Cheap Car Smackdown: Hyundai Accent Undercuts Nissan Versa

Last month, we told you there was a new king of cheap cars.  The Nissan Versa 1.6 took the title of "cheapest car in America" from the Hyundai Accent.  The Versa was available for just $9,990...for those willing to live without such luxuries as an automatic transmission.  Or air conditioning.  Or a radio.  Or seats.  (Okay, we made that last one up).

"Bring it!" shouted the little Nissan.

The Accent has responded, "Consider it brought."

About to buy a Versa 1.6?  Stop.  Head to a Hyundai dealership now.  You could save $20!

That's right.  The Accent is now available for $9,970.

Kicking Tires explains, "There is no reduction in content but there wasn't much to begin with. There is no a/c, no stereo and it sports 14-inch steel wheels with covers. There are seat-mounted side airbags and roof-mounted curtain airbags. Air conditioning is part of a $1,600 option package with a stereo and tilt steering wheel."

Jalopnik notes, "That money will get you the same 1.6-liter, 110-horsepower engine and five-speed manual transmission found in the regular version" of the Accent.  For those keeping score, that is one more gear than the Nissan offers.

Autoblog scores this round for Hyundai.   "According to the most recent J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study," they note, the Accent is "the 'Most Dependable Sub-Compact Car' on the market. With Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, a 7-year/unlimited-mile anti-perforation warranty and 5-year/unlimited-mile roadside assistance protection, it tops the Nissan there, as well."

And there's the little matter of that Andrew Jackson you get to keep in your pocket.  The Accent is once again America's cheapest car...at least until the Chevy Aveo with optional seats, mirrors and wipers hits the market.