The Hyundai G4LD is a 1,591 cc, inline‑four Atkinson‑cycle petrol engine produced between 2011 and 2018. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) layout with 16 valves and multi‑point fuel injection, paired exclusively with an electric motor in Hyundai’s first‑generation hybrid system. In combined hybrid operation it delivered 74 kW (101 PS) from the engine alone, with total system output of 104 kW (141 PS).
Fitted to the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid (YF) and Avante/Elantra Hybrid (AD), the G4LD prioritised thermal efficiency over peak power, leveraging the Atkinson cycle’s expanded expansion ratio to reduce pumping losses and improve fuel economy. Emissions compliance was achieved through closed‑loop fuel control, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and a three‑way catalytic converter, enabling Euro 5 certification across European markets.
One documented concern is premature wear of the exhaust camshaft lobes under high‑mileage or oil‑starved conditions. This issue, referenced in Hyundai Service Bulletin HSB‑12‑05, stems from marginal surface hardening on early camshafts. From mid‑2014, Hyundai introduced revised camshaft metallurgy and updated valve spring rates to mitigate wear.
Production years 2011–2018 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Hyundai G4LD is a 1,591 cc inline‑four Atkinson-cycle petrol engine engineered for hybrid sedans (2011–2018). It combines DOHC 16‑valve architecture with multi‑point fuel injection and electric motor assist to deliver high thermal efficiency and low fuel consumption. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances hybrid drivability with 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 | 74 kW (101 PS) @ 5,700 rpm | |
| Torque | 147 Nm @ 4,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi‑point fuel injection (MPFI) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 12.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | API SN/SM, SAE 5W‑20 or 5W‑30 | |
| Dry weight | 122 kg |
The Atkinson-cycle design prioritises efficiency over high-rpm power but requires consistent oil changes every 10,000 km to prevent cam lobe wear. Use of API SN/SM or ACEA A5/B5 oil is essential due to the engine’s high compression ratio and marginal cam hardening in early builds. The timing chain is generally durable but should be inspected after 200,000 km for tensioner wear. Fuel injectors may clog with low-quality petrol; EN 228-compliant fuel is recommended. Revised camshafts from mid-2014 onward (per HSB‑12‑05) significantly reduce wear risk.
Oil Specs: Requires API SN/SM or ACEA A5/B5 specification (Hyundai Owner’s Manual 2012). Low-viscosity 5W‑20 preferred for hybrid stop-start operation.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all 2011–2018 G4LD models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Engine-only output verified on EU-spec Sonata Hybrid (Hyundai TIS H11‑5520).
Hyundai Technical Information System (TIS): Docs H11‑5520, H11‑5521, H11‑5525
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles – Engine test code
The Hyundai G4LD was used exclusively in Hyundai's YF/AD hybrid platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine was integrated with a 30 kW permanent‑magnet AC synchronous motor and a 1.4 kWh lithium‑polymer battery pack. Platform-specific adaptations included reinforced mounts in the Sonata YF and revised coolant routing in the Elantra AD. From mid‑2014, facelifted models adopted updated camshafts per service bulletin HSB‑12‑05, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crankshaft pulley (Hyundai TIS H11‑5519). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('L' for G4L-series). Early engines (pre-06/2014) have silver cam covers with unpainted timing covers; post-06/2014 units use black cam covers and updated camshafts. Critical differentiation from G4FA: G4LD uses Atkinson cycle with 12.5:1 compression and hybrid-only application; G4FA is Otto-cycle and used in non-hybrid models. Service parts for camshafts require production date verification—pre-06/2014 cams are not interchangeable with later units due to metallurgical upgrades (Hyundai HSB‑12‑05).
The G4LD's primary reliability risk is exhaust camshaft lobe wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or infrequent-oil-change scenarios. Hyundai internal quality data from 2015 indicated cam wear in a notable subset of pre-2015 engines before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA records show few emissions-related MOT failures due to robust catalytic converter design. Extended oil intervals and low-quality oil increase cam stress, making oil specification and change frequency critical.
Analysis derived from Hyundai technical bulletins (2012–2016) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2022). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about HYUNDAI G4LD.
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