Since I’ve had my brand new car for about two months now, I decided it was enough time for me to do a Hyundai Accent review, considering what great press the entire Hyundai brand is getting these days. This is an honest account from my perspective  on the pros and cons of my little white hype, and how Babydoll performs in the Texas sun and heat.

First, the basics – I bought a 2012 Hyundai Accent GLS in white with some extra options for around $15,000. The car is an automatic, has air conditioning, power windows and doors, and extra features here and there like an iPod jack and driver’s side arm rest that make me smile. Because I’m a single person, comfort and convenience are paramount to me, and I prioritized those things, as well as price, over other things like interior room and high performance, although the Accent has an excellent showing on those points as well.

Hyundai Accent Review – The Pros

At the top of my list is the affordable cost – I would be remiss in writing an Accent review without mentioning that. My monthly payments, even for a new car, are completely affordable, which was a pleasant surprise. I also love the way the car looks. Hyundai went a long way in redesigning the Accent, and she stands out quite a bit with her signature swoop (as I call it) on each side, and slightly curvy, but still sophisticated look. The interior features much the same, looking pretty classy for such an affordable car. I was very careful about avoiding cars that have plasticy, cheap-looking interiors, because even though I was shopping on a budget, I didn’t want that to be the overwhelming feeling of the car.

And, of course, I can’t write an Accent review without mentioning her quick handling and fun performance. I jet all over town in this car, which is fun to drive, but more importantly, it can handle a long ride. I took it on a 9-hour road trip to New Orleans, and it was comfortable and quiet on the highway, not to mention fully equipped with my trial subscription of SiriusXM radio.

Hyundai Accent Review – The Cons

One of the most important things to remember these days is that if you’re buying a more affordable car that isn’t a mostly leather interior, your “new car smell” is going to be more chemically from the plastics used in manufacturing. My new car smells distinctly not like cow hide, more like the inside of a Tonka toy factory. It’s not overpowering, but I imagine it’s there to stay for a while. Another thing to mention in this Accent review is that the car gets amazing gas mileage, around 40 MPG hwy, but you have to drive the car for a while before it starts getting that kind of mileage. It’s not a big inconvenience; just make sure you don’t drive it off the lot expecting that mileage right away.

Overall, I’m incredibly happy with my purchase, and I have to end my Accent review by giving it 5 stars all the way. It’s fun, affordable, and a car that is inexpensive but not embarrassing for a nearly-30-year-old woman like myself to drive. I needed something low maintenance but classy, much like myself, and my Accent has it wrapped up and tied with a bow.

If you’re out test driving, I encourage you to check out the Accent. And then give me some feedback and let me know what you thought!