Hyundai’s Cars that use GDi Engine Technology

Hyundai started deploying Gasoline Direct Injection or GDi technology in their engines since 2012 which was seen in the Accent which came with a new Gamma 1.6L inline 4-cylinder that outputted 138 horsepower and 123 lb.ft. of torque and was paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. GDi engines are fast replacing the conservative Multi-point Fuel Intake (MPFi) technology where fuel is injected into the intake valve at low pressure. GDi technology encourages direct-injection of gasoline into the combustion chamber of the cylinders. The experts at Riverside Hyundai appraised us that this is supposed to provide better combustion hence lower emissions and better fuel economy. Over time users came to realize that these engines are quite reliable and GDi engines have industry wide popularity in the auto sector.

Hyundai’s engineers went miles further in bettering this technology and pairing it with their Gamma engine technology that features innovative incorporations of Dual Variable Valve Timing (D-VVT), Roller Timing Chain, Electronic Throttle Control and introduced Anti-friction coatings between the components in the valvetrain that prolonged engine life. Below are insights on some of the Hyundai cars that use GDi in the current day.

Hyundai Kona (Limited & Ultimate)

The adventure ready, 5-door subcompact crossover SUV, the 2019 Hyundai Kona uses the proverbial 1.6L Turbo GDi engine that doles out 175 horsepower, in its Limited and Ultimate trims. The Limited that comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED Headlights and taillights and a power-tilt and slide sunroof and the Ultimate adds Wireless Device Charging, Heads-up display and an 8-inch LCD Touchscreen with navigation. Both these luxurious vehicles give a superb 28 City/32 Hwy/30 Combined mpg EPA estimated mileage with their FWD powertrains.

Hyundai Tucson

The Tucson is an out and out smart city car and stands out in every aspect from design to performance. Pick any Tucson and you are bound to be impressed with its bold, masculine looks, range of features and innovative technologies. All trim levels of the Tucson come standard with the GDi 4-cylinder engine. The SE and Value trims that come with the 161 horsepower, 2.0-Liter GDi 4-Cylinder in particular give a superb EPA estimated mileage of 23/30/26 mpg, City/Highway/Combined. The SEL, Sport, Limited and Ultimate editions come with a 181 horsepower 2.4-Liter GDi 4-cylinder and manage 22/28/25 mpg City/Highway/Combined.

Santa Fe XL and Ultimate

The Santa Fe is one of Hyundai’s most tech infused SUVs. Santa Fe XL’s come with the 290 horsepower 3.3-Liter GDI DOHC 24-valve V6 engine. The FWD drive train SE gives 18 City/25 Hwy/21 Combined mpg., and 18 City/24 Hwy/20 Combined on the AWD train. The Santa Fe 2.0T Ultimate is the 5-passenger version of the XL and you are looking at the 185 horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder on most of the trims with the Limited 2.0T and Ultimate 2.0T featuring a 235 horsepower, 260 lb.ft torque using a twin-scroll turbo GDi DOHC 4-cylinder engine.

Veloster

There are many more Hyundai vehicles that come with the GDi engines, but the one that caught our fancy at Riverside Hyundai dealership was the Veloster that came with the cheeky 201 horsepower 1.6-Liter Turbo GDi that comes with a such a wide and enticing array of safety and driver assistance features that it becomes difficult to choose between the trims.