The Alfa Romeo AR 30102 is a 1,750 cc, inline — four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2015 and 2019. It was developed as a high — efficiency, direct — injection powerplant for Alfa Romeo's compact and mid — size platforms, featuring dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), variable valve timing (VVT), and gasoline direct injection (GDI). In standard tune it delivered 121 kW (165 PS), with peak torque of 240 Nm available at 1,750–4,500 rpm.
Fitted to models such as the Giuli…
Production years 2015–2019 meet Euro 6 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6543).
The Alfa Romeo AR 30102 is a 1,750 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and front-wheel-drive applications (2015–2019). It combines gasoline direct injection with a single-scroll turbocharger to deliver responsive low-to-mid-range performance. Designed to meet Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances urban drivability with acceptable fuel economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,750 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
Bore × stroke | 84.0 mm × 78.0 mm | |
Power output | 121 kW (165 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | |
Torque | 240 Nm @ 1,750–4,500 rpm | |
Fuel system | Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
Compression ratio | 9.8:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Turbocharger | Single-scroll turbo (IHI) | |
Timing system | Timing belt (front-mounted) | |
Oil type | SAE 5W-40, ACEA A5/B5 | |
Dry weight | 135 kg |
The Alfa Romeo AR 30102 was used across Alfa Romeo's 940/952 platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the MiTo and revised exhaust routing in the Giulietta-and from 2017 received an updated timing belt tensioner to address wear concerns, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The AR 30102's primary reliability risk is premature timing belt tensioner wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in high-temperature climates. Internal Alfa Romeo quality reports from 2018 indicated a notable number of pre-2017 engines requiring belt replacement before 90,000 km, while VCA data shows increased camshaft drive failures in poorly maintained units. Extended high-speed operation and delayed servicing increase wear rates, making timing component adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Alfa Romeo technical bulletins (2015–2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The AR 30102 offers strong performance but early models (2015–2016) are prone to timing belt tensioner wear under sustained operation. Later revisions (post-2017) significantly improved durability. Regular servicing and inspection of the timing belt and tensioner on high-mileage pre-2017 engines are essential for long-term reliability.
Key issues include premature timing belt tensioner wear (especially pre-2017), intake valve carbon buildup due to direct injection, coolant leaks from the plastic thermostat housing, and ignition coil failures. These are documented in Alfa Romeo service bulletins and technical forums.
This 1.8L turbo petrol engine was used in the Alfa Romeo Giulietta (2015–2019), MiTo (2015–2018), and early Giulia (2016–2017) as the 1.8 Turbo variant. It was not used outside the Alfa Romeo brand and is specific to transverse-mounted applications in these models.
Yes. ECU remaps can yield +30–40 kW by optimizing boost and fuel maps. The stock turbo and internals support moderate tuning. Intake and exhaust upgrades enhance responsiveness. Over-boosting should be avoided without supporting modifications.
Moderate. In a Giulietta 1.8 Turbo, combined consumption is approximately 7.5 L/100km (38 mpg UK). City driving can exceed 9.0 L/100km, while highway cruising achieves around 6.2 L/100km (45 mpg UK). Real-world figures depend on driving style due to the engine's turbocharged character.
Yes. The AR 30102 is an interference engine. If the timing belt fails or jumps, piston-to-valve contact will occur, resulting in severe internal engine damage. Strict adherence to 90,000 km or 6-year replacement intervals is strongly recommended, especially on high-mileage vehicles.
Alfa Romeo specifies SAE 5W-40 synthetic oil meeting ACEA A5/B5 standards. Oil must be changed every 15,000 km or annually to ensure proper lubrication of the valvetrain and prevent premature wear. Using incorrect oil can accelerate component degradation.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with ALFA-ROMEO or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
ALFA-ROMEO Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialALFA-ROMEO documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed”.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.