What type of transmission fluid does the Hyundai Grand i10 use? How to identify the AT and MT versions based on the car's model year?

In Vietnam, the Hyundai Grand i10 is available with both a 4-speed automatic and a 5-speed manual transmission. These two types of transmissions have completely different operating principles and oil requirements.

The 4AT version uses ATF automatic transmission fluid. The 5MT version uses MTF manual transmission fluid with viscosity and standards suitable for the gears and synchronizers. It is not advisable to use the same type of fluid just because two cars share the Grand i10 name.

Quick answer

With the previous generation Grand i10 using a 4-speed automatic transmission, Hyundai's documentation states...DIAMOND ATF SP-III or SK ATF SP-III.

For the Grand i10 with a 5-speed manual transmission of the same generation, the reference requirements are:API GL-4, SAE 75W-85.

According to the GARTZ product catalog:

4AT Automated Version: ComparisonGARTZ ATF G4After confirming that the vehicle's specifications match the product description.

The 5MT manual transmission version requires GL-4 75W-85: see reference.GARTZ MT 75W85.

Newer generation vehicles from 2021 onwards: still available in 4AT and 5MT versions, but you need to check the oil specifications in the owner's manual or by VIN number before use.

Grand i10 lookup table by model year

The table above is for guidance only. The final conclusion must be based on the specific vehicle, especially for imported vehicles or those with replaced transmissions.

What transmission options are available for the Grand i10 in Vietnam?

According to Hyundai Thanh Cong's specifications document, the previous generation Grand i10 in Vietnam had two main configurations:

5-speed manual transmission, designated 5MT.

4-speed automatic transmission, designated 4AT.

In the new generation Grand i10 launched in 2021, Hyundai Thanh Cong continues to offer both of these options. Current Grand i10 specificationsIt still lists the 1.2MT and 1.2AT versions with either a 5MT or 4AT transmission.

Therefore, it's impossible to determine the type of oil simply by the name "Grand i10 1.2". It's necessary to know whether the car is an AT or MT version.

What type of oil does the Grand i10 4AT automatic transmission use?

Previous generation Grand i10

Hyundai Grand i10 Owner's ManualThe recommended fluid level for automatic transmissions is:

DIAMOND ATF SP-III or SK ATF SP-III

SP-III is the ATF standard commonly found in many older Hyundai and Kia 4-speed automatic transmissions. This is the important information for choosing the right oil, not the color of the oil or the general name "automatic transmission fluid".

The GARTZ ATF G4 is designed by GARTZ for 4-speed automatic transmissions and includes several Hyundai application codes such as A4CF1-2. Therefore, the product may be listed as a reference for the Grand i10 4AT, but garages need to double-check the transmission code and request the correct OEM code for their vehicle.

It should not be stated that GARTZ ATF G4 has been approved by Hyundai without corresponding certification documentation.

The new generation Grand i10 will be available from 2021.

According to Hyundai Thanh Cong's specifications, the new generation Grand i10 still uses a 4-speed automatic transmission. However, simply knowing "4AT" is not enough to definitively confirm the diesel version.

Before choosing GARTZ ATF G4, you need to check:

The owner's manual is for the specific model of vehicle.

VIN number.

Gearbox code.

Labels or information on the gearbox housing.

Repair history, including gearbox replacements, if any.

If the vehicle's documentation confirms that the standard or application code falls within the published GARTZ ATF G4 range, the new product is considered compliant for comparison.

What type of oil should be used in a Grand i10 5MT manual transmission?

For the previous generation Grand i10 1.0L or 1.2L manual transmission, the owner's manual stated:

Viscosity level:SAE 75W-85

Performance benchmarks:API GL-4

Reference capacity: approximately1.9–2.0 liters

Hyundai also announcedAPI GL-4, SAE 75W-85This oil is listed in the maintenance oil catalog for the Grand i10 manual transmission. However, the actual capacity when changing the oil may differ from the total capacity of the transmission; technicians need to follow the oil level check procedure.

GARTZ MT 75W85This product is designed for manual transmissions and is offered by GARTZ with a viscosity grade of 75W-85 and API GL-4 standard. This product can be used as a reference for the Grand i10 5MT if the vehicle specifications match.

Why doesn't the manual transmission Grand i10 use ATF G4?

ATF G4 is developed for automatic transmissions. ATF oil is involved in transmitting hydraulic pressure, controlling the clutch, and maintaining the friction characteristics of the automatic transmission.

Meanwhile, the oil for manual transmissions must protect the gears and support the synchronizer. The viscosity and friction characteristics requirements are different from ATF.

So:

Grand i10 4AT: Check the ATF oil according to the automatic transmission standard.

Grand i10 5MT: Check MTF oil according to viscosity grade and API standards.

Do not use 4AT oil in a 5MT oil or vice versa unless the vehicle's manual permits it.

Can the GL-5 be used instead of the GL-4 for a manual Grand i10?

You shouldn't automatically replace the GL-4 with the GL-5 just because the number "5" sounds higher.

GL-4 and GL-5 represent different performance levels and additive packages. Manual transmissions with synchronizers require appropriate friction characteristics for accurate synchronization.

If the manual specifies API GL-4, the safe option is to use a product that is declared to meet GL-4 standards. Do not simply look at the viscosity (75W-85) and disregard the API standard.

How to determine if the Grand i10 is an AT or MT version.

 

Check the gear shift

Automatic transmissions typically have P, R, N, and D positions. Manual transmissions have a diagram of forward and reverse gears, and the vehicle also has a clutch pedal.

This is how to identify the type of transmission, but the oil standard has not yet been determined.

Check the year and version of the vehicle.

In Vietnam, the Hyundai Grand i10 typically has the following version names:

1.0 MT or 1.2 MT.

1.2 AT.

MT Base, MT Standard, or AT.

The version name is for local support, but older vehicles may have had their transmissions replaced or the paperwork may not fully detail the configuration.

Check the VIN number and transmission code.

The VIN number helps garages look up the correct version, market, and parts catalog. The code on the transmission housing helps confirm the actual transmission assembly installed on the vehicle.

If the transmission code does not match the data on the VIN, the repair history should be checked.

Check the instruction manual.

The instruction manual is the basis for determining:

Type of oil.

Hyundai standards.

Viscosity level.

API standards.

Reference capacity.

Oil level check procedure.

How to properly verify the authenticity of GARTZ products?

The correct sequence is:

Vehicle model → AT or MT version → transmission code → OEM standard → GARTZ product.

With the automatic 4AT version

If the vehicle requires ATF SP-III or falls under the GARTZ ATF G4 application code, the garage can continue to evaluate the product based on the current technical documentation.

You shouldn't just look at the words "for 4-speed transmissions" and ignore the OEM specifications.

With the 5MT manual transmission version.

If the vehicle requires SAE 75W-85 and API GL-4, you can compare it with GARTZ MT 75W85.

If the specific vehicle's specifications require SAE 70W, 75W-90, or another standard, do not automatically use 75W-85.

Common mistakes

Assuming all Grand i10s use ATF G4

ATF G4 is only for comparison with the compatible automatic transmission. The 5MT version requires manual transmission fluid.

Select oil according to the number of grades.

The information "4AT" or "5MT" only identifies the transmission type. To choose the correct product, you also need to check the oil specifications.

Mistaking transmission fluid for engine oil.

The designations 75W-85 and 5W-30 both contain the letter W, but they belong to two different classification systems and serve two different machine groups.

Use GL-5 instead of GL-4 as desired.

Higher load capacity standards do not necessarily mean a better fit for a manual transmission's synchronizer.

Pour the oil according to the volume indicated in the mouth.

The total oil capacity and the amount of oil released during a single drain are not necessarily the same. After changing the oil, the oil level must be checked according to technical procedures.

Conclude

The Hyundai Grand i10, popular in Vietnam, comes with two main types of transmissions:

4AT version:Previous generation vehicles typically required Hyundai ATF SP-III; GARTZ ATF G4 can be matched after verifying the transmission code and standards.

Version 5MT:Vehicles requiring API GL-4, SAE 75W-85 can be compared with GARTZ MT 75W85.

New generation or imported vehicles:You need to check the owner's manual and VIN number; do not blindly apply the specifications of previous models.

If you are unsure which transmission your vehicle uses, please send the year of manufacture, model, VIN number, and a picture of the transmission sticker to the garage or GARTZ dealer before changing the oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of transmission fluid does the Grand i10 1.2 AT use?

Older generation vehicles using 4-speed automatic transmissions often require ATF SP-III. It's necessary to check the owner's manual for the specific model before selecting a product.

Is the GARTZ ATF G4 compatible with the Grand i10 4AT?

You can check if the gearbox code and vehicle specifications match the published GARTZ ATF G4 technical list. Do not make a decision based solely on the number of gears.

What type of oil should be used in the manual transmission Grand i10?

For vehicles requiring API GL-4 and SAE 75W-85, GARTZ MT 75W85 can be used as a reference.

Can the manual transmission Grand i10 use ATF G4?

No. ATF G4 is for automatic transmissions; manual transmissions require MTF oil according to a separate standard.

Does the new Grand i10 use the same oil as the old model?

It's impossible to conclude just because both are 4AT or 5MT. The owner's manual, VIN, and transmission code for the new model need to be checked.