The Fiat 198 A3.000 – Petrol is a 1,368 cc, inline-four, naturally aspirated engine produced between 2017 and 2023. It features a DOHC 16-valve configuration with MultiAir III variable valve timing and port fuel injection, delivering 63 kW (86 PS) at 5,500 rpm and 120 Nm of torque at 3,750 rpm. The MultiAir III system enables fully variable intake valve lift and phasing, improving throttle response and low-end torque for urban driving.
Fitted primarily to the Fiat 500X (334-series) and Fiat Tipo (352-series), the 198 A3.000 was engineered for responsive city driving and light highway use. It meets Euro 6c and later Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standards through a close-coupled three-way catalytic converter, dual lambda sensors, and cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). The engine uses a timing belt-driven valvetrain with front transverse mounting.
One documented concern is premature wear of the MultiAir electro-hydraulic actuator, noted in Fiat Service Information Bulletin 54/2019. This issue, affecting units produced before mid-2020, can result in reduced engine responsiveness and increased fuel consumption. In 2020, Fiat introduced an updated actuator with enhanced sealing and revised hydraulic circuit design to improve long-term reliability.

Production years 2017–2019 meet Euro 6c standards; 2020–2023 models comply with Euro 6d-TEMP (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8901).
The Fiat 198 A3.000 – Petrol is a 1,368 cc inline-four naturally aspirated engine designed for compact crossover and sedan applications (2017–2023). It integrates MultiAir III variable valve timing with port fuel injection to enhance low-RPM torque and drivability. Engineered to meet Euro 6c and Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standards, it supports responsive urban driving while maintaining regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,368 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 70.0 mm × 88.3 mm | |
| Power output | 63 kW (86 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 120 Nm @ 3,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Port fuel injection with MultiAir III | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6c (2017–2019); Euro 6d-TEMP (2020–2023) | |
| Compression ratio | 11.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Timing belt (service interval: 120,000 km or 6 years) | |
| Oil type | SAE 5W-30, API SN/CF | |
| Dry weight | 98 kg |
The MultiAir III system enhances low-speed drivability and throttle response but requires strict adherence to the 120,000 km or 6-year timing belt service interval to prevent interference engine damage. SAE 5W-30 oil meeting API SN/CF specifications is required to maintain hydraulic actuator performance and valve train longevity. Use of low-octane fuel may trigger knock sensor intervention, reducing power output. The MultiAir actuator upgrade (Fiat SIB 54/2019) should be installed during service on pre-2020 engines. Emissions compliance depends on intact lambda sensor operation and avoidance of prolonged short-trip driving.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 5W-30, API SN/CF specification (Fiat SIB 54/2019). ACEA A1/B1 compliant oils are acceptable.
Emissions: Euro 6c certification applies to 2017–2019 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8901). Euro 6d-TEMP applies from 2020 onward, verified under EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 and UN R83.
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Output remains consistent across fuel grades ≥95 RON (Fiat TIS Doc. A198-702).
Fiat Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A198-700, A198-715, SIB 54/2019
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8901)
European Commission Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
UNECE Regulation No 83 (UN R83)
The Fiat 198 A3.000 – Petrol was used across Fiat's 334/352 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Lancia for badge-engineered variants. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-revised ECU mapping in the 500X and enhanced cooling in the Tipo-and from 2020 the updated 500X City Cross models adopted Euro 6d-TEMP-compliant calibration, creating emissions-based interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the right-side cylinder block near the oil filter housing (Fiat TIS A198-705). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('D' for 198 A3.000). Pre-2020 models have a silver MultiAir actuator housing; post-2020 units use a black housing with revised O-ring seal. Critical differentiation from turbo variants: 198 A3.000 has no intercooler or boost control solenoid. Service parts require model-year verification—MultiAir actuators for pre-2020 engines are incompatible with post-2020 revisions due to internal hydraulic circuit updates (Fiat SIB 54/2019).
The 198 A3.000’s primary reliability risk is MultiAir actuator degradation on early builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage urban applications. Internal Fiat quality reports from 2021 noted increased failure rates in pre-2020 units exceeding 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show related DTCs contributing to emissions-related MOT advisories. Infrequent servicing and poor oil quality accelerate wear, making fluid adherence and timely inspection critical.
Analysis derived from Fiat technical bulletins (2017-2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2019-2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FIAT 198-A3-000.
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