Hyundai’s most economical vehicle has been primed for an overhaul, the company announced early this week. A newly composed drivetrain will make its debut on the car’s 2020 model. The drivetrain, which has been designed to be more efficient than that of previous models, should successfully produce an increase of four MPGs in combined fuel economy. However, the changes will also result in a modest power reduction from the previous year.

Some of the car’s revisions were more expected than others. As with last year’s model, the car will only be available with two transmission options, including a 6-speed manual at the base SE trim-level. However, the previously available 6-speed automatic has been nixed in favor of Hyundai’s new Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). The IVT, which is essentially a standard CVT transmission in all but name, is replacing traditional automatics in small cars across the board. Hyundai had already announced its inclusion on the 2020 Elantra, while Honda and Toyota have been gradually introducing CVTs as standard equipment on their latest Civics and Corollas respectively. CVTs may be derided for their sluggishness, but they remain a cheap and easy way for car manufacturers to squeeze a bit more fuel economy from existing platforms. Consequently, it was never unlikely that Hyundai would shy away from doing the same.

In a more surprising move, Hyundai also pulled back the curtain on an all-new engine. The 2020 Accent will have only one engine option: a 1.6 L 4-cylinder engine with Dual Port Injection (DPI), dubbed the “Smartstream.” The engine makes 120 horsepower and 113 lb.-ft. of torque, which is 10 hp and 6 lb-ft. less than the outgoing 1.6L GDI engine produced. While a power decrease is never fun, the resulting engine could wind up being one of the most efficient on the market thanks to a host of efficiency upgrades. The engine will make use of advanced systems such as: variable injection and valve timing, a new thermal management module replacing the traditional thermostat, a narrow water jacket core and an external Exhaust Gas Recovery (EGR) system focused on improving fuel economy and combustion stability.

If the Accent’s transition to its new drivetrain goes smoothly, the car that this website called the best inexpensive car in 2019 has a chance to retain its title next year. It’s hard to imagine that a decrease of 10 horsepower could have any significant effect on the driving experience. Conversely, an improved fuel economy only serves to bolster its role as a low-cost commuter car – a niche that Hyundai seems poised to dominate.

See Hyundai’s full press release detailing the changes here.