The 1.2-liter 4-cylinder Hyundai G4LA engine has been produced in India and Korea since 2008 and is installed in almost all compact models of the concern, such as the i10, i20 and Kia Picanto. There are two generations of this motor, the second is equipped with Dual CVVT type phase regulators.
In 2008, the 1.25-liter engine of the new Kappa series debuted on the Hyundai i10 and i20 models. By design, this is a common unit for that time with distributed fuel injection, an aluminum block for 4 cylinders with cast-iron liners and an open cooling jacket, an aluminum 16-valve cylinder head equipped with hydraulic compensators and a timing chain drive. The first version of such a power unit did not have a variable valve timing system.
In 2011, the second generation of the motor appeared, which received Dual CVVT phase regulators. The appearance of this system made it possible to add 7 hp to the engine and fit into the Euro 5 environmental standards.
Kappa R4 family: G4LA, G4LF, G4LC, G4LD, G4LG, G4LH, G4LE, G4LL.
Specifications
| Production years | since 2008 |
| Displacement, cc | 1248 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 78 (1st gen.) 85 (2nd gen.) |
| Torque output, Nm | 118 (1st gen.) 121 (2nd gen.) |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 71 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 78.8 |
| Compression ratio | 10.5 |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | no (1st gen.) Dual CVVT (2nd gen.) |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30, 5W-40 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.2 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 4 (1st gen.) EURO 5 (2nd gen.) |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Kia Picanto 2012) — city — highway — combined |
6.7 4.5 5.3 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~300 000 |
| Weight, kg | 82 (without attachments) |
The engine was installed on:
- Hyundai i10 1 (PA) in 2008 – 2013, i10 2 (IA) in 2013 – 2019;
- Hyundai i20 1 (PB) in 2008 – 2014, i20 2 (GB) in 2014 – 2020;
- Kia Picanto 2 (TA) in 2011 – 2017, Picanto 3 (JA) since 2017;
- Kia Rio 3 (UB) in 2011 – 2017, Rio 4 (YB) since 2017;
- Kia Stonic 1 (YB) since 2017.
Disadvantages of the Hyundai G4LA engine
- This is a reliable unit and owners often complain about noise and vibration than about breakdowns, but it does not tolerate overheating at all. If you do not monitor the cleanliness of the radiators, then soon all the gaskets and seals will harden, and then the grease will climb out of all the cracks.
- The timing chain here is rather thin, but for a sedate owner it serves up to 200,000 km, however, with excessively active operation, it can stretch up to 100,000 km. The replacement procedure is inexpensive if expensive phase regulators do not require updating.
- This unit has an aluminum block with an open cooling jacket and oil consumption due to cylinder distortion is not uncommon here, especially for a run of 200 – 250 thousand km. Also weak points include an unreliable adsorber valve and short-lived engine mounts.
Frequently asked questions about the Hyundai-Kia G4LA
How much power does the Hyundai-Kia G4LA make?
Power output of the Hyundai-Kia G4LA, hp: 78 (1st gen.); 85 (2nd gen.). Torque, Nm: 118 (1st gen.); 121 (2nd gen.).
How much oil does the Hyundai-Kia G4LA take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 4.2 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30, 5W-40.
Does the Hyundai-Kia G4LA have a timing belt or chain?
The Hyundai-Kia G4LA uses a timing chain.
Is the Hyundai-Kia G4LA turbocharged?
No, the Hyundai-Kia G4LA is naturally aspirated.
Does the Hyundai-Kia G4LA need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the Hyundai-Kia G4LA has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the Hyundai-Kia G4LA last?
The typical lifespan of the Hyundai-Kia G4LA is ~300 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Hyundai-Kia G4LA?
Kia Picanto 2012: city 6.7, highway 4.5, combined 5.3 L/100 km.
What cars was the Hyundai-Kia G4LA installed on?
Hyundai i10 1 (PA) in 2008 - 2013, i10 2 (IA) in 2013 - 2019; Hyundai i20 1 (PB) in 2008 - 2014, i20 2 (GB) in 2014 - 2020; Kia Picanto 2 (TA) in 2011 - 2017, Picanto 3 (JA) since 2017; Kia Rio 3 (UB) in 2011 - 2017, Rio 4 (YB) since 2017; Kia Stonic 1 (YB) since 2017.
What are the common problems of the Hyundai-Kia G4LA?
This is a reliable unit and owners often complain about noise and vibration than about breakdowns, but it does not tolerate overheating at all. If you do not monitor the cleanliness of the radiators, then soon all the gaskets and seals will harden, and then the grease will climb out of all the cracks. The timing chain here is rather thin, but for a sedate owner it serves up to 200,000 km, however, with excessively active operation, it can stretch up to 100,000 km. The replacement procedure is inexpensive if expensive phase regulators do not require updating. All known problems.
The G4LA engine is very good and reliable, a few days ago i drove a i20 2013 with 388000 Km on the clock, one owner and original 1.25L engine. It run perfectly fine and according to the owner has been 100% reliable and never let him down. So the G4LA is capable of +400 000Km!
I own a 2018 i20 (GB) with the same G4LA cvvt engine and i like the engines characteristics a lot, easy on fuel and enough torque in low rev range to haul the car without surpassing 2000rpm in normal driving, it pulls well in 5th gear at 50-60 Kmh (1500 rpm). Mine is only at 53000Km but so far so good, no oil burning or leaks. Surely a safer and more reliable option vs. the 1.0 TGDI engine.