In 1999, the South Korean company Hyundai presented the world with the second generation Accent with the in-plant LC marking, which is just a product of a deep modernization of the original model. At home, the car was produced until 2005, having previously gone through modernization in 2003, and in India - until 2013. In Russia, he is primarily known as budget sedan, which was produced from 2001 to 2012 at the facilities of the Taganrog Automobile Plant.

Outwardly, "Accent" of the second generation looks harmonious and neat, but nothing really catches the eye. The compact body of the car flaunts neatly molded bumpers, nice-looking lighting technology and well-proportioned overall, which makes its appearance very attractive and nimble.

Overall "second" Hyundai accent available in sedan and hatchback bodies (with three or five doors) and is 4215-4260 mm long, 1670-1680 mm wide and 1395 mm high. The distance between the axles of the "Korean" is 2440 mm, and its ground clearance is 170 mm. In the "stowed" form, the car weighs from 970 to 1176 kg, depending on the version.

The interior of the second generation "Accent" is planned quite competently and captivates in terms of ergonomics, but it is tailored exclusively from cheap finishing materials. Steering wheel the car is simple, the instrument panel is archaic, but informative, and the center console is decorated with minimalism inherent in “state employees”.

Hyundai Accent has no problems with the internal capacity - five adults, including the driver, sit in the cabin. However, the rear legroom is not enough, and in general, tall passengers will not be entirely comfortable, and the front seats are practically devoid of lateral support.

The luggage compartment of the sedan holds only 375 liters of luggage, and of the hatchback - from 321 to 859 liters. For transporting bulky backrest items rear seats are transformed in a ratio of 60:40, and in a niche under the raised floor for all versions, without exception, a full-size "spare wheel" is hidden.

Specifications. The second generation of the "Accent" of the Taganrog assembly is available with two four-cylinder petrol "aspirated" 1.5 liters each.

• The first option is a 12-valve multi-point fuel injection unit generating 92 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 132 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm.
• The second is a motor with a 16-valve timing and a multi-point power supply system, the output of which is 102 "mares" at 5800 rpm and 134 Nm of ultimate thrust at 3000 rpm.

Only a 5-speed "mechanics" works in the storeroom with the "junior" engine, and a 4-band "automatic" with the "senior" one. Depending on the version, the car accelerates to the first "hundred" in 10.5-14.2 seconds, reaches a maximum of 166-181 km / h and, on average, "eats" 7.5-8.6 liters of fuel in combined conditions.

• In addition, Hyundai Accent was equipped with petrol "fours" with a volume of 1.3-1.6 liters, developing 75-105 "horses" and 114-143 Nm of torque capacity, and a 1.5-liter turbodiesel, producing 82 forces and 182 Nm of available traction.

"Accent" of the second incarnation is based on a front-wheel drive "bogie" with a transversely based power plant, bearing body type and independent suspension in the front and in the back. MacPherson struts and stabilizer are used on the front axle lateral stabilityand the rear is suspended by trailing arms, wishbones and hydraulic shock absorbers.
The steering on the car is made according to the "gear-rack" scheme with a hydraulic booster, and brake system combines front disc and rear drum mechanisms (on expensive trim levels there is also 4-channel ABS with EBD).

Among the advantages of the "Korean" are: good looks, flexible engines, good smoothness, low cost, affordable service, robust design and balanced driving performance.

But he also has drawbacks - cramped second-row seats, simple interior trim, poor sound insulation and low level prestige.

Prices and equipment. On secondary market In Russia in the spring of 2016, the “second” Hyundai Accent can be purchased at a price of 150,000 to 250,000 rubles (although more affordable and more expensive options are offered).

Taganrog-assembled cars already "flaunt" as standard: air conditioning, an audio system, a height-adjustable steering column and power steering ... The "top" solutions also have: two airbags, electric side mirrors, fog lights and ABS with EBD.

»Proved to be a very reliable car. Its pendants are, in general, no less durable than those of their more famous counterparts. But their ability to deal with russian roads can be estimated from the strength of the "C": the ground clearance is too small, and most importantly - the car is prone to swinging on the waves. Due to these features, the bottom of the car often touches the road, and the behavior in high-speed turns becomes very uncertain. You can, of course, say that on smooth roads "Accent" is very comfortable, and even pleasant in a quiet mode. But let's proceed from real conditions: look for even roads even in the capital ...

What to do? Spacers to increase ground clearance solve only the issue of the "last kilometer" to the dacha. But the controllability, already not ideal, is guaranteed to change not for the better. More efficient shock absorbers? Of course, they will improve habits, but they will not fundamentally solve the issue. More rigid (and preferably longer) springs are needed. Search in catalogs did not bring success - for relatively new cars (our "Accent" of 2003) "alternative" springs are not offered. Therefore, when we finally found the ones we wanted from Suplex, we ordered two sets: one completely repeats the standard springs, the other - reinforced ones. Why not relatives? They "sit down" very quickly, reducing the already low energy consumption and ground clearance. For reference, the front suplex springs are 12034 (standard) and 12041 (heavy), the rear springs are 12033 and 12043 respectively.

External differences are minimal: the number of turns is the same, and the diameter of the bar differs only in rear springs (12.8 versus 12.5 mm). In addition, we purchased a set of standard shock absorbers (hydraulic) and more "sporty" "Kayaba-Ultra SR" - two-pipe low pressure gas. The high-pressure “one-pipe workers” were told “no”: their element is rather a sport, not ordinary exploitation. Two sets of springs and two shock absorbers for a total of four options. Looking for the optimal one?

OPTION 1. Basic configuration

At first glance, the car is soft and comfortable: it does not annoy with shaking on small irregularities, a detailed repetition of the road profile. However, the idyll does not last long. Even at moderate speeds (80-100 km / h), the suspension capabilities are very limited. "Accent" is prone to strong vertical swing, and the energy intensity of the suspensions is clearly insufficient for "standard" domestic irregularities.

A little distracted, yawned a deep wave - and the machine instantly goes out of balance, starting to make all kinds of "pas". Of course, further increases in speed only worsen the situation. The behavior of the car becomes not only ugly, but also dangerous. In the turn "Accent", leaning heavily, begins to swing from side to side and "crawls away" from the trajectory. Or vice versa, bucks up rear axlefalling into a deep skid, which is quite difficult to deal with.

Experiments on the "rearrangement" also do not add optimism and confidence. "Smeared" reactions plus early sliding. To be honest, we didn't expect it to be that bad. Well, the more interesting the upcoming changes will be.

OPTION 2. "Rigid" springs

Alas, the expected increase in ground clearance did not work. What's on the road? Aha! Seams, joints, small irregularities have become more noticeable. The car seemed to have picked up, sucked in his stomach and even tried to play with his muscles. In part, he succeeded, but in a somewhat peculiar way.

"Accent" has become tougher, more impulsive, now it repeats the road profile more actively. However, native shock absorbers are still indifferent to everything that happens. As before, they allow a strong vertical swing of the body - just its vibrations have become sharper, "sharper". But the differences are more noticeable in handling. The car follows the wheel more accurately, behaves more clearly in turns. Most importantly, the tendency to skid has noticeably decreased rear axle... Suddenly "Accent" became very nervous on the straight line and in gentle turns. If in the previous version it allowed you to relaxedly move the steering wheel even on high speed, now requires more attention, overreacting to steering.

Nevertheless, the results of the "reshuffle" speak in favor of the changes introduced. The car sharply increased in speed, became simpler, clearer to operate. The only thing it lacks is stability during slip correction.

OPTION 3. "Kayaba" + standard springs

And again a tightened stomach, only another muscle group tensed.

The shock absorbers have finally defeated the body's vertical swing: its vibrations are now under constant control. back side medals: too active repetition of the road profile is accompanied by sharp vertical impulses on deep waves. Having gained the desired elasticity, the car now seemed to be flat on the road, having lost another important component - the suspension travel. They now lack freedom.

On a flat road, everything is almost perfect, at least reliable and predictable. The car steers confidently on a straight line, is reliable in fast turns and "rearrangement". However, as soon as even minor irregularities appear, "Accent" immediately tries to prowl, get away from the intended trajectory.

OPTION 4. "Kayaba" + rigid springs

Here comes your luck! The very first test runs instill confidence: a good balance of qualities has been outlined in the car chassis. Now "Accent" is not just stable - it seems to spread over the road, ignoring most of the irregularities. In the pendants appeared, albeit a small, but still a reserve of energy intensity. The car does not kick up on bumps, it easily swallows gentle waves. And no wobbling or exhausting vertical acceleration. All body movements have become comfortable for the driver and passengers. The only nagging - you feel the minor irregularities more.

The handling is also pleasantly surprising. It turns out that an unassuming little car is able to find its own "I". Having become clear and collected, the car provokes to fast active driving. Understandable even in very fast turns, "Accent" allows you to easily control the slides, while remaining simple and logical. Yes, and at the "rearrangement" we noted: the driver makes much fewer mistakes, inaccuracies. Now everything is under control here.

The ground clearance of our Hyundai Accent with crankcase protection on standard springs is 130 mm. On the springs, which traveled only 70 thousand km with a very moderate load of the car, only 112 mm remained under the engine. The installation of reinforced springs did not give a noticeable increase in clearance - only 4 mm, although the rear of the car was raised by 12 mm, which is noticeable to the naked eye. Therefore, those who want to "raise" the car in the first place, we will rather upset. The increase in ground clearance due to the gas backing of the shock absorbers is even less significant.

It is clear which option we have left for ourselves. We also recommend it when replacing shock absorbers. We guarantee you will be pleasantly surprised by the previously hidden possibilities of the car.

Ground clearance Hyundai Accent or clearanceas for any other passenger car is an important factor on our roads. It is the condition of the road surface or its complete absence that makes Russian motorists interested in the Hyundai Accent's ground clearance and the possibility of increasing ground clearance using spacers.

To begin with, it's worth honestly saying that real clearance Hyundai Accent may seriously differ from that declared by the manufacturer. The whole secret is in the method of measurement and the location of the ride height measurement. Therefore, you can find out the real state of affairs only by yourself armed with a tape measure or a ruler. Official clearance Hyundai Accent russian assembly until 2006 was 165 mm, after 2006 the manufacturer indicated 170 mm clearance. In reality, under engine protection in an empty car actual ground clearance is 140-145 mm.

Some manufacturers are tricky and state the size of the ground clearance in an "empty" car, but real life we have a full trunk of all kinds of things, passengers and a driver. That is, in a loaded car, the clearance will be completely different. Another factor that few people have in mind is the age of the car and the wear and tear of the springs, their “subsidence” from old age. The issue is resolved by installing new springs or buying spacers under sagging springs Hyundai Accent... The spacers allow you to compensate for the spring settling and add a couple of centimeters of ground clearance. Sometimes even a centimeter in the parking lot at the curb plays an important role.

But do not get carried away with the "lift" of the Hyundai Accent's ground clearance, because the spacers to increase the clearance are focused only on springs. If you do not pay attention to the shock absorbers, the travel of which is often very limited, then self-modernization of the suspension can lead to loss of control and damage to the shock absorbers. In terms of cross-country ability, high ground clearance in our harsh conditions is good, but at high speeds on the track and in corners, there is serious buildup and additional body roll.

Some lovers this car they are not looking for easy ways, but they are installed on Hyundai Accent air suspension with the ability to change the ground clearance. We watch a video of the result of such a rework.

Any car manufacturer, when designing a suspension and choosing a clearance value, is looking for a middle ground between handling and cross-country ability. Perhaps the easiest, safest and most unpretentious way to increase clearance is to install wheels with “high” tires. Changing wheels makes it easy to increase the ground clearance by another centimeter.

Do not forget that a major change in ground clearance can damage the Hyundai Accent CV joints. After all, "grenades" will have to work from a slightly different angle. But this only applies to the front axle. Moreover, a serious change in ground clearance can lead to uneven rubber wear.