Car Hyundai Solaris the first generation after the update became a real phenomenon in the market of the post-Soviet space. Appearing in 2014, the restyled model retained the wild popularity of its predecessor, but received critical improvements. It is this period of production that is considered the “gold standard” of the budget B-class, where the build quality has not yet declined, and the design looked fresh and modern.
For many drivers, this car became their first car, a reliable companion in city traffic jams and frequent trips on the highway. The updated version featured redesigned optics, a modified bumper and, most importantly, modified power units. Understanding the features of the restyled version will help you avoid purchasing a problematic copy and properly maintain the equipment.
In this article we will analyze in detail the technical nuances, hidden defects and real possibilities. modifications of this car. You will learn what to look for when inspecting under the hood, how to extend the life of the suspension and whether it is worth messing with this age at all. The material is based on many years of experience of service centers and reviews of real owners.
Exterior and interior: what has changed since 2014
Visual changes affected almost all planes of the body, making the appearance more aggressive and expensive. The front part received a new radiator grille with horizontal chrome strips, which immediately distinguished the restyling from the pre-restyling versions. The headlights have become narrower and sharper, and in top trim levels LED running lights have appeared, integrated into the optics housing.
The rear has also undergone changes: new lights with LED elements and a redesigned bumper with reflectors of a different shape. The interior has become noticeably more comfortable thanks to the use of higher quality materials in the dashboard trim. There was a new multimedia system with a touch screen that supported navigation and Bluetooth, which was a big plus for the budget segment of that time.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing, pay attention to the condition of the paintwork on the doors and arches. The factory paint on these bodies is thin, and after a mileage of 150,000 km, pockets of corrosion often begin if the previous owner did not carry out anticorrosion.
The ergonomics of the driver's seat remain at a high level: the steering wheel fits comfortably in the hand, and visibility through the windshield is excellent. However, rear passengers may not have enough legroom if the driver's height exceeds 185 cm. Noise insulation remains a weak point, but owners often solve this problem by additional vibration insulation of arches and doors.
Technical characteristics and power units
Line of engines for restyled Solaris remained the same, but engineers carried out work to eliminate childhood diseases. The base engine was 1.4 liters (107 hp), which is most often found in taxis and on the secondary market in worn-out condition. A more popular and recommended option is the 1.6 liter engine (123 hp), which provides decent dynamics.
Both engines belong to the series G4FA and G4FC accordingly. They are equipped with a timing chain drive, which in theory should last a long time, but in practice requires attention after 100 thousand kilometers. An important feature is the absence of hydraulic compensators, which requires regular adjustment of the thermal clearances of the valves.
The transmission is available in two options: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. The mechanics are reliable, but the clutch often requires replacement at 80-90 thousand km. Automatic transmission 4AT It is considered very resourceful, it does not like sudden starts, but with quiet operation it runs more than 250,000 km without major repairs.
To extend the life of an automatic transmission, change the oil in it every 60,000 km, even if the manufacturer says “filled for life.” Partial replacement will refresh the properties of the fluid and wash away friction dust.
The dynamic characteristics of version 1.6 allow you to feel confident in city traffic. Acceleration to hundreds takes about 10.5 seconds, which is a good indicator for class B. Fuel consumption in the combined cycle is 7-8 liters, but in winter traffic jams it can rise to 10-11 liters per 100 km.
Typical malfunctions of the 1.6 liter engine
The 1.6-liter engine installed in the restyling has a number of specific problems that every owner needs to be aware of. The most well-known and costly problem is the risk of catalyst destruction. Ceramic dust from a failed converter can enter the cylinders, causing scuffing and the need for major repairs.
The second important point is the tendency to increased oil consumption at high mileage. This is often due to stuck piston rings or worn oil seals. Regular monitoring of the oil level is a mandatory procedure, ignoring which will lead to oil starvation and rotation of the liners.
List of main engine “diseases”:
- 😱 Engine knocking when cold is often associated with the operating characteristics of hydraulic supports or early wear of bearings.
- 📉 Floating idle speed - usually solved by cleaning the throttle body or replacing the idle air valve.
- 🔥 Oil leaking from under the valve cover - the rubber gasket becomes dull over time and requires replacement along with the sealant.
- 🔊 Generator belt whistling - occurs in wet weather or when the belt and tensioner itself are heavily worn.
What happens if you ignore the knock of the catalyst?
Ceramic chips are sucked back into the cylinders during the exhaust. It acts as an abrasive, leaving deep scoring marks on the cylinder walls. Repairing such scuffs is very expensive, often requiring the block to be lined or replaced.
It is useful to use a scanner to diagnose the condition of the motor. OBD2. By connecting it to the connector, you can see misfires or errors in the oxygen sensors. Error codes P0300-P0304 will indicate leaks in a particular cylinder, which is often treated by replacing spark plugs or coils.
Suspension and chassis: service life and maintenance
Chassis Hyundai Solaris restyling is designed with bad roads in mind, but it will not last forever. A classic MacPherson strut is installed at the front, and a torsion beam at the rear. This design is simple and cheap to repair, but requires attention to the silent blocks and stabilizer bushings.
The stabilizer struts are usually the first to give out, starting to knock at 30-40 thousand kilometers. The silent blocks of the front levers last longer, about 80-100 thousand km, but replacing them may require a special tool for pressing out. The rear beam lasts a long time, but the bushings can become stiff and begin to creak in the cold.
Table of approximate life of suspension elements:
| Suspension element | Average resource (km) | Symptoms of wear |
|---|---|---|
| Stabilizer links | 30 000 - 50 000 | Knock on small bumps |
| Shock absorbers | 80 000 - 100 000 | Body rocking, oil smudges |
| Silent blocks of levers | 80 000 - 120 000 | The car pulls to the side, tire wear |
| Wheel bearings | 100 000+ | Humming noise that gets louder at speed |
⚠️ Attention: After replacing any elements of the front suspension, be sure to do a wheel alignment. Otherwise, you will get uneven tire wear (“eating up” the tread) in one season.
The steering is equipped with electric power steering (MDPS), which is located on the steering shaft, not on the rack. This reduces the load on the unit, but if moisture gets into the cabin (for example, through clogged drains of a hatch or stove), corrosion of the shaft or failure of the torque sensor may begin. This road junction is being repaired, so keep the driver’s feet dry.
Brake system and transmission
The brakes on the restyled Solaris are disc at the front and drum at the rear. This arrangement is typical for Class B and provides reasonable efficiency if it is in good working order. Front brake discs often suffer from overheating at 60-70 thousand km, especially if the driver likes aggressive driving.
The rear drums last a very long time, often outlasting two sets of pads. However, they are prone to souring of the caliper guides and cylinders. Regular lubrication of the guides each time the pads are replaced is a mandatory procedure to prevent misalignment of the pads and uneven braking.
As for the transmission, the manual transmission can hum at high speeds, which is a design feature and not a breakdown. Automatic 4AT sensitive to oil level. Checking the level must be done on a warm engine, switching the selector to all positions.
☑️ Check before purchasing Solaris
The manual clutch is quite tight, which makes it tiring in traffic jams, but the life of the release bearing and basket is quite decent. The main sign of wear is slipping at high speeds or difficulty shifting gears. Replacing the clutch kit is a standard procedure available at any garage service.
Electrical and additional equipment
The electrical circuit of the restyled Solaris is relatively simple, but has its weaknesses. Door limit switches often fail, which may cause the interior lights to not turn on or the door opening status to be incorrectly displayed on the dashboard. There are also known cases of generator failure on runs up to 100 thousand km.
The air conditioner is another component that requires attention. The stove evaporator can become clogged with dirt, and the air conditioner radiator can suffer from stones and corrosion. If the air conditioner stops blowing cold, first check the freon pressure and the integrity of the tubes leading to the radiator.
The multimedia system may freeze periodically. In such cases, resetting the settings or flashing the head unit helps. To access the engineering menu, button combinations are often used, for example, holding the button for a long time Menu or Setup.
Resetting the radio settings:1. Turn off the ignition.
2. Press the Power button for 10 seconds.
3. Wait for the system to reboot.
The main electrical problem is the oxidation of contacts in the rear lights and doors. Preventative lubrication of contacts with WD-40 spray or an equivalent will save you from garlands on the dashboard.
Cost of ownership and final recommendations
Solaris first generation restyling remains one of the leaders in liquidity in the secondary market. This means you can always sell your car quickly if you decide to change cars. Spare parts are available in any store, and almost all craftsmen know repairs. The cost per standard hour for this model is lower than for competitors.
However, saving on maintenance can come at a cost. Using cheap oils and filters accelerates engine wear G4FC. Buying a used car without a thorough diagnosis of the cylinders with an endoscope is a lottery, where there is a high chance of pulling out a seized engine.
If you're choosing between Solaris and its competitors, weigh your priorities. Do you need comfort and silence? Perhaps we should look towards the Europeans. Are you looking for practicality, low maintenance and high residual value? Then the restyled Solaris is an excellent choice.
What mileage is considered critical for a purchase?
The critical threshold is considered to be 150,000 km. After this mileage, there is a high probability of needing to replace the timing chain, repair the catalyst and overcook the suspension. Cars with mileage up to 100,000 km are considered the most liquid.
What kind of oil should I pour into the 1.6 engine?
Factory recommends viscosity 5W-20 or 5W-30 with API SM/SN approval. For older engines with increased oil consumption, it is possible to switch to a more viscous oil, for example, 5W-40, but this is a temporary measure.
Why is the Check Engine Light on?
The most common causes: malfunction of the oxygen sensor (lambda probe), problems with the catalyst, misfires due to spark plugs or coils, and leaks in the fuel system (for example, gas tank cap).
Is it worth installing HBO on Solaris?
Gamma series engines are sensitive to gas combustion temperature. Installing a 4th generation LPG is possible, but requires high-quality setup and, preferably, inserting liquid gas nozzles or using a valve cooling system to avoid burning out the seats.