The Accent sees the current all-petrol line-up expanded with a new efficient common-rail turbo diesel engine, delivering new levels of performance and economy to the Active model in the range while also going for the title as Australia's most affordable diesel passenger car with the Accent Active CRDi manual starting at $19,490 (manufacturer's list price).

The new U-II 1.6 litre VGT CRDi diesel engine uses a common-rail direct injection fuel system, inter-cooled with variable-geometry turbo to deliver excellent fuel economy figures, as efficient as 4.4L/100km combined fuel consumption for the Accent Active CRDi manual sedan.

Available only in the Active model, in hatch and sedan, the new diesel engine is mated to Hyundai's six-speed manual or four-speed electronic automatic transmission featuring a lock-up torque converter, overdrive and driver-style adaptation programming.

All Accent models have a full suite of safety features, active and passive, earning it the maximum crash performance five-star rating. Standard safety technology includes vehicle-stability management, electronic stability control, traction-control system, four-channel four-sensor anti-skid braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution and six airbags.

Accent Premium also has a rear-view camera, rear park assist and electro chromatic rear-view mirror with standard integrated reverse-camera screen.

The Accent hatch and sedan come in three trim levels — Active, Elite and Premium. The exterior colours include solid Crystal White, a range of metallic finishes — including Sleek Silver, Clean Blue, Carbon Grey and Red Passion — and three Mica options — Ocean Blue, Green Apple and Phantom Black.