For more than 10 years, Hyundai has built a reputation for cars that provide high quality, great value, unexpected features and a splendid performance. For 2008, the Hyundai Accent offers a range of new standard equipment, as well as several exterior and interior improvements that raise the bar in the compact car segment. The 2008 Hyundai Accent is a five-passenger compact that comes in three trim levels: GS 3-Door, SE 3-Door and GLS 4-Door. The GS and SE are two-door hatchbacks, while the GLS is available only in a sedan version.

The Hyundai Accent is powered by a 1.6-liter, DOHC, inline, four-cylinder engine that features four valves per cylinder with CVVT (continuously variable valve timing). The DOHC and CVVT combination helps to give the engine a broad power band, coupled with high fuel efficiency and low emissions. With improved breathing from the CVVT, performance peaks with 110 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, and torque of 106 pound-feet at 4,500 rpm. The Accent generates more horsepower than Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit or Chevrolet Aveo. Fuel economy is also competitive. With a manual transmission, the Accent's new EPA mileage is 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. With the optional four-speed automatic transmission, its new EPA rating is 24/33 mpg (city/highway).

The four-door Hyundai Accent GLS has upscale details like a chrome-accented grille; body-colored door handles and mirrors; body-side moldings; and a rear garnish trim; all of which combine with bold taillights and strong character lines to deliver a distinctive look. The three-door Accent GS and SE reflect Hyundai's sleek and confident design direction with their aggressive body-colored grille and fog lights (standard on the SE). The GS gets standard 14-inch steel wheels; an eight-way adjustable driver seat and a 60/40-split rear seat; air conditioning; power mirrors and windows; and keyless entry. A CD/MP3 audio system with satellite radio and auxiliary audio jack are options. The SE gets air conditioning; power mirrors and windows; keyless entry; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter; a rear center armrest with cup holders; and CD/MP3 audio system with satellite radio and auxiliary audio jack. It also comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension and fog lamps. A sunroof is the sole option. The GLS sedan gets air conditioning and an audio system as standard. Power accessories and 15-inch alloy wheels are optional.

Hyundai Accent has state-of-the-art standard safety technologies. The six air bags include dual, front air bags; front seat-mounted side-impact air bags; and roof-mounted side curtain air bags covering both rows of seating. Additional standard safety equipment now includes a tire-pressure monitoring system. Anti-lock brakes and electronic brake-force distribution are optional on the GLS and standard on the SE. The 2008 Hyundai Accent sedan scored a perfect five stars for front occupant protection in frontal-impact crash tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It received four stars for front occupant protection in the side-impact category, and three stars for rear-seat passenger safety. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the Accent scored the second highest rating for frontal-offset collisions.