While the Hyundai Accent thoroughly impresses everyone at Power of Bowser every year with its appealing design and affordable price, there's something under its hood this year that's wowing the automotive world as a whole. We are, of course, talking about the all-new 1.6-liter GDI Gamma engine. How popular is the new powerplant? Popular enough to be featured on the "Ward's 10 Best Engines" list by WardsAuto World.

Prior to entering the Gamma engine onto the list, Hyundai wowed the editors at WardsAuto World with the Tau 5.0-liter V8 engine for three years in a row. It goes without saying then that Hyundai is no stranger to the "Ward's 10 Best Engines" list, but what makes this new entry even more impressive is the fact that it sits at the exact opposite end of the performance spectrum than the Tau engine.

"Hyundai spent three years on the list with its excellent Tau 5.0-liter V-8, but 2012 brings evidence the auto maker can deliver world-class small engines as well," explains Tom Murphy, WardsAuto World Executive Editor. "The new 1.6-liter DI Gamma four-cylinder is powering entry level vehicles such as the [2012] Hyundai Accent and demonstrates its versatility in the [2012] 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."

Of course, it's not only first time buyers that can appreciate the 30 mpg city/40 mpg highway that the 1.6-liter GDI Gamma engine offers; those who've been around the block more than a few times in less efficient vehicles are sure to be drawn to it as well. That's why we invite you to take either the 2012 Hyundai Accent or 2012 Hyundai Veloster for a test drive at 1001 Clairton Blvd. Pleasant Hills, PA 15236 today.

Source: ¹http://hyundainews.com/us/en-us/Media/PressRelease.aspx?mediaid=34772&title=hyundai-16-liter-gamma-engine-named-to-wards-10-best-engines-list