i think the moddability of hyundai cars are possible and quite potential but to do so you'll have to fork out a lump sum to do so as the performance parts are not available locally.
the most probable reason to this that i could think of is due to the large market available to sell performance parts that can be fitted to protons and japanese cars. looking at the large market and demand available, it makes the parts easier and cheaper to be sourced.
it's just a matter of time when korean cars come into the modification scene, locally. if i'm not mistaken D33p$h|t (a forumer in zth, but i don't quite remember his nick) has put in a lot of effort in modifying his hyundai elantra..
everything is possible.
i really don't think Accent is an old folks car or just to go to the market place. If you just look into the reviews of the British that criticizes cars around, then what makes the people that drive a Proton has to say? Reviews sometimes just doesn't do justice to the car.
The comfortness in the Hyundai Accent is awesome I must say, except for the harder cushion seats (new car??). The interior is rather quiet, the suspension is relatively good as well.
Handling wise, not as good (compared to my honda civic) when stock (especially if you are trying to do some sharp cornering at speeds higher than average).. but that could be fixed with suitable struts..
Acceleration is a lil poor, honestly. Why I say so? Sometimes when I want to overtake the car in front of me, the acceleration slowly picks up when i started to floor the pedal but once it revs high.. it's speechless ;). However, the gear change in response to the acceleration pedal is very good and smooth compared to my honda civic automatic which jerks.
Install some strut bars to improve handling, 15" sport rims, bodykit it up and you have a pretty nice ride to go with. Too bad this car ain't what I drive daily, otherwise I would've do the upgrades i've mentioned to it :P However if my dad gets me some other car that I ain't really gonna like (selling the civic!), I'll take the Accent :D