Hyundai has removed two cars from its North American lineup: the subcompact Accent and fun-focused Veloster N. The company didn’t specify a date the last of each would be produced. But neither will be part of Hyundai’s 2023 lineup.
The Endangered Affordable Car
In a statement, the company says the Accent has been “discontinued due to an expanded SUV lineup that includes Venue. The Venue now serves as the entry-level model for the Hyundai brand. Sedans remain an important part of the lineup, and Hyundai continues to offer Elantra and Sonata.”
Chevrolet made a similar move in February when it announced that this summer would see the end of the Chevy Spark – the least-expensive new car in America. Chevy characterized its subcompact Trax SUV as the Spark’s successor.
The Accent, we should note, starts at $16,645 (plus a $1,095 delivery fee). The Venue, its putative replacement, starts at $19,000 (and costs $1,295 to deliver).
The move leaves just three subcompact cars available to American car shoppers, the Kia Rio, Nissan Versa, and Mitsubishi Mirage. They are also the only three vehicles left on the market that cost less than $20,000 once delivery charges are factored in.
The Mirage retains the affordability title. It currently starts at $14,645, plus $1,045 shipping and handling.
The End of the Fun, Quirky 3-Door
The Veloster N’s demise is no surprise. Hyundai had eliminated most Veloster trims last year, leaving just the sporty N model on dealer lots.
It’s an utterly unique car. Its odd 3-door hatchback body (one on the driver’s side, two on the passenger’s side) was like nothing else on the market. The N’s 275-horsepower turbocharged engine and standard 6-speed stick made it an enthusiast’s choice.
Its end doesn’t mean Hyundai will stop serving up sport-focused affordable cars. The new Elantra N and Kona N use many of the same parts and come with price tags close to the Veloster N’s $32,500 sticker.
