A key ingredient in Hyundai’s recipe for high fuel efficiency—the automaker’s innovative 1.6-liter I4 engine—earned one of the powertrain sector’s most prominent recognitions recently, when it was chosen for Ward’s annual list of 10 Best Engines. It’s the second Hyundai engine to make the list, with the company’s 5.0-liter V8 earning the same honors for 2011.
“Hyundai spent three years on the list with its excellent Tau 5.0-liter V8, but 2012 brings evidence the auto maker can deliver world-class small engines as well,” writes Tom Murphy, executive editor, WardsAuto World. “The new 1.6-liter DI Gamma four-cylinder is powering entry level vehicles such as the Hyundai Accent and demonstrates its versatility in the Hyundai Veloster three-door coupe. Mated with an excellent six-speed manual transmission for our evaluation, this package makes the Accent an easy pick for B-class car shoppers. Priced a shade above $14,000, the Gamma-equipped Accent is an excellent value that will surprise and delight any first-time buyer.”
But notably, that engine also delivers a class-leading 30 mpg city/40 mpg highway—and a class-leading 138 hp—in the Accent with both a manual or an automatic transmission; the Veloster likewise gets 40 mpg highway with a manual, and while that mark is slightly lower with an automatic—at 38 mpg—the automatic delivers a slightly higher city rating as the manual—29 mpg—and the exact same 32 mpg in combined driving. (And the exact same 138 hp.)
Helping the little engine deliver big-time performance are features like:
- Gasoline direct injection
- Dual continuously variable valve timing
- Electronic throttle control
- A roller timing chain
- Variable induction
- An array of anti-friction coatings
“Gasoline-direct-injection technology allowed Hyundai engineers to create an engine that is powerful, fuel-efficient and has reduced emissions,” said John Juriga, powertrain director at Hyundai American Technical Center Inc. “Despite its small size, it generates some big numbers, with both impressive horsepower output and up to 40 mpg on the highway.”
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