The 1.4-liter Hyundai G4FA engine has been produced at the company’s Chinese plant since 2006 and is primarily known as the base power unit of such models as Ceed, i20, i30 and Accent.
In 2006, a 1.4-liter unit debuted on the new Ceed model for the European market. By design, this is a typical motor with an aluminum block, an open cooling jacket, an aluminum 16-valve cylinder head without hydraulic lifters and a timing chain with a hydraulic tensioner. Fuel injection is distributed here, and there is a phase regulator on the intake camshaft. This unit is equipped with a plastic intake manifold without a geometry change system.
During production, the engine has been modernized more than once, and the main update is the replacement of a huge “ram’s horn” exhaust manifold with a regular small catalytic converter. It was after this that the unit began to lift up due to the ingress of catalyst crumbs into the cylinders.
Gamma family: G4FA, G4FL, G4FS, G4FC, G4FD, G4FG, G4FJ, G4FM, G4FP, G4FT, G4FU.
Specifications
| Production years | since 2006 |
| Displacement, cc | 1396 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 99 – 109 |
| Torque output, Nm | 135 – 137 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 77 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 75 |
| Compression ratio | 10.5 |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | yes |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 0W-30, 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 3.7 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 4/5 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Hyundai Solaris 2012) — city — highway — combined |
7.6 4.9 5.9 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~300 000 |
| Weight, kg | 99.5 |
The engine was installed on:
- Hyundai Accent 4 (RB) in 2010 – 2018;
- Hyundai i20 1 (PB) in 2008 – 2014;
- Hyundai ix20 1 (JC) in 2010 – 2019;
- Hyundai i30 1 (FD) in 2007 – 2012, i30 2 (GD) in 2011 – 2015;
- Hyundai Solaris 1 (RB) in 2010 – 2017;
- Kia Ceed 1 (ED) in 2006 – 2013, Ceed 2 (JD) in 2012 – 2015;
- Kia ProCeed 1 (ED) in 2007 – 2010;
- Kia Rio 3 (QB) in 2011 – 2017, Rio 3 (UB) in 2011 – 2017;
- Kia Venga 1 (YN) in 2009 – 2019.
Disadvantages of the Hyundai G4FA engine
- In the early years, the engine was equipped with a large ram’s horn exhaust manifold, but since about 2010 it has been replaced with a very modest catalytic converter. Now, when the catalyst is destroyed, the crumbs fall into the cylinders and scratch the walls.
- This is an aluminum unit with an open cooling jacket and thin-walled sleeves, the rigidity of which is low. With very active use or frequent overheating, the cylinders can go in an ellipse and a progressive consumption of lubricant immediately appears.
- For sedate drivers, the timing chain runs perfectly, usually it changes after 200,000 km. However, if the engine is constantly turned to high speeds, then the resource drops by half. Also, from dirty oil, it often fails here and the hydraulic tensioner jams.
- About smaller problems: due to a weak tensioner, the alternator belt often whistles, engine mounts do not last long, grease leaks from under the valve cover and floating engine speeds due to a contaminated throttle assembly or fuel injectors are regularly encountered.
Frequently asked questions about the Hyundai-Kia G4FA
How much power does the Hyundai-Kia G4FA make?
The Hyundai-Kia G4FA develops 99 - 109 hp and 135 - 137 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Hyundai-Kia G4FA take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 3.7 liters. Recommended oil: 0W-30, 5W-30.
Does the Hyundai-Kia G4FA have a timing belt or chain?
The Hyundai-Kia G4FA uses a timing chain.
Is the Hyundai-Kia G4FA turbocharged?
No, the Hyundai-Kia G4FA is naturally aspirated.
Does the Hyundai-Kia G4FA need valve clearance adjustment?
Yes, there are no hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances have to be checked and adjusted periodically.
How long does the Hyundai-Kia G4FA last?
The typical lifespan of the Hyundai-Kia G4FA is ~300 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Hyundai-Kia G4FA?
Hyundai Solaris 2012: city 7.6, highway 4.9, combined 5.9 L/100 km.
What cars was the Hyundai-Kia G4FA installed on?
Hyundai Accent 4 (RB) in 2010 - 2018; Hyundai i20 1 (PB) in 2008 - 2014; Hyundai ix20 1 (JC) in 2010 - 2019; Hyundai i30 1 (FD) in 2007 - 2012, i30 2 (GD) in 2011 - 2015; Hyundai Solaris 1 (RB) in 2010 - 2017; Kia Ceed 1 (ED) in 2006 - 2013, Ceed 2 (JD) in 2012 - 2015 and 3 more (see the full list above).
What are the common problems of the Hyundai-Kia G4FA?
In the early years, the engine was equipped with a large ram's horn exhaust manifold, but since about 2010 it has been replaced with a very modest catalytic converter. Now, when the catalyst is destroyed, the crumbs fall into the cylinders and scratch the walls. This is an aluminum unit with an open cooling jacket and thin-walled sleeves, the rigidity of which is low. With very active use or frequent overheating, the cylinders can go in an ellipse and a progressive consumption of lubricant immediately appears. All known problems.
