaced anyway, which cost around £30.

This car is great fun to drive around. It's not the most refined car, or the quietest, but the controls give lots of feedback (my model does not have Power Steering) you can be confident in what the car is doing because of that, this is something I absolutely love, and when driving more modern cars I hate the numb, anesthetized and downright boring feeling they have! Some may find the clutch a little on the heavy side though.

The engine is a 1.3 (1341cc) Multi-Point Injection, 12-Valve SOHC engine. It is pretty fast for its size, sounds great when you rev it high (from 4000rpm on-wards) and is pretty quiet down low (below 3000rpm) It produces plenty of torque low down (peak at 3000rpm) and responds very well to throttle inputs. You don't have to put your foot far down to make it start responding, it's brilliant around town. The only problem is that it lacks overtaking power on A-Roads, and Motorways / Duel-Carriageways; when a Van or other vehicle is doing say, ~50MPH on an A-Road and its only straight for a little while, you won't be overtaking them, needs a good straight (unless you enjoy taking risks!) and you'll need 3rd Gear for definite and your foot to be on the floor. But when you do overtake, the engine loves being revved; peak power is at 5500rpm and it sounds brilliant.

Interior is quite cheap looking! Its gray or black plastic everywhere although the layout of the buttons is quite easy to get the hang of, nothing is in a silly position, although it may take some getting used to. Indicators and Lights are on the right-hand stalk on the steering wheel, Washers and Wipers are on the left, Rear-washer and wiper is on the centre console! Weird! And the Electric Window switches are between the seats, behind the handbrake, which I find a bit weird, but many other cars are also like this. Steering wheel is quite large, but makes parking easier as it has no Power Assist. Seating is OK, drivers seat has height and lumbar adjust, as well as the normal reclining etc, but I would prefer it to be a bit more

Excellent, informative review. I have been offered a fantastic deal on a 1.3i Accent and was in two minds about whether to go for it, but thanks to you my mind is now made up. I'm pleased you mentioned the car's ability to fit bikes in the back, as I was also looking for somewhere to put mine! Thanks very much mate.