As compact cars have grown larger and more expensive, subcompacts like the 2015 Hyundai Accent have enjoyed a gradual rise in popularity. Not only are these cars just the right size for many commuters, they are typically quite fuel-efficient and, of course, even more affordable to buy. What many shoppers will find more compelling, though, is the out-and-out refinement of a car like the Accent. Hyundai has built an entry-level sedan and hatchback that will seldom remind you of their budget origins.From the driver seat, there's plenty to like, as the 2015 Accent has attractive interior materials and solid build quality, especially for a car with such a low starting price. The car's sleek styling adds to the upscale feel, but what makes the Accent feel truly special is under the hood. Its 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine isn't significantly more powerful than most rivals' four-cylinder engines, but acceleration is strong and the Accent is about a second quicker to 60 mph than the class average. That's a difference you'll feel every time you accelerate up to highway speeds. Even better, both the automatic and manual transmissions work well, so there's no bad choice to make.Another laudable feature is the Accent's passenger space, as both the hatchback and the sedan have plenty of room for full-size adults in the rear seat. The hatchback also offers plenty of cargo space, and it's a good option for buyers needing extra utility. Once you've loaded up your passengers and gear, everyone will appreciate the Hyundai's smooth and quiet ride.Of course, in this price range, all is not perfect, and one of the more surprising drawbacks to the Hyundai Accent is fuel economy. Although the car's EPA fuel economy estimates are respectable and on par with those of many top rivals, we've found it difficult to reproduce them in real-world driving. Rearward visibility is also challenging on the hatchback version, and no rearview camera is offered. Finally, such higher-end features as keyless ignition, a navigation system and smartphone app integration are simply not available, even though many competitors now offer them.The 2015 Hyundai Accent sedan and hatchback are good overall choices for the subcompact class, but you'll definitely want to consider some of the competition before making up your mind. The 2015 Honda Fit is one of our favorites in the segment, thanks to its truly abundant cargo space and impressive fuel economy. If you're looking for an entertaining driving experience, cars like the 2015 Ford Fiesta and the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic offer peppy turbocharged engines and impressive handling abilities. The Accent's cousin, the 2015 Kia Rio, is essentially the same car in different packaging, and it offers a few more optional tech features, such as navigation and a rearview camera. The Toyota Prius C is worth a look for its excellent fuel economy, though it's quite a bit more expensive than the Hyundai. Whatever your priorities, though, the 2015 Hyundai Accent is worth a long look given its solid overall credentials.