Hyundai Accent SR confirmed for Australia

Previously shown in concept form at the 2012 Sydney Motor Show, the Accent SR will become the third Hyundai model to benefit from the performance makeover, following the Veloster SR Turbo and the just-launched i30 SR.

Hyundai Motor Company Australia marketing director Oliver Mann made the announcement at this week's launch of the i30 SR, insisting the company was keen to exploit the market’s appetite for performance hatches.

“Warm hatches currently account for as much as 20-25 per cent of the model sales mix across other brands with similar style offerings, so it’s important that we have the right cars that appeal to this market," Mann said.

The company also confirmed that the Accent SR would swap the standard 91kW/156Nm 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine for the more powerful 103kW/166Nm naturally aspirated version from the Veloster.

Using the uprated engine will also mean ditching the Accent’s current five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions for the Veloster’s more advanced six-speed units.

Like its i30 SR sibling, the more powerful Accent will also benefit from a unique suspension tune developed locally for Australian conditions.

While Hyundai is remaining tight-lipped on Accent SR specifications, it is likely to be equipped similarly to the concept version, including16-inch machined face alloy wheels, projector beam headlamps with LED daytime running lights, larger rear spoiler, rear parking sensors, part leather/leatherette upholstery with red cloth inserts, climate control, and a five-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity and media ripping function.

The Hyundai Accent SR is expected to reach showrooms by November.