After spending several days and a few thousand miles behind the wheel of a 2006 Kia Rio recently, driving the 2006 Hyundai Accent, the Rio’s corporate twin, would seem like reconnecting with an old friend. However, Hyundai and Kia representatives are quick to point out that each company has its own brand identity and infuses its respective cars with unique DNA. To that end, a back-to-back drive of the Accent and Rio demonstrates the Hyundai’s softer ride and lighter steering. To differentiate the nameplates, Hyundai is choosing to go in the direction of affordable and comfortable cruisers, whereas Kia is aiming for sportiness on a budget. In domestic terms, it would be much like Buick versus Pontiac.

Given that the 2006 Accent is a low-priced commuter car, chances are that most buyers won’t mind (or may not even notice) the car’s vague, uncommunicative steering and soft suspension. Indeed, the setup swallows potholes and road irregularities with confidence and little disruption to the goings on in the cabin. The brake system is effective and features a pedal that is easily modulated. Visibility is quite good thanks to the expansive glass, large exterior mirrors, and rear headrests that retract. Interior noise is mainly limited to some tire and wind noise, all of which can be easily canceled out by the 172-watt sound system.

That leaves for discussion the four-cylinder engine with its 110 horses and 106 lb.-ft. of torque. In a time of 200+ horsepower family sedans and 140-horsepower Honda Civics, the Accent’s 1.6-liter engine falls a bit shy of being termed a powerhouse, but there is plenty of giddyup for the everyday commuter. Not an abundance, mind you, but enough. Highway passes require a moment of preparation and result in an engine that screams for mercy as the floored accelerator plays havoc with the tachometer. But it gets the job done, and given this car’s price and purpose as inexpensive basic transportation, the Accent performs as intended. Our choice of Accents was limited to automatic transmission-equipped models only, each of which offered smooth, if not seamless shifts.

For shoppers looking for inconspicuous, inexpensive transportation with a focus on safety, the 2006 Hyundai Accent is definitely worth some attention, and maybe even a test drive. It should be especially appealing to those looking for a few standard creature comforts and that 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. No, buyers won’t find an optional navigation system or supercharger, though they will enjoy seating for five, a starting price of less than $12,000, and fuel economy as high as 35 mpg. Not a bad deal.

Now if only Hyundai could add a splash of life to the exterior styling and handling – you know, like little brother Kia did with its version of the Accent, the Rio.