The Hyundai G4LC is a 1,591 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2010 and 2018. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) layout with 16 valves and Hyundai’s Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D‑CVVT) on both intake and exhaust cams. In standard form it delivered 91–95 kW (124–129 PS) and torque figures between 154–157 Nm, offering responsive low‑end performance and improved fuel efficiency over its predecessor.
Fitted to models such as the i30 FD/GD, Accent RB, and Veloster FS, including the 1.6 GL, 1.6 SX, and 1.6 CRDi (petrol variants), the G4LC was engineered for compact car refinement, urban agility, and compliance with stricter emissions standards. Emissions compliance was achieved through precise electronic fuel injection, three‑way catalytic conversion, and D‑CVVT control, allowing conformity with Euro 5 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves due to the port fuel injection system, which can reduce airflow and cause rough idle or hesitation. This issue, highlighted in Hyundai Service Bulletin HMC‑SB‑12‑033, is common to non‑direct‑injection engines under frequent short‑trip driving. From 2014 onward, Hyundai updated ECU calibration to enrich cold‑start mixtures and reduce deposit formation.
All production years 2010–2018 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Hyundai G4LC is a 1,591 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and coupes (2010–2018). It combines DOHC architecture with Dual CVVT on both camshafts to deliver smooth power delivery and enhanced fuel economy. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances urban drivability with long-term reliability and serviceability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,591 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 77.0 mm × 85.4 mm | |
| Power output | 91–95 kW (124–129 PS) @ 6,300 rpm | |
| Torque | 154–157 Nm @ 4,850 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain (maintenance-free design) | |
| Oil type | Hyundai SP 5W‑30 (API SN/ILSAC GF-5) | |
| Dry weight | 115 kg |
The D‑CVVT system enhances low-end torque and fuel economy but relies on clean oil circulation; infrequent oil changes can accelerate chain wear despite its “maintenance-free” designation. Hyundai SP 5W-30 (or ACEA A5/B5 equivalent) is essential to maintain hydraulic actuator performance and reduce sludge. The MPFI system avoids direct-injection carbon issues on pistons but still permits intake valve deposits under short-trip conditions. Post-2014 ECU updates improve cold-start enrichment to mitigate this. No timing belt replacement is required, but oil quality directly affects long-term chain and actuator reliability.
Oil Specs: Requires Hyundai SP 5W-30 or ACEA A5/B5 (Hyundai SIB HMC-SB-12-033). Avoid low-SAPS or C2/C3 oils.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all 2010–2018 G4LC engines (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890). No Euro 6 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output varies slightly by model calibration (Hyundai TIS Doc. G4LC-P105).
Hyundai Technical Information System (TIS): Docs G4LC-A101, G4LC-F201, G4LC-T301, SIB HMC-SB-12-033
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Hyundai G4LC was used across Hyundai's FD/GD/RB/FS platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Veloster FS and modified intake manifolds in the i30 GD—and from 2014 the updated ECU calibration improved cold-start behavior, creating minor software interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front left side of the block near the exhaust manifold (Hyundai TIS G4LC-ID01). The 7th VIN digit for G4LC is typically 'L' (e.g., KMHGD41BPLU123456). All units feature a black plastic cam cover with '1.6' cast into it. The intake manifold on Veloster FS includes a resonator chamber absent on i30 FD. ECU part numbers differ by model year—pre-2014 units use calibration for leaner cold starts; post-2014 use enriched strategy per SIB HMC-SB-12-033. Ensure ECU compatibility when swapping engines.
The G4LC's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or urban-driven engines. Hyundai internal data from 2015 indicated a notable share of pre-2014 engines exhibiting rough idle or hesitation before 100,000 km under short-trip conditions, while UK DVSA records show few emissions-related failures due to robust catalytic design. Extended oil change intervals and stop-start driving increase sludge and deposit risk, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Hyundai technical bulletins (2012–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about HYUNDAI G4LC.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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