The question of the availability of an all-wheel drive system on a popular sedan Hyundai Solaris The body of the HC (restyled version) excites the minds of many motorists. There are often legends that Korean engineers have secretly implemented 4WD into this model for harsh winter conditions. However, reality dictates its own rules: the car was originally designed as a classic front-wheel drive transport class B.
Despite the lack of a factory version with a differential, the theme full-wheel drive It is still relevant due to the desire of the owners to improve the passability. It is important to understand that the technical base of the HC body, including spars and mounting points of the units, does not provide for the installation of the rear axle with a gearbox without serious interventions in the design. It’s not just a matter of replacing parts, but a fundamental change in the architecture of the car.
In this article, we will discuss in detail why. Solaris It was not available with all-wheel drive, what are the technical limitations and what to do if you critically need a 4WD car in this class. We will analyze the transmission device and answer the most common misconceptions.
Technical features of the Solaris HC transmission
The second generation Hyundai Solaris (HC) transmission is based on a front-wheel drive circuit. The engine is transversely positioned and torque is transmitted directly to the front wheels through the gearbox and drive shafts. Body structure is simple. absent necessary elements for transferring rotation to the rear axle, such as the driveshaft, central differential and rear gearbox.
Engineers of Hyundai-Kia Corporation clearly delineated the model range. For models where all-wheel drive was required, other platforms were used or the existing one was significantly improved. In the case of Solaris, the priority was economy, compactness and low maintenance costs, which is typical for the budget segment. Installing a 4WD system would increase the car’s weight and final price, taking the model out of the competitive field.
Why didn't they get all-wheel drive from the factory?
Factory all-wheel drive installation requires not only the addition of a rear gearbox, but also the strengthening of the rear suspension, changing the design of the trunk to accommodate the units and reconfiguring the electronics. This would make Solaris more expensive than its competitors, depriving it of its main bargaining chip: affordability.
It is worth noting that even in the top trim levels with a 1.6-liter engine and automatic transmission 4AT mechanically 6MTThe drive remains exclusively front. There were no factory options or hidden versions for the northern regions. All the components you see under the car confirm the mono-drive layout.
Myths about hidden all-wheel drive
On the Internet, you can stumble upon claims that some dealers or enthusiasts allegedly found “canned” versions of Solaris with 4WD. These rumors often arise due to the visual similarity of some suspension elements with models with all-wheel drive, or due to confusion with other models of the concern, such as: Hyundai Creta or Kia Rio X-Line (in some markets).
⚠️ Attempts to find the "original" mounts for the driveshaft on the body of the Solaris HC are doomed to failure. Longerons and floors do not have technological holes and reinforcements for mounting the rear gearbox, which makes such a rework extremely difficult and unsafe.
Another common myth is that electronic stabilization systems ESP Solaris simulates differential locks, creating the effect of all-wheel drive. That's a misconception. The exchange rate stability system only slows down the towing wheel, redistributing the thrust, but physically can not transfer the moment to the rear axle, which simply does not exist.
There is also a legend about the "northern trim levels" for regions like Yakutia or Siberia. However, even in these regions, official dealers sold standard front-wheel drive versions. The improvement in patency was achieved by choosing the rubber, rather than changing the wheel formula.
Capabilities of custom installation 4WD
Theoretically, it is possible to convert any car into all-wheel drive, the question is only in the feasibility and cost. For Hyundai Solaris HC, this procedure will be a deep tuning, requiring welding, the manufacture of individual fasteners and the most complex configuration of electronics. This is not just a replacement of parts, but the actual creation of a new car in the old body.
The project will require:
- 🚗 Search and adaptation of the rear subframe and gearbox from all-wheel drive models Hyundai/Kia (for example, from Tucson or Sportage), which may not physically fit into the dimensions.
- 🔧 Manufacture of the driveshaft of individual length, as ready-made solutions for Solaris do not exist.
- ⚙️ Complete replacement of the rear suspension (beam on independent or reinforced semi-dependent), which will require digestion of the mounting points.
- 💻 Flashing or replacing the engine and transmission control unit for correct operation with the transfer case.
The cost of such work can be several times higher than the market value of the car itself. In addition, after interference with the design of the body and transmission, the car will lose the warranty (if it was still in effect) and there may be problems with registration with the traffic police. Technical supervision is unlikely to approve a homemade all-wheel drive system.
☑️ Risk assessment of alterations
Alternatives for 4WD fans in Class B
If all-wheel drive is a critical condition for you and the budget is limited to the Solaris price segment, it makes sense to consider alternative options. The market offers several models that were originally equipped with 4WD system and at the same time retained availability in service.
First of all, you should pay attention to crossovers built on the same platforms. For example, Hyundai Creta The first and second generation offers a full-fledged plug-in all-wheel drive. Also, consider Kia Soul or Nissan Terrano The Renault Duster, which is famous for its passability.
Compare the characteristics of the standard Solaris and its potential all-wheel drive competitors:
| Model | Driver. | Clearance (mm) | Type of suspension at the rear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Solaris HC | Front (2WD) | 160 | Torsion beam |
| Hyundai Creta (1.6) | Complete (4WD) | 190 | Independent |
| Renault Duster | Complete (4WD) | 205 | Independent |
| Suzuki SX4 (I gen) | Complete (4WD) | 175 | Independent |
Choosing between the refinement of Solaris and the purchase of an all-wheel drive car, it is more rational to choose the second option. This will save you money, nerves and predict the car’s behavior on the road.
How to increase the permeability of the front-wheel drive Solaris
Owners of front-wheel drive sedans should not despair. There are a number of proven ways to improve the behavior of a car on snow or ground without changing the formula of the drive. Competent preparation of the car allows you to feel confident where even some "jeeps" get stuck.
The first and most important thing is tire. Winter rubber with an aggressive tread pattern and a soft composition can work wonders. Spikes or Velcro (depending on the operating conditions) must be selected correctly. It is also worth considering the installation of tires with markings. M+S (Mud + Snow).
Use snow chains for extreme conditions. They are put on the front wheels and allow you to overcome deep snow or ice lift, where ordinary rubber is powerless.
The second aspect is the driving technique. On the front wheel drive it is important to work with gas and steering in synchrony. When stuck, the method of “rocking” helps, but this should be done carefully so as not to damage the suspension elements. It is also useful to carry a shovel and a set of cables for towing.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to accelerate on a slippery surface with the wheels turned out. On a front-wheel drive car, this is guaranteed to lead to the demolition of the front axle and loss of control.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I buy a Hyundai Solaris with all-wheel drive from the factory?
No, Hyundai has never produced a Solaris (in any bodywork, including the HC and RB) with factory all-wheel drive. All modifications are front-wheel drive.
Will installing a larger rubber make Solaris all-wheel drive?
No, increasing the size of the wheels may slightly increase ground clearance, but will not affect the transfer of torque to the rear axle. The drive will remain front.
How much does it cost to remake Solaris to 4WD in a workshop?
The cost of such a rework is individual and can range from 200,000 rubles to infinity, often exceeding the cost of the car itself. There are no official price tags, as it is a handicraft work.
What is the best alternative to Solaris with all-wheel drive?
The closest in spirit and price alternatives are Hyundai Creta, Kia Soul, Renault Duster or Suzuki SX4. These cars offer factory 4WD and reliability.
The Solaris HC is a front-wheel drive car, and any talk of 4WD is about complex and expensive tuning, not factory specifications.