Hyundai 1.6 GDI, experiences?

[19jacobob93]

Hi all,
I'm back from a bit of an absence due to horrible luck with my cars! My Falcon got kindly T-boned and the head gasket blew in my BMW both within a month leaving me car-less...

Anyway I decided on getting a new 2019 build Hyundai Accent Hatchback with the 1.6 GDI 'Gamma' engine + 6sp auto.
I really can't find much first hand experience on these online, and other than that the 2013 Velosters had bad rod bearings they actually seem to be reliable...

I know these engines are quite common in the US across a few Hyundai and Kia models so I was hoping to hear about owner's experiences on here regarding any issues and how well they hold up after a few miles. Also oil recommendations of course plus any tips on how to keep the intake valves as carbon free as is possible aside from installing a catch can.

Cheers!

 

[charbaby]

As far as the motor oil goes, I would follow your owner's manual for the oil recommended in your country, climate and your personal driving conditions & style/habits. A Full Synthetic 5W30 would seem about right to me however, follow the owner's manual especially since you are under warranty.

Here is a video of said car & drivetrain, actually the KIA Rio sibling to the Hyundai Accent. And it's a good video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8-pExWP2Ls

 

[charbaby]

Also keep in mind that the video does in fact mention other vehicle comparisons that you may be aware of in your country however, these vehicles have different names for other world markets. For example:

Honda FIT (JAZZ)
Hyundai Accent (Accent)
Toyota Yaris iA (Mazda 2)
Nissan Versa (NOTE)
Ford Fiesta (Fiesta)
Volkswagen Polo (not available in the U.S.)
Renault Clio (same as above)

Also keep in mind that the American versions of a "subcompact" vehicle would be considered something LARGER in other world markets. Mainly due to the vehicle in our country are much larger in their specific categories. So, a subcompact car in Europe for example, may be considered a "compact" vehicle...and on up the size ladder.

 

[Blagoje]

I have a 2012 Accent GLS with 95,000 miles and so far the car has been bulletproof, it is an incredibly low maintenance vehicle which has only required replacement of components like tires, brakes, air filters, etc. The engine is picky about oil filters and to date the best experience I have had has been with the Hyundai OEM oil filter which is produced by Mann-Hummel in Korea. It is incredibly well constructed, however, it has industry minimum efficiency of 99% at 50 microns. I am going to try out the Fram XG9688 for my next OCI as I have heard many rave reviews from others who have used it on their 1.6L GDI engine. Also make sure to change your PCV value every 30,000 miles or so. On my car it takes about 5 minutes and requires one wrench and pliers to complete with the actual part being $10 or less at most auto parts stores. Fair warning, a dealership or independent repair shop may hit you up for $300 to do this but I can assure you that it is incredibly easy and cheap and it may be the one thing that saves your engine long term.

As far as oil goes I have used 5w20, 5w30, 10w30, and 0w40 in the engine and it has not skipped a beat. I will say that I am probably going to stick to a robust 5w30 in the future like Rotella Multi Vehicle 5w30 just because it is a GDI engine and they tend to get dirty inside from soot accumulation. I would rather use something with heavy duty cleaning agents like Rotella T6 rather than your standard fare 5w20 or 5w30.

 

[ChrisD46]

*Curious why the need to change the PCV valve so frequently (30K miles) when other engines it is expected every 100K miles ?
Originally Posted by Ignatius
I have a 2012 Accent GLS with 95,000 miles and so far the car has been bulletproof, it is an incredibly low maintenance vehicle which has only required replacement of components like tires, brakes, air filters, etc. The engine is picky about oil filters and to date the best experience I have had has been with the Hyundai OEM oil filter which is produced by Mann-Hummel in Korea. It is incredibly well constructed, however, it has industry minimum efficiency of 99% at 50 microns. I am going to try out the Fram XG9688 for my next OCI as I have heard many rave reviews from others who have used it on their 1.6L GDI engine. Also make sure to change your PCV value every 30,000 miles or so. On my car it takes about 5 minutes and requires one wrench and pliers to complete with the actual part being $10 or less at most auto parts stores. Fair warning, a dealership or independent repair shop may hit you up for $300 to do this but I can assure you that it is incredibly easy and cheap and it may be the one thing that saves your engine long term.

As far as oil goes I have used 5w20, 5w30, 10w30, and 0w40 in the engine and it has not skipped a beat. I will say that I am probably going to stick to a robust 5w30 in the future like Rotella Multi Vehicle 5w30 just because it is a GDI engine and they tend to get dirty inside from soot accumulation. I would rather use something with heavy duty cleaning agents like Rotella T6 rather than your standard fare 5w20 or 5w30.

 

[Imp4]

So my mother own a 2014 Accent with the 1.6 GDI. It's the prototypical Grandma econobox.
Currently at approx 30k miles.
The engine has been solid. (That means she hasn't complained about it.)
Tons of room in the engine compartment should the day come that work needs to occur. I'd buy one of these again except the rest of the car just gives that cheaply constructed feeling.
Mostly stop and go driving has resulted in about 30 mpg average.
OCIs have been at 5k intervals with no name 5w20 oil and filters per OEM recommendation.
Never a startup rattle or funky engine noise.
If she'd just stop driving over curbs and hitting the buffer at the gas pump the body would still look good.....

 

[Blagoje]

Originally Posted by ChrisD46
*Curious why the need to change the PCV valve so frequently (30K miles) when other engines it is expected every 100K miles?


Personal discretion perhaps, it was recommended to me that it be done this way with this specific engine and that is just what I do. It is so cheap and easy to do and this is such a critical engine component I have to think why not? IIRC it is among the top maintenance items neglected that contributes to engine failure.

 

[19jacobob93]

Thanks for the replies everyone.
All anecdotal reviews seem to be good which is promising. I will definitely take the advice regarding the PCV valve on board and I will aim to replace that every 50,000km.
After the break in period I will start adding MoS2 to hopefully reduce blow-by and therefore intake valve deposits while reducing overall wear since I don't plan on adding a catch can until the 5 year/unlimited KM warranty is over!

 

[cb450sc]

My daughter just got a 2015 Kia Forte5 with the 1.6 turbo engine. Is this the same engine as in the o.p. car? From what I have read about this engine, the oil drain plug is at the front of the vehicle. So if you put it on ramps to change the oil some would be left in the pan.

 

[charbaby]

Originally Posted by cb450sc
My daughter just got a 2015 Kia Forte5 with the 1.6 turbo engine. Is this the same engine as in the o.p. car? From what I have read about this engine, the oil drain plug is at the front of the vehicle. So if you put it on ramps to change the oil some would be left in the pan.


The OPs is normally aspirated 130 hp not 201 hp turbo.
IDK, maybe they share the same block but, that's it!

 

[cb450sc]

Thanks char, I didn't mean to steal the thread.

 

[wemay]

I owned a Veloster with this engine. It was completely trouble free for the 88k miles I had it. I used mostly conventional 5w20 with Fram oil filters.