The Alfa Romeo AR32201 is a 1,750 cc, inline-four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2015 and 2020. It forms the core of Alfa Romeo's revitalised powertrain strategy, featuring direct fuel injection, variable valve timing (Dual VVT), and a compact twin-scroll turbocharger. In standard tune it delivers 147 kW (200 PS), with peak torque of 330 Nm available from 1,700 rpm, enabling responsive performance ideal for spirited driving.
Fitted to key models including the Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde, the Giulia (base and Veloce trims), and the Stelvio (2.0 Turbo), the AR32201 was engineered for dynamic driving character with balanced fuel efficiency. Emissions compliance is achieved through a three-way catalytic converter and closed-loop lambda control, meeting Euro 6b standards across its production run.
One documented concern is premature turbocharger wastegate actuator wear, identified in Alfa Romeo Service Information Bulletin 56/2018. This issue arises from thermal cycling fatigue in high-load operation, potentially causing boost fluctuations. From 2018, revised actuator hardware with enhanced heat shielding was implemented across production lines to improve durability.
All production years 2015–2020 meet Euro 6b emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Alfa Romeo AR32201 is a 1,750 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and mid-size performance vehicles (2015–2020). It combines direct fuel injection with dual variable valve timing and a twin-scroll turbocharger to deliver strong mid-range torque and agile throttle response. Designed to meet Euro 6b standards, it balances sporty performance with regulated emissions compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,750 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (twin-scroll) | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 75.2 mm | |
| Power output | 147 kW (200 PS) @ 5,250 rpm | |
| Torque | 330 Nm @ 1,700–4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b | |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | IHI twin-scroll turbo with electronic wastegate | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (DOHC) | |
| Oil type | SAE 5W-40, ACEA C3 specification | |
| Dry weight | 138 kg |
The twin-scroll turbo provides strong low-end torque and rapid throttle response, ideal for urban and highway driving, but demands adherence to 15,000 km oil service intervals using ACEA C3 5W-40 oil to prevent turbo bearing and timing chain wear. Extended idling or frequent short trips may accelerate carbon buildup on intake valves due to portless direct injection. The electronic wastegate actuator is sensitive to thermal stress; post-drive cooldown is recommended after sustained high-load operation. From 2018, updated actuator hardware with improved heat shielding (per SIB 56/2018) should be used in repairs. The engine management system requires OBD-II-compliant diagnostics for adaptation resets.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 5W-40 meeting ACEA C3 specification (Alfa Romeo SIB 56/2018). Compatible with Fiat 9.55535-S2 and API SN+.
Emissions: Euro 6b certification applies to all models 2015–2020 (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). No market-specific variants.
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Output remains consistent across markets with premium unleaded (95 RON minimum).
Alfa Romeo Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A32201-ENG-01, A32201-TUR-02, SIB 56/2018
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
European Commission Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
The Alfa Romeo AR32201 was used across Alfa Romeo's 952/956 platforms with transverse mounting in front-wheel-drive variants and longitudinal mounting in rear-wheel-drive applications. This engine received platform-specific tuning—slightly reduced torque curves in the Giulietta for drivetrain compatibility—and from 2017, the Giulia Quadrifoglio introduced a high-output variant (AR33212), creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front-facing side of the cylinder block, near the starter motor (Alfa Romeo TIS A32201-ID-10). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('B' for AR32201 series). Pre-2018 models have a silver-topped intake manifold with black turbo housing; post-2018 units retain the same layout but feature revised wastegate actuator labeling. Critical differentiation from high-output AR33212: AR32201 uses a single IHI turbo with electronic actuator, while AR33212 employs a larger BorgWarner unit with mechanical linkage. Service parts require VIN-based verification—turbo actuators before 06/2018 are incompatible with later models due to control signal revisions (Alfa Romeo SIB 56/2018).
The AR32201's primary reliability risk is turbocharger wastegate actuator wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or frequently hard-driven vehicles. Internal Alfa Romeo field reports from 2019 indicated a measurable share of pre-2018 units required actuator replacement before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA data links a portion of emissions-related failures to lambda sensor degradation in urban environments. Extended idling and short-trip driving increase thermal cycling stress, making coolant and oil maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Alfa Romeo technical bulletins (2015-2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about ALFA-ROMEO AR32201.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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