The Ford GMA (Global Motion Architecture) 1.0L EcoBoost is a 999 cc, inline-three turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2018 and 2023. It features direct fuel injection, variable cam timing (Ti-VCT), and a compact turbocharger, delivering 85 kW (116 PS) and 170 Nm of torque in standard tune. This engine was engineered for responsive urban performance and high fuel efficiency in Ford’s compact vehicle lineup.
Fitted to models such as the Ford Fiesta (Mk8), B-MAX, and Puma (Mk1), the GMA 1.0L EcoBoost was designed to prioritise low-end torque, emissions compliance, and packaging efficiency. Emissions control is achieved through a close-coupled catalytic converter and cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), enabling Euro 6d-Full compliance across its production run. The engine's compact size allows transverse mounting in small front-wheel-drive platforms.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves due to port vs. direct injection design limitations. This issue, referenced in Ford Service Action 19M03, is attributed to fuel not washing the back of intake valves, leading to airflow restriction. From 2020, revised intake port geometry and updated engine management calibrations were introduced to mitigate deposit accumulation.
Production years 2018–2023 meet Euro 6d-Full standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8901).
The Ford GMA 1.0L EcoBoost is a 999 cc inline-three turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact passenger vehicles (2018–2023). It combines direct fuel injection with Ti-VCT variable cam timing and turbocharging to deliver responsive low-RPM torque and strong fuel economy. Designed to meet Euro 6d-Full emissions standards, it serves as a modern, downsized powertrain for city and suburban driving.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 999 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-3, DOHC, 12-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.0 mm × 77.4 mm | |
| Power output | 85 kW (116 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 170 Nm @ 1,400–4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct injection (Bosch HDEV5) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d-Full | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single-scroll turbo (Honeywell) | |
| Timing system | Timing chain (single-row, front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C946-C (5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 98 kg |
The turbocharged inline-three provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for city driving but requires consistent maintenance to prevent carbon buildup on intake valves. Ford WSS-M2C946-C (5W-30) oil is essential due to its thermal stability and protection for the turbocharger and chain system. Extended idling or short-trip driving can accelerate deposit formation. The close-coupled catalytic converter requires high-quality unleaded petrol (RON 95 minimum) to prevent degradation. Post-2020 models feature revised intake ports and ECU calibrations; pre-2020 units should be monitored per Ford SIB 19M03. Regular intake cleaning helps maintain throttle response and emissions compliance.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C946-C (5W-30) specification (Ford SIB 19M03). Supersedes ACEA C2.
Emissions: Euro 6d-Full certification applies to all 2018–2023 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8901).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output varies slightly with ambient temperature and fuel quality (Ford TIS Doc. F16900).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs F16800, F16220, SIB 19M03
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8901)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Ford GMA 1.0L EcoBoost was used across Ford's Mk8 Fiesta/B-MAX and Mk1 Puma platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the Fiesta and enhanced torque mounts in the Puma-and from 2020 the facelifted models adopted revised intake geometry, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the left side of the cylinder block, near the transmission bellhousing (Ford TIS F16930). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('J' for 1.0L EcoBoost). Pre-2020 models have silver valve covers with black coil packs; post-2020 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation: Original GMA has Bosch HDEV5 injectors and round diagnostic port; post-2020 revisions use updated intake port design and revised ECU mapping. Service parts require production date verification - intake components for engines before 04/2020 are incompatible with later units due to port redesign (Ford SIB 19M03).
The GMA's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup on early builds, with elevated incidence in urban driving. Internal Ford quality reports from 2019 indicated a significant number of pre-2020 engines required intake cleaning before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased catalyst efficiency failures in poorly maintained units. Short trips and low-quality fuel increase deposit formation, making fuel quality and driving pattern adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2018–2022) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2019–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD GMA.
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