A 3-door hatchback joins the redesigned 4-door sedan, which was introduced in 2006. The hatchback will be offered in entry-level GS and SE models. Both have front-seat-mounted side air bags and roof-mounted side curtain air bags, and the SE has a sport-tuned suspension and standard anti-lock brakes.

Inexpensive entry-level cars have been a key part of Korean automaker Hyundai's strategy, luring first-time buyers into the Hyundai family. High gas prices have put a new emphasis on the subcompact market, and the venerable Accent enters 2007 facing new rivals from several mainstream Japanese manufacturers, including the Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, and Nissan Versa. But with a new version hot off the steel presses, Hyundai's timing couldn't be better.