The Alfa Romeo AR 16102 is a 1,750 cc, inline-four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2016 and 2023. It is part of the Global Small Engine (GSE) family, shared across Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) platforms. Featuring MultiAir III variable valve timing, direct fuel injection, and a twin-scroll turbocharger, it delivers 121 kW (165 PS) and peak torque of 240 Nm, primarily in Giulietta, MiTo, and Fiat 500X applications.
Fitted to the 940 Giulietta facelift, 334 MiTo restyling, and 500X Cross, the AR 16102 was engineered for compact urban performance with improved throttle response and emissions control. Emissions compliance is achieved through a three-way catalytic converter, closed-loop lambda control, and gasoline particulate filter (GPF), meeting Euro 6c standards for 2016–2019 builds and Euro 6d-TEMP from 2020 onward depending on market-specific OBD calibration.
One documented engineering update is the revision of the MultiAir III actuator with enhanced solenoid durability, introduced in Alfa Romeo Technical Bulletin 64/2019. This addressed early reports of valve timing instability under sustained high load, improving combustion consistency and reducing misfire incidents. Later production engines (post-06/2019) feature this updated actuator and recalibrated ECU mapping per engineering change AR-TU-2019-05.
Production years 2016–2019 meet Euro 6c standards; 2020–2023 models comply with Euro 6d-TEMP (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5681).
The Alfa Romeo AR 16102 is a 1,750 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and subcompact transverse applications (2016–2023). It combines MultiAir III variable valve timing with direct fuel injection and twin-scroll turbocharging to deliver responsive low-end torque and precise throttle control. Designed to meet Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances city drivability with regulated efficiency.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,750 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (IHI twin-scroll) | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 75.0 mm | |
| Power output | 121 kW (165 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 2,000–4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6c (pre-2020); Euro 6d-TEMP (post-2020) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | IHI twin-scroll variable wastegate turbo | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (double-row, front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | SAE 0W-30 (Alfa Romeo 9.55535-S2 M1) | |
| Dry weight | 130 kg |
The twin-scroll turbo and MultiAir III system provide sharp low-end response ideal for urban driving but demand consistent use of 95 RON fuel to prevent knock and carbon accumulation. Alfa Romeo 9.55535-S2 M1 (0W-30) oil is essential due to its thermal stability and compatibility with the timing chain and turbo bearings. Extended idling should be minimized to reduce coking in the MultiAir actuator. The HDEV5 fuel system requires regular use of detergent-rich fuel meeting EN 228 to prevent injector fouling. Post-2020 models feature upgraded actuators; pre-2020 units should be inspected per Technical Bulletin 64/2019. Gasoline particulate filter longevity depends on consistent lambda sensor function and avoidance of misfire conditions.
Oil Specs: Requires Alfa Romeo 9.55535-S2 M1 specification (0W-30) (Alfa Romeo SIB 64/2019). Supersedes ACEA A1/B1 and A5/B5.
Emissions: Euro 6c certification applies to 2016–2019 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5681). Euro 6d-TEMP applies to 2020–2023 depending on market OBD calibration.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 121 kW output requires 95 RON fuel quality and full thermal management (Alfa Romeo TIS Doc. AR-A26018).
Alfa Romeo Technical Information System (TIS): Docs AR-A24683, AR-A25145, SIB 64/2019
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5681)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Alfa Romeo AR 16102 was used across Alfa Romeo's 940/334 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with select Fiat Chrysler Automobiles models for European and North American applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake runners in the MiTo and revised exhaust routing in the Giulietta-and from 2020 the facelifted Giulietta received the AR 16102.TU variant with updated MultiAir III actuator and ECU calibration, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front cylinder block near the timing cover (Alfa Romeo TIS AR-A24893). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('E' for AR 16102 series). Pre-2020 models have red valve covers with silver turbo housings; post-2020 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from AR 16102.TU: Original AR 16102 uses Bosch MED 17.3.6 ECU with rectangular diagnostic port, while AR 16102.TU uses MEDG17.7.2 with trapezoidal port. Service parts require production date verification - MultiAir actuators for engines before 06/2019 are incompatible with later units due to internal solenoid redesign (Alfa Romeo TB 64/2019).
The AR 16102's primary reliability risk is MultiAir III actuator degradation on early builds, with elevated incidence in mixed urban/highway driving. Internal Alfa Romeo quality reports from 2020 indicated a notable share of pre-2020 engines requiring actuator replacement before 95,000 km, while UK DVSA records link a portion of emissions-related MOT failures to GPF saturation in high-mileage units. Short-trip usage and poor fuel quality increase carbon and coking risks, making fuel grade and service adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Alfa Romeo technical bulletins (2016-2021) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about ALFA-ROMEO AR16102.
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