The newest version of the popular Hyundai Accent is mostly unchanged from its previous model. The only real addition is a new anti-theft immobilizer that comes standard on the SE and SEL models.
While there may not be many upgrades, there is one major change that drivers have noticed. The Hyundai Accent no longer comes with a manual transmission option.
Drivers who like to have a hands-on feel to their drive no longer have that choice. The 2021 Hyundai Accent still offers a six-speed manual transmission as the standard drivetrain (costing $1,100 for the available CVT choice).
A Change In Taste
It used to be that every vehicle came with a manual transmission or at least an option. As time moved forward, fewer vehicles offered a stick shift. For the most part, entry-level cars that enjoyed great fuel economy at least offered a manual transmission on their base-level models.
Modern transmissions are just as fun to drive and offer similar fuel economy. Today, fewer people know how to drive a stick shift than ever before. Even without specific data to back it up, it’s clear that fewer buyers were picking the manual transmission on their new Hyundai Accent sedans.
There Are Still Manual Options
Even though it’s not as common to see manual transmission options these days, there are still a number of vehicles that provide this choice. You can pick up automobiles like the Mazda MX-5 Miata, Subaru BRZ, Toyota GR-86, and BMW M2 are still popular cars among manual enthusiasts. These sporty cars seem to go well with a stick shift to provide that extra racecar drive.
Manuals aren’t just an option for sportscars. The base-level trims of vehicles like the Nissan Versa, Chevy Spark, and Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback are still a stick shift. Sadly, these cars aren’t quite as popular as they once were, so it’s hard to say if they’ll be around much longer.
Hyundai also has a few choices that provide a manual transmission option. The Veloster, Veloster N, and fresh Elantra N all have six-speed stick shifts.
The Hyundai Accent is Still Fun To Drive
Losing the manual transmission doesn’t mean the Accent sacrifices enjoyability. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine still offers a pretty perky drive. It now comes standard with a CVT and provides 120 horsepower to its front wheels.
The Hyundai Accent may have a small body, but it offers a lively feel that takes on corners like a champ. Thanks to the updated suspension, you’ll turn almost any road into a smooth path.
If you love being in control of your gears, you can still pick up a Hyundai Accent with a manual transmission, but you’ll have to go back to 2021 models or before. Luckily, used Accents are known to hold up to the test of time, so you still have plenty of opportunities to drive a joyous stick shift on this peppy sedan.
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