The Ford NWR is a 1,499 cc, inline‑three turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2018 and 2023. It features direct fuel injection, a single twin-scroll turbocharger, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivers 118 kW (160 PS) and 250 Nm of torque, with strong low‑rpm response for urban and motorway driving.
Fitted to models such as the Fiesta ST, Puma ST, and Focus ST‑Line, the NWR was engineered for sporty yet efficient performance. Emissions compliance was achieved through gasoline particulate filtration (GPF) and cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), enabling Euro 6d‑TEMP compliance across all production years.
One documented concern is high‑pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear under sustained high‑load conditions, highlighted in Ford Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑19‑2345. This issue stems from marginal lubrication under extreme duty cycles. From 2021, Ford introduced revised HPFP internals and updated calibration strategies to mitigate premature wear.
All production years (2018–2023) meet Euro 6d-TEMP standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Ford NWR is a 1,499 cc inline‑three turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact performance models (2018–2023). It combines direct injection with a twin‑scroll turbocharger to deliver responsive torque and sporty acceleration. Designed to meet Euro 6d‑TEMP emissions standards, it balances performance with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,499 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑3, DOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (twin‑scroll) | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.0 mm × 94.5 mm | |
| Power output | 118 kW (160 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,600–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDP5 high‑pressure direct injection (up to 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d‑TEMP | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with electric auxiliary pump | |
| Turbocharger | BorgWarner twin‑scroll (integrated exhaust manifold) | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven (front‑mounted, maintenance‑free) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS‑M2C945‑B (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 115 kg |
The twin-scroll turbo provides immediate throttle response and strong mid-range pull, ideal for spirited driving. However, the high-pressure fuel pump requires consistent use of 95 RON (or higher) fuel and regular oil changes every 15,000 km or 12 months to prevent premature wear. Ford WSS‑M2C945‑B (5W‑30) oil is essential due to its low-SAPS formulation protecting the GPF. Extended high-load operation (e.g., track use) without cooldown periods may accelerate HPFP degradation. Post-2021 engines include revised pump internals per TSB 19‑2345. GPF regeneration is automatic but can be hindered by short trips—occasional highway driving is recommended.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS‑M2C945‑B (5W‑30) specification (Ford TSB 19‑2345). Meets ACEA C2/C3 standards.
Emissions: Euro 6d-TEMP certification applies to all NWR engines (2018–2023) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output assumes 95 RON fuel (Ford TIS Doc. TIS-NWR-04).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs TIS-NWR-01, TIS-NWR-02, TSB 19‑2345
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Ford NWR was used across Ford's B‑Car and C‑Car platforms with transverse mounting and exclusive to European performance variants. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Fiesta ST and enhanced cooling in the Puma ST—and from 2021 the Focus ST-Line received updated engine calibration for improved GPF management, creating minor ECU interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crank pulley (Ford TIS Doc. TIS-NWR-05). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine displacement ('H' for 1.5L EcoBoost). All NWR engines feature a black plastic cam cover with '1.5 ECOnetic' badge. Critical differentiation from earlier 1.5L Sigma-based EcoBoost: NWR uses a 3-cylinder layout with integrated exhaust manifold and GPF. ECU part numbers beginning with 'HC3T‑12A650‑*' denote NWR variants. Pre-2021 and post-2021 HPFPs are not interchangeable due to internal redesign (Ford TSB 19‑2345).
The NWR's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear under sustained high-load conditions, with elevated incidence in track or aggressive driving. Ford TSB 19‑2345 documented premature HPFP failures in pre-2021 builds, while UK DVSA data shows low emissions-related MOT failures due to robust GPF design. Extended high-RPM operation without cooldown increases pump stress, making fuel quality and driving pattern critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2018–2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2019–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD NWR.
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