This latest Hyundai Accent looks more elegant than the previous-generation model did. It starts at the front with integrated 5-mph bumpers and large aerodynamic headlight enclosures that wrap around the front fenders. It has a high roofline defined on either side by black rubber rain gutters, while the windshield blends into the front of the roof without any visible trim. A bold character line originates just behind the front wheel opening and slashes boldly across the doors, fading again just short of the taillights.

The back of the sedan roof sweeps toward the trailing edge of the trunk lid, giving it almost a coupe-like appearance. Unlike many modern cars, Accent has a generous greenhouse with big windows; blacked-out trim both defines and unifies the side-window opening. This, coupled with a long wheelbase with relatively short overhangs, makes the sedan appear a tad bigger than it actually is.

Overall, the Accent has a pretty, if somewhat ordinary look to it that should not offend anyone. As part of Hyundai's plan, the Accent sedan is more buttoned-down conservative than the bolder Kia Rio, with which it shares its basic construction. We see a hint of Volvo in its nose and maybe a dash of Honda in its rear three-quarter view.

The Accent coupe has a look all its own, though it shares its front fenders and defining character line with the sedan. The differences begin with the bolder two-slot air opening that replaces the sedan's fine-lined horizontal grille and ends with a rounded tail that takes the tentative reverse curve at the base of the sedan's roof, boldly widens it, and fuses it with the horizontally curving quarter panel. The two-door Accent is unashamedly a hatchback, and makes no pretense to a separate trunk lid.

Not surprisingly, then, the coupe is as tall and wide as the sedan, and shares the sedan's 98.4-inch wheelbase, but at 159.3 inches overall it has shed a significant 9.2 inches of rear overhang. The result is one of the cutest little rears we've seen anywhere lately, and a short, sassy profile that looks like it should cost more than it does.

On both coupe and sedan, a roof-mounted micro-antenna is aerodynamic, flexible, and said to improve signal strength.