Most of the 2015 Hyundai Elantra trims use the unexciting 1.8L four-cylinder ‘Nu’ engine. But Sport and GT model’s 2.0L four-cylinder adds more power and thrill to driving while still offering impressive fuel economy.
Key Points
- Part of the Nu engine family, the 1.8L and 2.0L engines found across the 2015 Hyundai Elantra lineup have similar construction and use a lot of the same technology.
- Nu engines use aluminum construction to save weight, and have advanced variable valve timing and a variable intake control system to maximize efficiency.
- The SE and Limited trims feature the 1.8L inline-four that makes 145 hp and gets up to 37 mpg.
- Sport trim and GT hatchback model are powered by the more potent 2.0L inline four-cylinder with 173 hp and up to 33 mpg.
- Both engine options are available with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
Hyundai’s Nu Engines Add Advanced Variable Timing and Intake Systems to Maximize Efficiency in the 2015 Elantra
Both the 1.8L and 2.0L engines found across the four 2015 Elantra Trim levels are members of Hyundai’s Nu engine family. Announced in 2010, the Nu engine’s goal was to modernize Hyundai engines with advanced technology to maximize efficiency. Additions include better construction materials, variable elements, and an electronic (drive by wire) throttle body, which allow engineers to precisely control fuel and air mixtures depending on the load on the engine.
The first significant change in the Nu engine relative to its outgoing predecessors is the use of aluminum for the engine block instead of cast iron. According to Hyundai, this change shaved 30% off the engine’s overall weight.
While standard dual-overhead-camshaft construction remains a key element of the Nu engine family, the addition of dual continuously variable valve timing is a major step in how the dual camshafts are used. This system allows precise control of when both exhaust and intake valves open and close, allowing fuel and air to be precisely controlled based on engine rpm.
Another major upgrade for the Nu engine family is using a variable intake system. A plastic two-stage intake manifold allows the vehicle to automatically switch between short or long intake runners, optimizing air intake based on engine load and rpm continuously. This switch also results in a 30% weight reduction compared to an aluminum intake manifold.
Finally, the Nu engine family uses an offset crankshaft design to reduce friction between the pistons and cylinder walls, as well as a hydraulic valve control system to reduce friction in the valvetrain. Overall, reducing friction is elemental to increasing efficiency as an engine fighting minimal friction doesn’t work as hard.
2015 Elantra’s 1.8L Engine Offers No-frills Functionality with Fantastic Fuel Economy
2015 Hyundai Elantras with the 1.8L Nu engine make 143 horsepower and 130 lb.-ft. of torque. It is found in SE and Limited trim models for the 2015 model year. While it certainly isn’t the fastest vehicle on the road, its light curb weight of around 2,800 pounds makes this power plenty adequate for safely navigating traffic and getting up to speed.
The Nu engine offers fantastic fuel economy. According to EPA ratings, 1.8-liter models equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission see the best numbers with ratings up to 27 mpg city and 37 highway for a combined rating of 31. Manual transmission models are not far behind, with ratings of 27 mpg city and 36 highway for a combined rating of 30.
Though these specs and the Elantra’s affordable price point may seem relatively convincing, the 1.8-liter engines found in these cars have detrimental issues that sometimes result in the destruction of the engine for those living in cold-weather states.
2015 Elantra’s 2.0L Engine Offers More Power without Sacrificing Much in Terms of Efficiency
The 2.0L engine found in the Elantra Sport and Elantra GT Hatchback is similar to the 1.8 in that it’s made of aluminum, uses standard dual-overhead-camshaft construction, and is an inline-four. However, the 2.0 uses direct-injection technology to maximize fuel efficiency. Shoppers looking for an affordable daily driver that doesn’t offer a soulless driving experience will definitely lean towards the 2.0L engine offering.
The 2.0 offers a bit more spirited driving experience with 173 horsepower and 154 lb.-ft. of torque. Though it is still not a massive amount of power, the nearly 30 horsepower increase over the 1.8L engine is undoubtedly noticeable thanks again to the Elantra’s lightweight design.
Additionally, the 2.0L’s increase in power doesn’t equate to too much of a drop in fuel economy. According to the EPA, 2.0L models with the automatic transmission see up to 24 mpg city and 34 highway for a combined rating of 28. Manual transmission variants also see 24 mpg city with a minimal drop to 33 highway for a combined total of 27.
Ultimately, the Hyundai Nu engine found in the 2015 Hyundai Elantra in either format is a modern tech marvel that finds a happy balance between fuel economy and power.
Photos: Hyundai
