2006 Hyundai Accent

"They're heeeeyer." We've got to hand it to the Koreans; this year's trio of Hyundai cars (and one Kia) is damned impressive. With its rich interior, standout build quality, and impressive list of standard equipment, the Accent appears poised to dominate the entry-level segment once owned by Japanese automakers. The 2006 Accent comes in one moderately equipped trim and body style, the GLS sedan, starting at a mere $12,000 with few options. Standard safety equipment is far from basic and includes anti-lock brakes, six airbags, front-seatbelt pretensioners, and load limiters. While an AM/FM/CD audio system and five-speed manual are also standard, luxuries like air-conditioning, four-speed automatic, and power windows and locks with keyless remote cost extra. But not so much that ordering them will break the budget of a first-time buyer. Even so, the Accent isn't a Golden Calipers winner.

As we've witnessed with recent Hyundai products, this car covers all the bases for thousands of dollars less than direct competitors, but is by no means a new benchmark for the segment. For example, the Accent's modest 110-horsepower four-cylinder engine--though boasting continuously variable valve timing--and four-speed automatic conspired to singlehandedly raise the entire COTY field's acceleration average with a leisurely 11.8-second 0-to-60-mph time.

And the handling, with the optional 15-inch tires, is entertaining, but again, it's not the segment-beater. With its five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and included 24-hour roadside assistance, the neat, honest, undemanding Accent is one of those cars we'd recommend to a neighbor kid looking for a decent set of first wheels. Ironically, this Hyundai's biggest rival is its sibling under the skin, the Kia Rio5, a more enticing package with even more latent talent and personality.