2008 Hyundai Accent Trims and Specs

Lacking air conditioning, power features, and a CD player, the 2008 Hyundai Accent GS embodies the image of an economy car. The base trim comes as a three-door hatchback, and oddly enough forgoes the CD, but does come standard with satellite radio. The front-wheel drive hatch seats four, with 60/40 split-folding rear seats with a fold-down armrest/cupholder, and a trunk that holds 15.9 cubic feet of cargo. A 110-hp, 1.6-liter DOHC I4 is paired with a 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic.

Riding on 14-inch wheels with all-season tires, the 2008 Accent GS takes safety seriously, offering six airbags, including dual front, front-side, and side curtain. 4-wheel disc brakes are standard and ABS optional. A tire monitor is also included. Interior convenience comes in the form of intermittent wipers, a tachometer, manually-adjustable driver's seat, and a radio. A rear roof spoiler dresses up the exterior. Power features, a CD player, and air conditioning are all available as options, along with a cargo net, splash guards, alloy exterior accents, and a ground effects package. The biggest highlights of the 2008 Accent GS are its warranty and 27/32 mpg, but it won't win any awards for style or luxury.

There is only one sedan trim in the 2008 Hyundai Accent lineup, and that is the GLS. The front-wheel drive subcompact offers a few more features than the base GS hatchback, including standard air conditioning and a CD player with MP3 compatibility and a 6-speaker system. Also in the mix is satellite radio, tilt steering wheel, intermittent wipers, front power outlets, a tachometer, and front console. There are cupholders up front and hidden in a fold-down armrest in the back. Power features will cost you extra, but the mirrors and seats do adjust manually.

A 110-hp, 1.6-liter DOHC I4 engine gets 106 lb-ft of torque and around 27/33 mpg with either a 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed auto tran. 14-inch wheels, 4-wheel disc brakes, and a front independent suspension support the four-door sedan, and a tire monitor and six airbags (front, front-side, and side curtain) are also standard. ABS brakes and electronic brakeforce are available. The trunk holds 12 cubic feet, which is average for this class, and a cargo tray is offered as an extra. Options add power windows, locks and heated mirrors, and remote entry. Unlike the hatch, there is no rear spoiler on the 2008 Accent GLS sedan.

Still staying within its budget economy compact car parameters, the 2008 Hyundai Accent SE manages to offer a lot of nice standard features, making a big leap from the other two trims in the lineup. Available only as a front-wheel drive hatchback, the 2008 Accent SE adds foglights, larger 16-inch wheels with all-season tires, electronic brakeforce distribution, and ABS brakes to the safety features, which already included a tire pressure monitor, 4-wheel disc brakes, and six airbags (dual front, front-side, and side curtain airbags). The power source is a 1.6-liter, 16-valve, DOHC I4 that hits 110-hp with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic.

Power windows, locks, and mirrors, and remote entry are standard on the SE, though the 8-way driver's seat is still manual. Also included is a rear wiper to go with the intermittent front ones, heated mirrors, a security system, and leather trim for the steering wheel and shifter. Along with satellite radio, the CD player has an MP3 input. Tilt steering, air conditioning, front power outlets, and a tachometer carry over from the other trims. Rear seats split-fold and have a fold-down armrest, revealing a 15.9-cubic foot trunk that can be outfitted with a cargo tray and net. A rear roof spoiler is standard on all hatchbacks in the Accent family. An SE-only option is a sunroof, and other extras include mud guards and ground effects. If your wallet demands a budget compact, but your sensibilities want a little pampering, the SE is probably the best choice of Accent.