My sister is leasing a 2012 Accent hatchback. I'd say it's superior to a Honda Civic in most ways. Better fuel economy, 6 speed auto, interior of better quality materials, and more standard options, and comes in at 3K or so less than a base Civic. 40 mpg highway is easy to do as well.
Hyundai has some nice looking cars now,
AFAIK they hired one of Audi's stylists. Honda on the other hand has been frozen in time for the last 6 years.