The Accent Atlantic comes with a 1.4-litre engine which develops 96bhp at 6000rpm and maximum torque of 92lb-ft at 4700rpm. It means the engine needs to be revved quite vigorously to feel the full benefit of the pulling power available, and with the optional four-speed automatic transmission in particular, performance feels rather flat below 4000rpm.

Hyundai claims the five-speed manual will sprint from 0-62mph in 12.3 seconds, while the automatic will do the same in 14.5 seconds. Top speed for the manual is 110mph while the automatic gives up at 104mph.

The Accent Atlantic has redesigned front suspension and new rear suspension compared to the previous Accent and combined with its stiffer body makes it feel more composed on the road. The Accent is still biased towards comfort rather than spirited driving, and the electric power steering offers virtually no feedback. However, it’s relatively nippy around town, can be guided accurately around high-speed bends and is not unpleasant to drive.