2012 Hyundai Accent SE Hatchback: An Affordable, Practical Subcompact

Highlight:  The entry-level Accent three-door hatchback has been discontinued for the 2012 model year.

Test vehicle’s MSRP: $16,925 (base GLS model starts at $13,320)

Seating Capacity: 4 occupants (2 adults front, 2 small kids rear)

Standard Safety Features: electronic stability control with traction control; ABS; front side impact airbag; side curtain airbags; front seatbelt pretensioner; a tire pressure monitoring system; and active front head restraints

Standard Equipment SE: 16-inch tires; air condition; steering wheel control; power windows; power door locks; remote keyless entry; leather wrapped tilt steering column; sliding front center armrest with storage box; front foglights; cloth manual adjustable seats; and a
rear spoiler

Trim Levels:

GLS (sedan)
GS (five door hatchback)
SE (five door hatchback)

Standard Audio: a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD with a MP3 and a 90-day subscription to XM satellite radio

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder/138-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 30-city/40-hwy

What’s New: Hyundai rolls into the 2012 model year with a redesign Accent. With the new design, Hyundai engineers also made tweaks underneath the hood, offering a new, fuel-efficient 1.6-liter engine with a 6-speed transmission.

Pros: Besides its sister vehicle, the Kia Rio, the Hyundai Accent SE is one of the best buys in the subcompact category, offering a best-in-class new-vehicle (and powertrain warranty), an adjustable front center armrest, a XM satellite radio subscription and automatic headlights.

And besides this subcompact being loaded with content, buyers can look forward to this roomy subcompact offering comfortable front seats along with ample cargo space, especially when the rear seats are folded down.

     

Cons: When a vehicle is prices at under $17,000 these days, there isn’t much to gripe about, except the fact that the Accent hatchback we reviewed lacked a cargo cover light and illuminated vanity mirrors.

2010 Ford Mustang Convertible: A Sports Car for All Seasons

What’s New:

The Mustang (convertible) has been refreshed for the 2010 model year, adding a new muscular exterior design, an upgraded instrument panel, bigger wheels, a refined suspension system and more horsepower in the 8-cylinder engine. Yes, even the pony badge on the grille is all-new. This is the Mustang’s first new emblem, since the sports car was introduced in 1964.

Must Have Goodies:

The convertible is available in five trim packages: a base 6-cylinder, a premium 6-cylinder, a base (GT) 8-cylinder, a premium (GT) 8-cylinder and the monstrous 540-horsepower GT 500. With either engine choice, the vehicle is available in an automatic or manual transmission. We strongly recommend stepping up to the GT package, which includes the throaty 8-cylinder engine.

To add to the muscular appearance, the Mustang is now available with 19-inch wheels this year on the GT and 18-inch wheels on the 6-cylinder. And if your vehicle is equipped with the rear-backup camera, it’s now integrated into the rear spoiler.

We also recommend opting for the SIRIUS Satellite Radio and the voice-activated SIRUS Travel Link system. The integrated SIRIUS Travel Link works in conjunction with the navigation system, providing real-time traffic information, weather information, gas prices and nearby stations, live sports scores and schedules, and movie times with theater locations. This subscription-based feature is not available in the base 6-cylinder.

Furthermore, the sporty Mustang maybe outfitted with cloth or leather seats – depending on the trim package. Moreover, springing for an additional $3,000 can get you into the premium package, which includes such features as a power driver’s seat and a 500-watt audio system with an AM/FM stereo with a 6-disc CD/MP3 player and 8 speakers. If the current system doesn’t provide enough boom, while you have the top dropped, an optional 1000-watt system with 10 speakers are available in the GT package.