HYUNDAI is giving its Accent a fresh new look for 2003. As well as a new engine choice, there is a new body-style option and improvements in standard equipment.

The new Accent made its official debut at the Seoul Motor Show recently and goes on sale in the UK in February 2003.

A comprehensive revamp of the current Accent, the new car will be available in four and five door versions, GSi and CDX trim levels and in 1.3, 1.6 and 1.5 common-rail diesel engine choices.

The four-door body, which has proved popular in the domestic market in Korea as well as the American market, is new for the UK.

The 1.6 engine replaces the existing 1.5 unit seen in the previous Accent and is the same DOHC 1,599cc motor as seen in the Matrix, Elantra and Getz.

Specification is likely to be improved over the current model. The Accent returns excellent fuel consumption: the 1.5 diesel achieving 63mpg on the extra urban run. Even the petrol 1.6 model tops 50mpg on the extra urban cycle. The Accent, in common with the rest of the Hyundai range, comes with Hyundai's five year unlimited mileage warranty.