Hyundai unveiled the U.S.-spec 2018 Accent at the 2017 Orange County auto show, and it comes packed with many new convenience features. Sadly, the 2018 Hyundai Accent is only available as a sedan in the U.S. market—the hatchback is now exclusively for the Canadian market.

The 2018 Hyundai Accent features the latest iteration of Hyundai's Fluidic Sculpture design language, and it now sports the automaker's new cascading grille design, giving it a mini Sonata look. For a subcompact car, the 2018 Accent is a looker and avoids awkward angles that make most sedans its size appear oddly proportioned. Â The headlights and taillights also give the 2018 Accent a more upscale look and a family resemblance to the Sonata and Elantra sedans.

Inside, the 2018 Accent has a conservative interior design that features a touchscreen as the centerpiece of the dash and a mix of buttons and knobs for the audio and climate controls. Some of the key tech features include a standard 5.0-inch screen on base models or a 7.0-inch touchscreen on the midgrade SEL and Limited grades. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on the highest trims along with a small multi-information display in between the gauges. A rearview camera and Bluetooth connectivity are standard on all 2018 Accents.

See all 50 photos

On higher trims of the 2018 Accent, Hyundai has added a number of new convenience features including keyless entry/start, heated front seats, automatic climate control, and the hands-free Smart Trunk. Other features found on higher trims include LED daytime running lights, a sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED taillights, and dual USB ports. The 2018 Accent will also be available with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking on some models. Certain trims of the 2018 Accent will be compatible with Hyundai's BlueLink telematics service that allows for remote start via the BlueLink app or Amazon Alexa through Google Home or Amazon Echo devices.

Compared to the car it replaces, the 2018 Hyundai Accent in 0.6 inch longer, 1.2 inches wider, and rides on a wheelbase that's 0.4 inch longer. The car's new platform is made out of 54.5 percent high-strength steel, which is 13 percent more than its predecessor, resulting in a 32 percent improvement in torsional rigidity in the new model. Hyundai says it has also improved the 2018 Accent's driving dynamics, crash performance, and noise reduction, thanks to the extensive use of high-strength steel.

Under the hood of the 2018 Accent is a revised 1.6-liter I-4 with an estimated output of 130 hp and 119 lb-ft of torque, which is slightly lower than the old car. Hyundai says that it has retuned the engine for better drivability and a better powerband by improving low-end torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a six-speed automatic is optional. Fuel economy is up by 7 percent, thanks to engine revisions such as new low-friction piston rings, a variable fuel pressure module, and an upgraded software engine software control module. The optional six-speed automatic has also been improved, and weight is 4 pounds lighter than the old unit. A drive mode selector that enables drivers to switch between Normal and Sport modes comes standard on automatic-equipped Accents.