The Hyundai G4CP-D is a 1,975 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2000 and 2006. It features a SOHC 16‑valve layout, multi‑point fuel injection (MPi), and a cast‑iron block with aluminium cylinder head, delivering 94 kW (128 PS) and 177 Nm of torque. Robust construction and simple architecture prioritized durability and serviceability in mid‑size applications.
Fitted to models such as the Sonata (EF), Santa Fe (SM), and Trajet (YP), the G4CP-D was engineered for balanced performance, reliability, and ease of maintenance in global markets. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three‑way catalytic converter and precise fuel metering, meeting Euro 3 standards throughout its production run.
One documented concern is premature wear of the exhaust valve guides in high‑mileage units, noted in Hyundai Service Bulletin EM‑2005‑07. The issue stems from marginal heat dissipation in early cylinder head castings, exacerbated by extended oil change intervals and sustained high-load operation. From 2004, Hyundai introduced revised cylinder heads with improved guide material and cooling passages.

Hyundai
All production years (2000–2006) meet Euro 3 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2189). No Euro 4 variants were produced.
The Hyundai G4CP-D is a 1,975 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for mid-size sedans and SUVs (2000–2006). It combines multi-point fuel injection with a SOHC 16-valve valvetrain to deliver smooth power delivery and mechanical simplicity. Designed to meet Euro 3 emissions standards, it emphasizes reliability and straightforward maintenance over advanced technologies.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,975 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.0 mm × 93.0 mm | |
| Power output | 94 kW (128 PS) | |
| Torque | 177 Nm @ 4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection (MPi) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Belt (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | Hyundai SP I (API SG/SH, SAE 10W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The G4CP-D’s SOHC architecture provides mechanical simplicity ideal for cost-effective ownership but requires strict adherence to 10,000 km oil change intervals to prevent valve guide wear. Hyundai SP I 10W‑30 oil is essential due to its compatibility with older engine metallurgy and emissions systems. Extended oil intervals or high-load operation accelerate exhaust valve guide wear, especially in pre-2004 builds. Revised cylinder heads from 2004 (per SIB EM‑2005‑07) mitigate this issue. The front-mounted timing belt must be replaced every 90,000 km to avoid interference damage.
Oil Specs: Requires Hyundai SP I (API SG/SH, 10W-30) specification (Hyundai Owner’s Manual Sonata 2001). Not compatible with modern low-viscosity or synthetic-only oils.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to all 2000–2006 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2189). No Euro 4 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under UN ECE R85. Output consistent across all G4CP-D applications (Hyundai Powertrain Guide 2016).
Hyundai Technical Information System (TIS): Docs EM‑2000‑C1, EM‑2000‑C2, SIB EM‑2005‑07
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/2189)
EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
The Hyundai G4CP-D was used across Hyundai's EF/SM/YP platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Santa Fe SM and revised cooling ducts in the Sonata EF—and from 2003 the Trajet YP facelift adopted updated ECU maps for idle stability, creating minor software interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left side of the block near the exhaust manifold (Hyundai TIS EM‑2000‑C3). The 7th VIN digit for G4CP-D-equipped vehicles is typically 'C' or 'D'. All models use Siemens Simos 2P ECU with standard OBD2 port. Critical differentiation from G4GC: G4CP-D is SOHC with 128 PS; G4GC is DOHC with 140 PS. Cylinder head casting numbers changed in 2004—verify against SIB EM‑2005‑07 before replacement.
The G4CP-D's primary reliability risk is exhaust valve guide wear in early builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or high-load applications. Hyundai internal data from 2005 indicated measurable valve guide clearance exceeding 0.15 mm before 150,000 km in pre-2004 units, while UK DVSA MOT records show increased emissions failures due to unburned hydrocarbons from valve sealing issues. Extended oil intervals and sustained highway driving increase thermal stress, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Hyundai technical bulletins (2000–2006) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2005–2015). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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