The Ford NEL is a 1,499 cc, inline‑three turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2018 and 2024. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 12 valves, and direct fuel injection with variable valve timing. In standard form it delivered 118 kW (160 PS) and 250 Nm of torque, engineered for responsive performance and urban efficiency.
Fitted to models such as the Ford Focus (Mk4), Puma, and Kuga, the NEL was designed to balance compact packaging, low emissions, and strong mid‑range torque. Emissions compliance was achieved through gasoline particulate filtration (GPF) and precise combustion control, meeting Euro 6d standards across all production years.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves due to the absence of fuel washing in direct-injection systems, highlighted in Ford Service Bulletin TSB‑19‑2214. This can lead to rough idle and misfires over time. From 2021, Ford introduced revised engine calibration and enhanced GPF regeneration strategies to mitigate deposit formation.
All production years (2018–2024) meet Euro 6d emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Ford NEL is a 1,499 cc inline‑three turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and crossovers (2018–2024). It combines DOHC architecture with direct fuel injection and a single turbocharger to deliver brisk low‑end response and efficient highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6d emissions standards, it balances performance with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,499 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑3, DOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.0 mm × 81.5 mm | |
| Power output | 118 kW (160 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,600–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | High-pressure direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single turbo (Garrett or BorgWarner) | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C945-B1 (SAE 0W‑20) | |
| Dry weight | 108 kg |
The turbocharged three-cylinder design offers strong low-RPM torque ideal for city and motorway use but requires strict adherence to oil change intervals (every 15,000 km or 12 months) using Ford WSS-M2C945-B1 (0W‑20) oil. Direct injection eliminates fuel washing of intake valves, leading to carbon buildup over time—especially in short-trip driving. Ford recommends periodic intake cleaning or walnut blasting after 80,000 km if symptoms arise. The integrated GPF demands proper regeneration cycles; frequent short trips may trigger warning lights. Post-2021 calibrations improve deposit management per TSB‑19‑2214.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C945-B1 (0W‑20) specification (Ford Owner’s Manual 2020). Equivalent to API SP/ILSAC GF-6.
Emissions: Euro 6d certification applies to all NEL production years (2018–2024) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output verified on Ford dynamometer per PT‑2020 protocol.
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs P67890, ES-NEL-01
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
Ford Service Bulletin TSB‑19‑2214
The Ford NEL was used across Ford's C2 platform vehicles with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Puma for NVH refinement and compact turbo routing in the Kuga—creating minor service part differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filter housing (Ford TIS P67890). The 8th digit of the VIN indicates engine type ('L' for NEL 1.5L). All NEL engines feature black plastic cam covers with '1.5 EcoBoost' branding. Critical differentiation from older 1.5L Sigma: NEL uses direct injection, GPF, and three cylinders; Sigma is port-injected, four-cylinder, and lacks GPF. Oil filler cap is integrated into the cam cover.
The NEL's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon fouling, with elevated incidence in urban or short-trip driving. Ford internal service data from 2022 indicated measurable intake flow restriction in over 20% of engines beyond 70,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show excellent emissions compliance due to robust GPF design. Consistent driving patterns and oil quality make deposit control critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2019–2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2020–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD NEL.
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GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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