Hyundai Unveils New 2006 Accent Hybrid
by Michael Graham Richard, Gatineau, Canada on 12. 6.05
Toyota has already announced that it wants to make its hybrids cheaper, but they might still seem expensive compared to this newcomer to the field: The 2006 Hyundai Accent hybrid was revealed at the third Guangzhou international exhibition in China. "The hybrid-electric vehicle is equipped with a 1.4L continuously variable valve-timing engine delivering 90 hp, plus a 16-hp electric motor. The auto maker says the engine achieves a 44% improvement in fuel economy."
HybridBlog does the math (so we won't do it again; thank you, Scott):
The '06 conventional Accent lists for just over $10k. It gets an EPA estimated 32mpg, and gets a "6" on the smog-forming emissions for its national version, a "7" for its CA-emissions version. Quick back-of-the-envelope calculations would estimate the hybrid would get around 46mpg, and here's to hoping they learned from the Civic (indeed, the specs here seem to indicate a that this is a mild hybrid with a similar fuel economy boost to the Civic’s) and made sure that the smog score is at least a 7.If that's the case, could we be seeing a hybrid that gets mid-to-high 40s in MPG that's well under $20k, and perhaps even under $15k (and that’s not even mentioning the tax credit which is likely to be around $1,500)? Current reports have the Accent and its sister the Kia Rio hybrid debuting in the United States late next year. Just as Hyundai has put a real scare in the big automakers with its conventional models, the Accent Hybrid could be a real boon to the hybrid market if it meets (or even exceeds) these expectations.
Of course the Hyundai Accent hybrid will be quite different from a car like the Toyota Prius. Size, technology (full hybrid vs. assist hybrid) level of comfort, utility, power, etc. But a Prius is overkill for many people, both for the wallet and for what their real needs are, so a smaller, cheaper yet well made (if recent Hyundai redesigns are an indication of the future) hybrid will certainly find a place.
Hyundai is a hungry company these days. Hungry for market share and brand recognition. Lets hope they are smart enough to realize that the future lies with efficient and clean cars; if they really pull no punches with the Accent hybrid and make it really good (AT-PZEV, good gas mileage, low price), it could help really make hybrid mainstream (along with the upcoming 2007 Toyota Camry hybrid).
According to previous announcements by Hyundai, the hybrids should get to North-America in late 2006 but it is not quite clear if they will be 2006 or 2007 models. Hmm.. Late 2006? That's hurricane season.
::Hyundai Debuts Accent Hybrid at Guangzhou Show, via ::Hybridblog, ::Hyundai Introduces Mild Hybrid Accent at Guangzhou Motor Show
Hyundai has a mission to become one of the top 6 carmakers in the next few years, and they're getting closer. Their quality is rising steadily, and perhaps someday they will stop being 'King of the Honda Clones' and start developing their own unique models.
If they actually introduce a $15k hybrid, and setup production to meet consumer demand, they will suddenly control the hybrid market by sales volume.
As long as they keep focus on making true hybrids that have real fuel economy and emission benefits, and avoid pulling a GM Silverado "hybrid", I'm sure they'll have great success.
Does anyone know if the hybrid will be the three door hatchback or the 4 door sedan? If it's the hatch, I may hold off on buying a Prius. I need a hatchback, but I'd prefer to spend 15K instead of 25K for a car (go figure).
Peace,
Cosmo
Cosmo,
Hyundai hasn't said yet in which models the hybrid would be available, but I've only seen pictures of the sedan version when the hybrid was mentioned.
This probably means little, though, and there is a good change that hybrid versions of both versions will be offered as I don't think the body-style makes a difference for the drivetrain.
But we'll have to wait for more information to be sure.