The Accent's engine is a revised version of Hyundai's own "Alpha" twin camshaft, 16-valve, 1.5-litre, four-cylinder engine The 1.5-litre engine produces its 76kW at 5800rpm, an improvement over the Excel version that produced 74kW at 6000rpm Fuel consumption is also better than the Excel. Official figures indicate a highway cycle of 5.0L/100km (5.4 in the Excel) while the city figure is 7.4L/100km (Excel 7.6).

The Accent is available in three and five-door hatchback form, as well as a four-door sedan The Accent provides three cupholders - two detachable-style in the instrument panel and one at the rear of the centre console Accent hatch is 97mm longer, 50mm wider and runs on a 40mm longer wheelbase than the Excel Engine noise is reduced by measures such as hydraulic engine mounts and new, larger sub-mufflers The five-speed manual transmission uses slightly higher fourth and fifth ratios for improved fuel economy.

The Accent's four-speed automatic transmission is programmed to "learn" the driver's style through a new fuzzy logic electronic control system.

Driver airbags are standard on all Accent modelsFront and rear doors are fitted with two intrusion beams The brake system uses improved ventilated front disc rotors with larger callipers, a larger power booster and wider rear brake shoes The front seat head restraint angles were changed to assist in minimising whiplash injury from rear collisions A new polyethylene fuel tank provides improved resistance to fire or puncture damage The Accent's suspension is by independent MacPherson struts at the front, with an independent multi-link strut system at the rear An engine immobiliser with rolling codes is standard on all Accent models The steering column is adjustable for tilt Hyundai has released a body kit for the Accent 3-door which comprises front and rear bumper bib extensions, rear wing with integral brake light side sill skirts The kit comes fully painted and fitted from $1795 Side sill skirts for 5-door and 4-door Accents will also soon be available