Hyundai Solaris 1st generation restyling: what has changed and what to look for when buying

First generation Hyundai Solaris (factory index RB) appeared on the Russian market in 2011 and quickly gained popularity due to its affordable price, good reliability and adaptation to local conditions. Restyled version released in 2014, received noticeable changes both in appearance and in the technical part. This updated Solaris became a transitional link between the first and second generations, retaining the proven platform, but receiving modern design features and improved equipment.

For potential buyers of used cars Hyundai Solaris 1 restyling remains a current choice - prices for these cars start from 350–500 thousand rubles (as of 2026), and the safety margin allows them to be operated without major investments. However, like any used model, the restyled Solaris There are “diseases” that are important to know about in advance. In this article we will analyze key changes after restyling, typical faults, maintenance nuances and we will give practical recommendations for selection and repair.

How does the restyled Solaris 1 differ from the pre-restyled version?

The 2014 update affected almost all aspects of the car - from the exterior to the interior and technical content. Here are the main differences:

• 🔹 Front part of the body: new radiator grille with chrome elements, modified headlights (in top versions - LED running lights), a different bumper with integrated foglights.
• 🔹 Rear: updated lights with LED elements in versions Comfort and Elegance, modified bumper and trunk lid.
• 🔹 Salon: new front panel with improved finishing materials, multimedia system with touch screen (in the top), modified steering column and instrument panel.
• 🔹 Technical changes: modified suspension (different shock absorbers and springs), updated gearbox (in automatic versions), improved sound insulation.

It's important to note that engines remained the same - petrol Gamma volume 1.4 l (107 hp) and 1.6 l (123 hp), but their settings were slightly optimized for new environmental standards Euro 5. Also appeared in the restyled version 6-speed manual transmission instead of a 5-speed, which had a positive effect on dynamics and efficiency.

From a safety point of view, restyled Solaris received reinforced body structure and additional airbags (in some trim levels). However the exchange rate stability system (ESP) remains available only in top versions, which is worth considering when choosing.

Typical problems of Hyundai Solaris 1 restyling: what to look for

Despite the improvements, the restyled version inherited some of the “diseases” from the pre-restyled model, and also acquired new ones. Here most common faultsproblems that owners face:

1. Engine and transmission

• 🔧 Engine knocking when cold - a common problem Gamma 1.4/1.6. The reason usually lies in wear of hydraulic compensators or timing chain. When running for 100+ thousand km It is recommended to check their condition.
• 🔧 Vibrations and jerking of automatic transmission - especially relevant for automatic transmissions 4F27E (4 stages) and 6F24 (6 steps). Often the blame becomes solenoids wear or contaminated oil.
• 🔧 Oil leak from under the valve cover - everyone's weak point Gamma. Solved by replacing the gasket and sealant.

2. Suspension and chassis

• 🚗 Knock in the front suspension - usually associated with wear and tear stabilizer struts or support bearings. On the restyled version they last longer than on the pre-restyle version, but still require replacement 80–100 thousand km.
• 🚗 Creaks and extraneous sounds in the rear suspension - often guilty Tie rod bushings or shock absorbers.

3. Electrical and electronics

• ⚡ Problems with the engine control unit (ECU) - on restyled versions the firmware is sometimes “buggy”, which leads to failures during acceleration or catch fire.
• ⚡ Sensor malfunctions - sensors most often fail absolute pressure (MAP) and oxygen (lambda probes).
• ⚡ Problems with the multimedia system — in versions with a touch screen, the firmware sometimes freezes or Bluetooth fails.

Inspect the timing chain for tension (critical after 120 thousand km) |

Check the automatic transmission oil for a burning smell |

Test the suspension for knocks and play|

Check the operation of all sensors (especially lambda probes) |

Assess the condition of the body for rust (arches, sills, bottom) -->

One of weakest points restyled Solaris - this is body corrosion. Despite galvanization, in many specimens, by the age of 5–7 years, rust appears on the arches, sills and in places of chips. This is especially true for machines operated in regions with abundant use of reagents.

⚠️ Attention! Upon purchase Hyundai Solaris 1 restyling with mileage more than 100 thousand km be sure to check the condition timing chains. Its breakage leads to bending of the valves, and repairs cost 80–120 thousand rubles.

Which engine to choose: 1.4 or 1.6?

Both motors of the family Gamma They have the same design, but differ in characteristics and “diseases”. Let's compare their key features:

Parameter	1.4 l (107 hp)	1.6 l (123 hp)
Fuel consumption (combined cycle)	6.5–7.2 l/100 km	7.0–7.8 l/100 km
Dynamics 0–100 km/h	12.5–13.5 sec	10.5–11.5 sec
Timing chain reliability	Medium (stretches towards 100–120 thousand km)	Medium (stretches towards 90–110 thousand km)
Common problems	Vibrations at idle, oil leak	Increased oil consumption (after 150 thousand km), knocking of hydraulic compensators
Recommendation	For a quiet ride and economy	For dynamic driving and country trips

If you need economical and easy to maintain car for the city, then 1.4 liter the engine will be the best choice. It is less voracious, cheaper to repair and less likely to suffer from oil starvation. However 1.6 liter the motor is preferable for those who often drive on the highway or transport heavy loads - it less stressful at high speeds and has a longer service life with proper maintenance.

Gearboxes: manual vs automatic

Restyled Hyundai Solaris offered with three types of transmissions:

1. 5-speed manual transmission (on early restyled versions)
2. 6-speed manual transmission (since 2015)
3. 4-speed automatic transmission (4F27E) or 6-speed automatic transmission (6F24, since 2016)

Mechanical boxes are considered the most reliable - their resource exceeds 200 thousand km with careful use. The main problems are related to clutch wear (to 100–150 thousand km) and leaking seals. The six-speed manual transmission is longer and more economical, but less reliable than the five-speed manual transmission.

Automatic boxes require more careful attention:

• 🔄 4F27E - simple and maintainable, but outdated. Often suffers from friction wear and solenoids after 120–150 thousand km.
• 🔄 6F24 - more modern and economical, but sensitive to oil. Requires fluid replacement every 60 thousand km.

⚠️ Attention! If during a test drive Solaris with automatic transmission you feel jolts when shifting or delays, this may indicate box repair soon. The cost of automatic transmission capital starts from 80 thousand rubles.

Maintenance and repair: what to change and when

To Hyundai Solaris 1 restyling served for a long time, stick to the following maintenance schedule:

Node/System	Replacement Regulations	Notes
Motor oil	Every 10–15 thousand km	Use oil 5W-30 or 5W-40 (synthetic)
Air filter	Every 30 thousand km	When operating in dusty conditions - more often
Spark plugs	Every 60–90 thousand km	Original candles - NGK IFR6A11 or Denso FK16HR11
Timing chain	Check every 60 thousand km, tensile replacement	The cost of the chain set is 8–12 thousand rubles
Automatic transmission oil	Every 60 thousand km (partial replacement)	For a complete replacement you will need 6–7 liters oils SP-IV

Pay special attention cooling system. Antifreeze in Solaris 1 it is recommended to change every 100 thousand km or 5 years. Use only original liquid (Hyundai Long Life Coolant) or analogues (CoolStream A-110). Mixing different types of antifreeze can cause sedimentation and engine overheating.

What happens if you don’t change the automatic transmission oil?

During long-term operation without changing the oil in an automatic transmission Hyundai Solaris 1 the following happens:

1. Clutch degradation — the oil loses its lubricating properties, which leads to disc slipping and jerking.

2. Valve block contamination — wear particles clog the solenoids, which disrupts the operation of the box.

3. Automatic transmission overheating — old oil dissipates heat worse, which accelerates wear of all components.

As a result, the box begins to “kick”, gears are lost, and repairs cost 50–150 thousand rubles depending on the degree of wear.

Modifications and configurations: what to choose?

Restyled Hyundai Solaris 1 It was offered in several trim levels, which differed in equipment and price. Here are the main ones:

• 📌 Active — basic version with minimal equipment: steel wheels, fabric interior, air conditioning, two airbags.
• 📌 Comfort - added: power accessories, heated front seats, multimedia system with USB and Bluetooth.
• 📌 Elegance — top version: climate control, leather steering wheel, rear view camera, LED running lights.

If your budget allows, it's better to choose complete set Comfort or Elegance - they are equipped with more modern options that simplify operation. For example, climate control much more convenient than a conventional air conditioner, and rear view camera makes parking much easier.

It is also worth paying attention to special versions, which he periodically released Hyundai:

• 🎨 Solaris White Edition — limited edition with white body and black interior trim.
• 🎨 Solaris Drive — version with improved sound insulation and sporty accents.

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When choosing a configuration, pay attention to the availability ESP (Stability Program). It is not available in basic versions, which can be critical when driving on slippery surfaces.

Is it worth buying Hyundai Solaris 1 facelift in 2026?

Let's summarize and answer the main question: is the restyled one relevant? Solaris 1 today?

Pros of purchasing:

• ✅ Low cost of ownership - cheap spare parts, simple design, low fuel consumption.
• ✅ Good maintainability — most components can be repaired without major investments.
• ✅ Adaptability to Russian conditions — high ground clearance (160 mm), resistance to bad roads.
• ✅ Wide selection on the secondary market — it’s easy to find a used copy 50–100 thousand km in good condition.

Disadvantages of the purchase:

• ❌ Poor sound insulation - at higher speeds 100 km/h the cabin becomes noisy.
• ❌ Outdated automatic transmission — The 4-speed automatic transmission is inferior to modern gearboxes in terms of smoothness and efficiency.
• ❌ Risk of corrosion — even restyled versions suffer from rust if used carelessly.
• ❌ Low residual value - in 3-4 years the car will lose more value 30–40%.

If you need inexpensive, reliable and easy to repair a car for the city or short country trips, then Hyundai Solaris 1 restyling - an excellent choice. However, if you plan to drive a lot on the highway or want a more modern car, it's worth taking a closer look at Solaris 2nd generation (since 2017) or competitors like Kia Rio or Volkswagen Polo.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Hyundai Solaris 1 restyling

What is the real fuel consumption of Solaris 1 restyling 1.6 with automatic transmission?

In the city the consumption is 9–11 l/100 km, on the highway - 6.5–7.5 l/100 km. In a mixed cycle, owners usually fit into 8–9 liters. Consumption depends on driving style: with aggressive acceleration it can increase to 12–13 l/100 km.

Is it possible to install LED headlights instead of halogen ones on the Solaris 1 restyling?

Technically yes, but it will require some work:

• 🔦 Replacing headlight units with ones compatible with LEDs (for example, from Solaris 2).
• 🔦 Installation light correctors and headlight washers (according to GOST).
• 🔦 Adjusting the light on the stand so as not to blind oncoming drivers.

Install LEDs in halogen headlights without modifications it's impossible - this violates traffic rules and can lead to a fine.

What oil to pour into the Solaris 1.4/1.6 restyling engine?

Manufacturer recommends oil 5W-30 or 5W-40 with permission API SM/ILSAC GF-4. Optimal options:

• 🛢 Hyundai Premium LF Gasoline 5W-30 (original)
• 🛢 Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40
• 🛢 Liqui Moly Special Tec AA 5W-30

Oil volume for 1.4 l — 3.3 liters, for 1.6 l — 3.6 liters.

How to check the timing chain on Solaris 1 restyling?

There are two ways:

1. Visual inspection:
   • Remove the valve cover and check the chain tensioner.
   • If the chain sags or the tensioner is pulled out all the way, replacement is required.

Audition:

• Start the engine and listen to it idle.
• If heard metallic knock on the timing side - the chain is stretched.

The cost of replacing a timing chain at a service center is: 15–25 thousand rubles (with labor and spare parts).

What tires are best for Solaris 1 restyling?

Recommended tire sizes:

• 🔄 185/65 R15 - standard size for most trim levels.
• 🔄 195/55 R16 - for versions with 16-inch wheels.

Optimal models for Russian conditions:

• 🚗 Nokian Hakka Green 2 — good price/quality balance.
• 🚗 Michelin Energy Saver - economical, durable.
• 🚗 Continental ContiPremiumContact 5 - better grip on wet roads.

Tire pressure: 2.2 bar front and 2.0 bar back (for size 185/65 R15).