2015 Hyundai Accent: What's Changed

Most significant changes: Bluetooth available at lower cost

Price change: $100 increase on all models

On sale: Early- to mid-November

Which should you buy, 2014 or 2015? 2014

For 2015, the subcompact Hyundai Accent gets a midlife exterior freshening and new option packages for GLS sedans with the optional automatic transmission that make Bluetooth hands-free capability available at lower cost.

Bluetooth is included in the new $600 Popular Equipment Package with cruise control, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel with built-in audio controls and a sliding armrest storage box. Previously, those features were lumped in the $1,400 Option Group 2 with 16-inch alloy wheels, rear disc brakes, projector-style headlights, upgraded interior trim and other items. Those latter features are now available in the new $800 Style Package, and you have to buy the Popular Package to get them.

Last year’s SE hatchback is now called Sport, but standard equipment receives only minor changes. Cosmetic changes include a new grille, headlights and taillights, and new designs for the 14-inch wheel covers standard on the GLS sedan and GS hatchback and the available 16-inch alloy wheels.

Hyundai’s small car starts out at attractively low prices, but getting Bluetooth on a GLS sedan previously required paying $1,000 for an automatic transmission and $1,400 for an option package. The cost of entry is $700 less for 2015 (after the $100 base price increase), so that’s a welcome change. Unfortunately, Bluetooth still isn’t offered on the GS, so you have to move up to a more expensive Sport model if you want a hatchback and hands-free capability.

The 2015s will go on sale later this month, so expect dealers to offer deals on the 2014s still on their lots of which there are many, according to Cars.com’s national new car inventory. Currently Hyundai is offering $500 to $750 in cash back offers depending on the model through Dec. 1.

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