The Citroën CFB (1KR) is a 998 cc, inline-three petrol engine produced between 2010 and 2016. It belongs to the Toyota 1KR-FE engine family, co-developed under the Toyota-PSA partnership for compact urban vehicles. Featuring DOHC 12-valve configuration and multi-point fuel injection, it delivers 50 kW (68 PS) at 6,000 rpm and 95 Nm of torque at 3,600 rpm, optimized for lightweight city driving and fuel efficiency.
Fitted exclusively to the Citroën C1 and its platform siblings (Peugeot 107, Toyota Aygo), the CFB was engineered for minimal emissions and low running costs in urban environments. It meets Euro 5 emissions standards through a compact three-way catalytic converter and closed-loop lambda control, targeting city commuters and first-time drivers seeking economical, low-maintenance transportation.
One documented concern involves premature wear of the timing chain tensioner, particularly in stop-start urban driving cycles. This issue, referenced in PSA Technical Service Bulletin TSB 10-09-01, is attributed to inadequate oil pressure at idle in early production units. A revised tensioner design introduced in 2012 improved reliability, reducing failure incidence in later models.
Production years 2010–2016 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Citroën CFB (1KR) is a 998 cc inline-three petrol engine developed for ultra-compact city cars (2010–2016). It features a DOHC 12-valve layout with multi-point fuel injection, delivering modest power and high fuel efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it supports lightweight urban mobility with low maintenance demands and compact packaging.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 998 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-3, DOHC, 12-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 71.0 mm × 84.0 mm | |
| Power output | 50 kW (68 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 95 Nm @ 3,600 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Denso MPI (multi-point injection) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 11.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Timing chain (lifetime service interval, inspection recommended at 120,000 km) | |
| Oil type | SAE 5W-30, ACEA A1/B1 | |
| Dry weight | 87 kg |
The naturally aspirated inline-3 design provides smooth, predictable power ideal for city driving but demands adherence to 120,000 km inspection intervals for the timing chain tensioner, especially in pre-2012 models. SAE 5W-30 ACEA A1/B1 oil is essential to maintain oil pressure at idle and prevent tensioner collapse. Frequent short trips without warm-up can accelerate wear; extended idling should be minimized. The Denso MPI system is robust but requires clean fuel and periodic injector cleaning. Post-2012 models benefit from a reinforced tensioner; pre-2012 units should verify chain condition during major services. The three-way catalytic converter requires lead-free petrol and proper lambda sensor function to avoid overheating.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 5W-30, ACEA A1/B1 specification (PSA SIB 10-09-01). Compatible with low-SAPS formulations.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all CFB (1KR) models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output achieved with 95 RON fuel (PSA TIS Doc. 1KR006).
PSA Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 1KR001, 1KR002, 1KR005, TSB 10-09-01
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
ISO International: ISO 1585 Road vehicles — Passenger cars — Test method for the measurement of specific power consumption
The Citroën CFB (1KR) was used exclusively in the Citroën C1 platform with transverse mounting and shared under the Toyota-PSA joint venture for badge-engineered applications. This engine received no major adaptations across brands, maintaining identical calibration and emissions systems. From 2012, the revised timing chain tensioner improved reliability, creating a service part distinction. All units are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the left-side engine block near the exhaust manifold (PSA TIS 1KR008). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('K' for 1KR series). Pre-2012 models have a ribbed black cam cover with PSA logo; post-2012 units retain the same appearance but feature an updated chain tensioner. Critical differentiation from 2KR: CFB (1KR) has a 3-cylinder layout with 998 cc displacement, while 2KR is a 1,329 cc inline-four. Service parts require model year verification—tensioners for pre-2012 engines are not interchangeable with later units due to internal redesign (PSA TSB 10-09-01).
The CFB (1KR)'s primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner failure on early builds, with elevated incidence in urban stop-start driving. PSA internal reports from 2013 indicated a notable number of pre-2012 engines required tensioner replacement before 100,000 km, while VCA records show neglected inspections as a leading cause of chain-related engine noise. Short-trip usage and delayed maintenance amplify wear, making oil quality and inspection adherence critical.
Analysis derived from PSA technical bulletins (2010-2014) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2012-2018). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about CITROEN CFB-1KR.
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