2003 HYUNDAI Accent 4 Doors 1.5L 5MT FWD (102 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Hyundai pushed the pedal and introduced a facelifted version for the Accent’s second generation after just three years since the model’s introduction, in 2000.

One of the most appreciated versions of the stable came in a four-door sedan shape, which was complemented by the three-door and the five-door hatchback. Yet, the sedan was the one that made many customers ditch in their pockets to get it home.

While the bio-design era was gone and most carmakers started to sharpen up the lines and shapes of their cars, Hyundai took an opposite path. The Accent’s headlights were not as angular-looking as the former ones, and the sharp edges were converted into curves. At the back, the taller taillights were requested by the drivers, who feared that the smaller ones were not visible enough.

For the facelifted version, it looks like the entire design team worked on the exterior, and there was no one left for the interior. The only major change was for the instrument cluster, where the carmaker changed the layout for the coolant temperature and fuel level gauges. Like the 2000 model year, the sedan provided limited room for the rear passengers. There was no improvement in that area.

Under the hood, Hyundai made an important step and installed a newly developed 1.5-liter turbodiesel engine. Other engine choices included the already known 1.3-liter and, as a full-version, the 1.6-liter unit that provided 105 hp. For the latter, the carmaker offered a 4-speed automatic transmission.