The company debuted the 1.4-liter 16-valve Hyundai G4LC engine in 2014, and it is well-known in many markets for models like the Rio 4 and Solaris 2. This power unit was present on the i20, i30, Ceed, Stonic, and fifth generation Accent in Europe.
G4LA, G4LF, G4LC, G4LD, G4LG, G4LH, and G4LE are members of the Kappa R4 family.
The Kappa family’s 1.4-liter engine made its debut on the i20 model’s second generation in 2014. With an aluminum block, cast iron liners, a 16-valve head with hydraulic lifters, a timing chain, and dual CVVT phasers on the intake and exhaust camshafts, this engine is typical for its era. Additionally, a plastic intake manifold with a VIS geometry change system is available.
The manufacturer installed piston cooling oil nozzles on the G4LC engine and altered the exhaust manifold to prevent catalyst crumbs from entering the cylinders after considering the challenging experience of running the 1.4-liter G4FA engine of the Gamma series.
The engine was mounted on:
- Hyundai Accent 5 (YC) since 2017;
- Hyundai i20 2 (GB) in 2014 – 2018;
- Hyundai i30 2 (GD) in 2015 – 2017; i30 3 (PD) since 2017;
- Hyundai Solaris 2 (HC) since 2017;
- Kia Ceed 2 (JD) in 2015 – 2018; Ceed 3 (CD) since 2018;
- Kia Rio 4 (FB) since 2017; Rio 4 (YB) since 2017;
- Kia Rio X-Line 1 (FB) since 2017;
- Kia Rio X 1 (FB) since 2020;
- Kia Stonic 1 (YB) in 2017 – 2019.
Specifications
| Production years | since 2014 |
| Displacement, cc | 1368 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 100 |
| Torque output, Nm | 133 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 72 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 84 |
| Compression ratio | 10.5 |
| Features | VIS |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | Dual CVVT |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 0W-30, 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 3.7 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 5/6 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Hyundai Solaris 2018) — city — highway — combined |
7.2 4.8 5.7 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~300 000 |
| Weight, kg | 85.9 (without attachments) |
Disadvantages of the Hyundai G4LC engine
The oil burner is the only well-known issue with this power unit. In comparison to the G4FA engine, the manufacturer lightened the motor’s design by 14 kg, and after 150,000 kilometers, lubricant consumption frequently occurs because of connecting rod and piston group wear.
Here, a basic leaf chain is installed, but it has a respectable resource because of the motor’s low power. On the other hand, the chain stretches rapidly for active drivers.
They complain about the unit’s vibration load, the nozzles’ noisy operation, the water pump’s limited capacity, and sporadic coolant and oil leaks on specialized forums.