Before you start thinking the infamous Yugo has returned, the Accent is genuinely a downright decent automobile. Cheap doesn't actually describe the Accent. It is better depicted as inexpensive. Two engine configurations are available. Granted, these engines are on the small side by today's standards but let's not forget the price of this vehicle.
Bigger engines mean higher manufacturing costs.
While certainly no pocket rocket, the base engine is adequate in all situations as I discovered in my L model coupe test car. An automatic is not available for the smaller engine and it's just as well. An automatic shifter would suck up too much of the modest available power. But if you wind the engine up through the gears, especially in second and third, there is enough useable power for decent takeoffs and to merge with freeway traffic. In fact, third gear is a nice place to be when motivating from 40 to 60 miles per hour.