The Citroën KFT (TU3A) is a 1,124 cc, inline-three, naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1992 and 2005. It belongs to the PSA TU engine family, known for mechanical simplicity and durability in small city cars. Featuring single-point fuel injection (SPi), SOHC, and 8 valves, it produces 40 kW (55 PS) at 5,600 rpm and 86 Nm at 3,000 rpm, providing basic performance ideal for urban commuting and light-duty use.
Fitted to entry-level variants of the AX and Saxo, the TU3A was engineered for low ownership cost, ease of maintenance, and compact packaging. Its emissions control system includes a three-way catalytic converter with oxygen sensor feedback, enabling compliance with Euro 1 (1992–1996) and Euro 2 (1997–2005) standards depending on model year. The engine’s lightweight aluminium construction and transverse mounting made it ideal for PSA’s A-segment platforms.
One documented concern is premature camshaft lobe wear, particularly in early production units operating under extended oil change intervals. This issue, referenced in PSA Service Information Bulletin SIB-ENG-2001-06, is linked to marginal lubrication at the cam lobes and was addressed through revised camshaft surface hardening and oil pump output calibration from 1998 onward.
Production years 1992–1996 meet Euro 1; 1997–2005 models comply with Euro 2 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6614).
The Citroën KFT (TU3A) is a 1,124 cc inline-three naturally aspirated petrol engine designed for compact urban vehicles (1992–2005). It combines single-point fuel injection with a simple SOHC layout to deliver economical, low-maintenance performance. Engineered to meet Euro 1 and Euro 2 emissions standards, it prioritizes affordability and reliability over power output.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,124 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline-3, SOHC, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 75.0 mm × 63.6 mm | |
| Power output | 40 kW (55 PS) @ 5,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 86 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Magneti Marelli 7MB2 SPi (single-point injection) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 1 (1992–1996); Euro 2 (1997–2005) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled, belt-driven water pump | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Timing belt (SOHC) | |
| Oil type | Total Multis 10W-40 | |
| Dry weight | 94 kg |
The naturally aspirated inline-three design provides predictable power ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 60,000 km or 5-year timing belt replacement intervals to prevent catastrophic interference engine damage. Total Multis 10W-40 oil is recommended for optimal camshaft and valve train lubrication. Early models (pre-1998) are prone to cam lobe wear under extended oil intervals or frequent short trips; PSA revised the camshaft hardening process and oil pump output in 1998 to improve durability. The Magneti Marelli 7MB2 SPi system is sensitive to poor-quality fuel, risking long-term injector coking. Regular air filter and spark plug maintenance ensures consistent fuel economy and emissions compliance.
Oil Specs: Requires Total Multis 10W-40 or equivalent meeting PSA B71 2290 specification (PSA SIB-ENG-2001-06).
Emissions: Euro 1 applies to 1992–1996 models; Euro 2 certification applies to 1997–2005 builds (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6614).
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Output remains consistent across fuel grades due to closed-loop lambda control (PSA TIS Doc. TU3A-PERF-01).
PSA Technical Information System (TIS): Docs TU3A-001, TU3A-FUEL-01, SIB-ENG-2001-06
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6614)
ISO 1585:1996 Road vehicles — Test code for net power
The Citroën KFT (TU3A) was used across Citroën's AX and early Saxo platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Peugeot derivatives. This engine received platform-specific tuning—shorter intake runners in the AX and revised engine mounts in the Saxo—and from 1997 the facelifted AX adopted Euro 2-compliant variants with updated ECU mapping, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the left-side cylinder block, near the exhaust manifold (PSA TIS TU3A-ID-01). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('A' for TU3A). Pre-1998 models have silver cam covers with ribbed plastic intake manifolds; post-1998 units use black cam covers and smooth intake tracts. Critical differentiation from TU3M: TU3A features Magneti Marelli 7MB2 SPi ECU with 40-pin connector and single-point fuel injection throttle body. Service parts require model-year verification—timing belts and water pumps differ pre- and post-1998 due to revised accessory drive layout (PSA SIB-ENG-2001-06).
The TU3A's primary reliability risk is camshaft lobe wear in early production units, with elevated incidence in urban driving cycles. PSA internal quality reports from 2002 indicated a notable number of pre-1998 engines required camshaft replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show increased catalytic converter failures linked to lean-running conditions from coked injectors. Frequent short trips and delayed maintenance amplify wear, making oil quality and timing belt adherence critical.
Analysis derived from PSA technical bulletins (1992–2005) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about CITROEN KFT-TU3A.
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