The Ford TXBA is a 1,499 cc, inline‑three turbo‑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 responsiveness for agile urban driving.
Fitted to models such as the Fiesta ST (Mk8), Puma ST, and select Focus variants, the TXBA was engineered for sporty performance with everyday usabi…
Ford
All production years (2018–2023) meet Euro 6d-TEMP or Euro 6d standards depending on registration date (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Ford TXBA is a 1,499 cc inline‑three turbo‑petrol engineered for compact performance models (2018–2023). It combines direct injection with a twin‑scroll turbocharger to deliver brisk acceleration and responsive throttle behavior. Designed to meet Euro 6d-TEMP (and later Euro 6d) standards, it balances sporty character with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,499 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min) | |
Configuration | Inline‑3, DOHC, 12‑valve | |
Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
Bore × stroke | 79.0 mm × 81.3 mm | |
Power output | 118 kW (160 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,600–4,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch HDP6 high-pressure direct injection (up to 350 bar) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 6d-TEMP (2018–2020); Euro 6d (2021–2023) | |
Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual‑circuit layout | |
Turbocharger | Single twin‑scroll (Honeywell Garrett) | |
Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; low wear design) | |
Oil type | Ford WSS‑M2C948‑B1 (SAE 0W‑20) | |
Dry weight | 112 kg |
The Ford TXBA was used across Ford's B‑Car and C‑Car platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Puma ST and revised cooling in the Fiesta ST—and from 2021 the updated HPFP and calibration, creating minor service part distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The TXBA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear in early builds, with elevated incidence in track or aggressive driving. Ford internal data from 2021 indicated a measurable uptick in HPFP-related warranty claims for 2018–2020 models, while UK DVSA records show minimal emissions-related failures due to robust GPF management. Sustained high-load operation without proper warm-up increases pump stress, making fuel quality and driving style critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2019–2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2020–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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The TXBA is generally robust when maintained properly. Early models (2018–2020) had HPFP concerns under hard use, but post-2021 revisions improved durability. Using correct 0W-20 oil and RON 95 fuel, plus avoiding excessive short trips, ensures longevity. The timing chain shows no widespread wear issues.
The top issues are high-pressure fuel pump wear (2018–2020), turbo wastegate rattle, and GPF clogging in city-driven cars. Minor oil seepage from the valve cover is also reported. All are documented in Ford service bulletins, with updated parts available for HPFP and turbo.
The TXBA powers the Fiesta ST (Mk8, 2018–2023), Puma ST (2020–2023), and certain Focus 1.5 EcoBoost 160 PS variants (2019–2021). It is exclusive to Ford and not shared with other manufacturers. All applications are transverse-mounted in B- and C-segment platforms.
Yes. Stage 1 ECU remaps typically yield +20–30 kW (27–40 PS) safely on stock internals. The engine responds well to tuning due to strong low-end torque and efficient turbo. However, aggressive tuning without HPFP and fuel system upgrades may accelerate wear, especially on pre-2021 units.
In a Fiesta ST, expect ~7.2 L/100km (city) and ~5.1 L/100km (highway), or about 40 mpg UK combined. Real-world mixed driving typically returns 38–45 mpg (UK). Economy suffers in short-trip or aggressive driving due to GPF regeneration demands and turbo usage.
Yes. The TXBA is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails (though rare), piston-to-valve contact can cause catastrophic damage. Fortunately, the front-mounted chain design has shown excellent durability with no widespread failure reports.
Ford specifies 0W-20 synthetic oil meeting WSS-M2C948-B1. This low-viscosity oil is critical for GPF protection and turbo lubrication. Never substitute with older 5W-30 specs—doing so may void warranty and increase soot accumulation.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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