The Accent's 8-way adjustable driver's seat also helped me find the

The buttons and knobs are all in close proximity, as is the 5-speed manual transmission gear selector. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

optimal seating position, which made the trek up Vancouver Island all the more comfortable. The buttons and knobs are all in close proximity, as is the 5-speed manual transmission gear selector -the standard transmission for all three trim levels.

Speaking of trim levels, the Accent comes in the base GS model, then GL and GLS. All are four-door sedan configurations and all incorporate the same engine. This said... if a 3-door hatchback is what tickles your fancy, you'll have to wait until the 2007 model year as it will be introduced in early 2006. The differences in current 4-door trim levels only reflect standard and available features and options, not outward appearances - wheels and tires aside. What sets the top of the line Accent model, the GLS, apart from its competition is its set of 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS and EBD as a standard feature (MSRP starts at just over

The GS starts at only $13,995 and comes with 6 standard airbags, front disc and rear drum brakes, P185/65R14 tires with wheel covers and an AM/FM stereo with a CD/MP3 player. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

$16,000 for this model). In the subcompact class, only the Toyota Yaris offers ABS and then doesn't complement the anti-skid technology with 4-wheel disc brakes; ABS is not available at all with the Kia Rio, Chevrolet Aveo or Suzuki Sprint+.

While on my route, I had the base GS trim complete with manual windows, door locks and transmission. While stripped to its essentials, at the end of the day it's a sturdy and sassy subcompact. The GS starts at only $13,995 and comes with 6 standard airbags, front disc and rear drum brakes, P185/65R14 tires with wheel covers and an AM/FM stereo with a CD/MP3 player. I can't say I put this audio system to the test because I enjoyed the conversation with my driving partner much more than the lousy songs that were playing on the radio. It's decent and works. Need I say more?