The Citroën NFP, internally designated EC5, is a 1,397 cc, inline-four petrol engine produced between 2004 and 2011. It belongs to the PSA-EuroPower EC engine family, featuring a DOHC 16-valve configuration and multi-point fuel injection (MPFI). Delivering 74 kW (101 PS), it was engineered for responsive urban performance and improved efficiency over earlier TU-series engines.
Fitted to models such as the C4, C4 Picasso, and C5, the NFP (EC5) was designed for drivers seeking a balance of refinement, mid-range power, and emissions compliance. Emissions standards were met via a three-way catalytic converter and closed-loop lambda control, enabling Euro 4 compliance across its production run for all European-market vehicles.
One documented characteristic is the use of a timing belt with a 150,000 km or 5-year replacement interval, as specified in PSA Service Bulletin 1843. Unlike earlier TU engines, the EC5 features hydraulic tappets eliminating the need for periodic valve clearance adjustments. This design shift reflects PSA’s focus on reducing maintenance demands while improving engine responsiveness.
All production years 2004–2011 meet Euro 4 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6210).
The Citroën NFP (EC5) is a 1,397 cc inline-four petrol engine designed for compact and mid-size passenger vehicles (2004–2011). It features a 16-valve DOHC valvetrain and sequential MPFI to deliver smooth power delivery and improved fuel efficiency. Engineered to meet Euro 4 standards, it balances drivability with environmental compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,397 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 78.5 mm × 72.0 mm | |
| Power output | 74 kW (101 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 136 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi-point fuel injection (SMPFI) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Timing belt (DOHC, front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | Total Quartz 9000 5W-40 (ACEA A3/B4) | |
| Dry weight | 106 kg |
The NFP provides smooth, high-RPM power ideal for highway driving but demands adherence to the 150,000 km or 5-year timing belt replacement interval to prevent valve damage. Total Quartz 9000 5W-40 oil is recommended for optimal hydraulic tappet operation and valve train protection. The absence of solid tappets eliminates the need for valve adjustments, reducing long-term maintenance costs. The SMPFI system ensures precise fuel metering, though injector cleaning may be beneficial after 120,000 km. Emissions compliance depends on catalytic converter health and oxygen sensor accuracy; a failed cat will trigger fault codes and reduce fuel economy. Cold starts are smooth due to closed-loop lambda control, but short-trip driving may lead to carbon buildup on intake valves.
Oil Specs: Requires ACEA A3/B4 specification. Total Quartz 9000 5W-40 is OEM-specified (PSA SIB 1843). Hydraulic tappet oils are required.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all 2004–2011 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6210). No Euro 3 or Euro 5 variants exist for this engine code.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output consistent across all markets (PSA Group PT-2020).
PSA Technical Information System (TIS): Docs EC5-TS1, EC5-FI2, SIB 1843
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6210)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Test method for the measurement of fuel consumption
The Citroën NFP (EC5) was used across Citroën's C4/C5 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Peugeot under internal PSA engineering agreements. This engine received model-specific calibrations-adapted throttle response in the C4 Picasso and revised intake manifolds in the C5-and from 2007 the updated engine management software created service part distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the left-side engine block near the exhaust manifold (PSA TIS EC5-TS1). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('M' for 1.4i 16v). Pre-2006 models use a silver cam cover; post-2006 units adopted a black finish. Critical differentiation from TU3: NFP (EC5) has a 16-valve DOHC head and front-mounted timing belt, while TU3 units are 8-valve SOHC engines. Service parts require VIN-based verification—timing belts for pre-2007 models are compatible with all NFP units, but ECU calibrations may require pairing.
The NFP (EC5)'s primary reliability risk is timing belt failure due to missed service intervals, with elevated incidence in high-mileage applications. PSA internal reports from 2009 noted increased failure rates in units exceeding 160,000 km without belt replacement, while UK DVSA records show valve train faults as a leading cause of MOT failure for pre-2012 petrol engines. Extended oil change intervals and poor fuel quality accelerate wear, making adherence to maintenance schedules critical.
Analysis derived from PSA technical bulletins (2004-2011) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2005-2015). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about CITROEN NFP-EC5.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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