Reconditioned Hyundai i20 Gearbox

i20 in 5 or 6 speeds: two gearbox layouts depending on the engine

On the Hyundai i20 produced between 2012 and 2023, the transmission is exclusively manual — there is no conventional automatic, dual-clutch, or automated manual gearbox within the range covered. The distinction that truly matters is the number of speeds: the 1.2 engines (codes G4LA and G3LF) and the 1.0 T-GDI (code G3LC) come with a 5-speed gearbox, whereas the 1.1 CRDi (code D3FA) and the 1.0 T-GDI 100 Mild Hybrid are fitted with a 6-speed gearbox. These two families are not interchangeable, even where the engine capacity is identical.

Identifying the correct gearbox for the 1.2, 1.0 T-GDI and 1.1 CRDi

The 1.2 petrol covers the longest period of the i20 range and may correspond to two different engine codes depending on the generation of the vehicle. Before selecting a part, it is therefore essential to check the engine code stamped on the block rather than relying solely on the engine capacity or model year. Likewise, the 1.0 T-GDI and the 1.0 T-GDI 100 Mild Hybrid share the same turbocharged engine capacity but do not use the same gearbox: 5 speeds for the former, 6 speeds for the mild hybrid version, with different casings and final drive ratios. The code G3LC identifies the non-hybrid 1.0 T-GDI; the Mild Hybrid version carries a distinct designation in the manufacturer's documentation.

Key points to watch with these Hyundai manual gearboxes

The 5-speed gearboxes on the 1.2 and 1.0 T-GDI are sized for urban and suburban use. On the 1.1 CRDi, the 6-speed gearbox handles diesel torque but is susceptible to synchromesh wear on the lower ratios under intensive city driving. Checking the engine code stamped on the block remains the only reliable way to avoid an ordering error between two closely related variants. Three purchasing options are available depending on the condition of the original unit: exchange on a rebuilt-to-0-km basis, standard exchange, or a rebuild of your own gearbox returned to you after reconditioning.