Hyundai switching the U.S. Accent, Elantra to in-house IVT

Two years ago, South Korean car manufacturer Hyundai introduced the Smartstream engine range designed to operate in tandem with the company’s new proprietary infinitely variable transmission (IVT). The Hyundai i20 and the Kia Forte were the first two models to take advantage of the new gearbox. Today, the list expands to include two key Hyundai models in the United States: the Elantra and the Accent.

Let us start with the Accent. Aside from the IVT, the car gets a new 1.6-liter Smartstream engine. While its predecessor was capable of 132 hp (98 kW) and 161 Nm (120 lb-ft) of torque, the newcomer only delivers 122 hp (91 kW) and 153 Nm (113 lb-ft).

It compensates for that by having significantly better fuel efficiency. The former engine consumed around 7.4 liters per 100 kilometers of mixed-mode driving (~31.8 miles per U.S. gallon). The new one only consumes 6.5 liters (~36.2 MPG).

The more expensive Hyundai Elantra gets to keep its 2.0-liter naturally aspirated Nu engine rated at 149 hp (111 kW). Despite this, switching to the IVT still results in an improvement in fuel consumption. Depending on your chosen configuration, the car will typically burn between 6.7 and 6.9 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers (34.1 – 35 MPG).

Finally, the U.S. version of the Hyundai Elantra will no longer be available with manual transmission (the company claims no one ordered it anyway).