The Citroën EB2FA is a 1,199 cc, inline-three naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2018. Part of PSA's VTi engine family, it features a cast-iron block, aluminium head, and multi-point fuel injection. Delivering 54 kW (73 PS) at 6,000 rpm and 107 Nm of torque at 3,600 rpm, the EB2FA was engineered for urban efficiency and low running costs.
Fitted to models such as the C1, C3, and Aircross, the EB2FA was designed for city driving and ease of ownership. Emissions compliance was achieved through a catalytic converter and closed-loop lambda control, meeting Euro 5 standards throughout its production run.
One documented reliability concern is cylinder head warping under sustained high load or poor cooling conditions. This issue, referenced in PSA Technical Note TN 12-VT-007, is linked to thermal stress and sensitivity to coolant neglect. From 2014, revised cylinder head gaskets and improved cooling system calibration were introduced to reduce failure incidence.
All models meet Euro 5 standards; select 2016–2018 variants may achieve Euro 6b depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5123).
The Citroën EB2FA is a 1,199 cc inline-three naturally aspirated petrol engine developed for compact city cars (2012–2018). It combines a robust iron-block design with multi-point injection to deliver predictable performance and serviceability. Designed to meet Euro 5 and later Euro 6b emissions standards, it prioritises reliability and fuel economy over high specific output.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,199 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline-3, SOHC, 12-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 75.0 mm × 75.0 mm | |
| Power output | 54 kW (73 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 107 Nm @ 3,600 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch ME7.9.8 multipoint fuel injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2012–2018); Euro 6b (select 2016+ models) | |
| Compression ratio | 11.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Timing belt (renew every 120,000 km or 6 years) | |
| Oil type | PSA B71 2000 (SAE 10W-40) | |
| Dry weight | 98 kg |
The naturally aspirated design provides smooth, linear throttle response ideal for city driving but lacks low-end torque for heavy loads or steep gradients. The timing belt must be replaced every 120,000 km or 6 years per PSA TIS B12910; failure risks valve damage due to interference design. PSA B71 2000 (10W-40) oil is recommended for thermal stability in high-temperature operation. Cylinder head warping risk increases with coolant neglect or repeated overheating, so cooling system integrity should be verified during service. Pre-2014 engines benefit from upgraded head gaskets per PSA TN 12-VT-007. Lambda sensor degradation can cause driveability issues and MOT emissions failures, particularly in stop-start traffic.
Oil Specs: Requires PSA B71 2000 (10W-40) specification. Compatible with ACEA A2/B2 standards.
Emissions: Euro 5 applies to all models; Euro 6b compliance for select 2016+ models confirmed via VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5123.
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Output consistent across fuel grades 95–98 RON (PSA TIS Doc. B12910).
PSA Technical Information System (TIS): Docs B12910, B13001, TN 12-VT-007
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5123)
ECE Regulation No. 85 (Engine Power Measurement)
The Citroën EB2FA was used across Citroën's A-segment and B-segment platforms with transverse mounting and shared architecture with Peugeot. This engine received platform-specific calibrations-output tuning in the C3 and revised intake manifolds in the 1.2 VTi variants-and from 2016 the facelifted C3 adopted the EB2FD variant with updated emissions calibration, creating interchange limits. Partnerships enabled Fiat to use a modified version in the 500 (2015–2019) with different ECU mapping. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left-side engine block near the transmission bellhousing (PSA TIS B12910). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('H' for EB2FA variants). Pre-2014 models have a silver cam cover with 'VTi' badge; post-2014 units use a plain cover. Critical differentiation from EB2FD: Original EB2FA uses Bosch ME7.9.8 ECU with 80-pin connector; EB2FD uses ME7.9.10 with 104-pin connector. Service parts require build date verification – cylinder head gaskets before 04/2014 are incompatible with later models due to revised sealing design (PSA TN 12-VT-007).
The EB2FA's primary reliability risk is cylinder head warping on early builds, with elevated incidence in vehicles with neglected cooling systems. Internal PSA quality reports from 2015 noted a significant share of pre-2014 engines requiring head rework before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA records link a notable portion of emissions-related MOT failures to lambda sensor degradation in high-mileage units. Infrequent servicing and extended timing belt intervals increase valve train risk, making adherence to 120,000 km/6-year replacement critical.
Analysis derived from PSA technical bulletins (2012-2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2013-2022). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about CITROEN HMR-EB2FA.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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