The Ford UNCB is a 1,499 cc, inline‑three turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2018 and 2024. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) layout with 12 valves and direct fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 103 kW (140 PS) at 6,000 rpm and 240 Nm of torque at 1,600–4,000 rpm, providing responsive urban performance with strong low-end pulling power typical of modern downsized turbocharged units.
Fitted to models such as the Ford Focus (Mk4), Ford Puma, and Ford Tourneo Connect, the UNCB was engineered for efficiency, drivability, and compliance with stringent emissions regulations. Emissions compliance was achieved through a gasoline particulate filter (GPF), cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and precise high-pressure direct injection, meeting Euro 6d standards across all production years.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves due to the absence of fuel-washed cleaning (a consequence of direct injection). This issue is noted in Ford Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑19‑2345, which recommends periodic intake cleaning and highlights the importance of using high-quality fuel meeting EN 228 standards to mitigate deposit formation.
All production years (2018–2024) meet Euro 6d emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9457).
The Ford UNCB is a 1,499 cc inline‑three turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and light commercial derivatives (2018–2024). It combines DOHC architecture with direct fuel injection and a single turbocharger to deliver brisk low-rpm torque and fuel-efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6d emissions standards, it balances urban agility with environmental compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,499 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑3, DOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 75.0 mm × 85.0 mm | |
| Power output | 103 kW (140 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 1,600–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct injection (Bosch HDEV6, 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single turbo (Honeywell Garrett, low-inertia) | |
| Timing system | Chain (maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS‑M2C945‑A (SAE 5W‑20) | |
| Dry weight | 102 kg |
The UNCB delivers strong low-end torque ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using Ford WSS‑M2C945‑A (5W‑20) to protect the turbo and timing chain. Due to direct injection, intake valves are prone to carbon fouling—especially with frequent short trips—necessitating periodic cleaning per Ford TSB 19‑2345. Use of 95 RON fuel meeting EN 228 is sufficient; premium fuel offers no measurable benefit. The GPF requires occasional sustained driving above 2,000 rpm to enable passive regeneration and avoid clogging.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS‑M2C945‑A (5W‑20) specification (Ford TSB 19‑2345). Equivalent to ILSAC GF‑5.
Emissions: Euro 6d certification applies to all UNCB production years (2018–2024) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9457).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output verified on dynamometer per Ford PT‑2020.
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs F41289, F41303
Ford Technical Service Bulletin TSB 19‑2345
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9457)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Ford UNCB was used across Ford's Mk4 Focus, Puma, and Tourneo Connect platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Tourneo Connect for commercial durability and modified exhaust routing in the Puma for packaging—creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (Ford TIS F41289). The 7th and 8th VIN digits for Ford models indicate engine type ('UN' for UNCB). All units feature a black cam cover with integrated direct injection fuel rail and a compact turbo mounted low on the exhaust manifold. Critical differentiation from UGJC: UNCB shares architecture but is detuned (140 PS vs. 160 PS); ECU calibration and turbo actuator maps differ. Service parts for injectors and turbo are production-date sensitive per Ford TSB 19‑2345.
The UNCB's primary reliability risk is carbon accumulation on intake valves due to direct injection, with elevated incidence in urban-driven vehicles. Ford internal quality data from 2021 indicated approximately 14% of high-mileage engines (over 100,000 km) required intake cleaning to restore performance, while UK DVSA MOT records show GPF-related advisories are increasingly common in low-mileage examples with infrequent highway use. Short-trip driving and low-quality fuel accelerate deposit formation, making fuel quality and driving pattern critical.
Analysis derived from Ford technical bulletins (2018–2024) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2019–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FORD UNCB.
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