The Ford XUCA is a 1,499 cc, inline‑four 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 response for agile urban driving.
Fitted to models such as the Mk8 Fiesta, Puma, and EcoSport—including the ST‑Line and Titanium trims—the XUCA was engineered for responsive performance and fuel efficiency. Emissions compliance was achieved through a close‑coupled three‑way catalytic converter and cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), enabling Euro 6d‑TEMP compliance across all markets.
One documented concern is high‑pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear under sustained high‑load conditions, highlighted in Ford Service Bulletin 19‑2347. This issue stems from thermal stress on the pump’s internal components during repeated hot‑restart cycles. From mid‑2021, Ford introduced revised HPFP internals and updated ECU calibration to mitigate premature wear.
All production years 2018–2023 meet Euro 6d-TEMP (RDE Step 1) standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9876).
The Ford XUCA is a 1,499 cc inline‑four turbo‑petrol engineered for compact hatchbacks and crossovers (2018–2023). It combines gasoline direct injection with a twin‑scroll turbocharger to deliver responsive low‑end torque and smooth high‑rpm power. Designed to meet Euro 6d-TEMP standards, it balances sporty drivability with urban efficiency.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,499 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (twin‑scroll) | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.0 mm × 76.4 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 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d-TEMP (RDE Step 1) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with electric auxiliary pump | |
| Turbocharger | Garrett GT1549V twin‑scroll | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | Ford WSS-M2C948-B1 (SAE 0W‑20) | |
| Dry weight | 128 kg |
The twin‑scroll turbo delivers brisk throttle response ideal for city and motorway use but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using Ford‑approved 0W‑20 oil to maintain turbo bearing life. The Bosch HDP6 fuel pump is sensitive to low‑quality fuel; only EN 228‑compliant petrol should be used to prevent HPFP wear. Cold starts in sub‑zero conditions should be followed by gentle driving until coolant reaches 60°C to avoid thermal shock. Post‑2021 engines include updated HPFP components per Ford SIB 19‑2347—pre‑2021 units benefit from ECU recalibration and pump inspection during major services.
Oil Specs: Requires Ford WSS-M2C948-B1 (0W‑20) specification (Ford Owner’s Manual – Fiesta Mk8). Not interchangeable with ACEA C2/C3 oils.
Emissions: Euro 6d-TEMP (RDE Step 1) applies to all XUCA production (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9876). No market variants deviate from this standard.
Power Ratings: Measured under UN ECE R85 standards. Output assumes 95 RON fuel (Ford TIS Doc. F18-7721).
Ford Technical Information System (TIS): Docs F18-7721, F19-1033, SIB 19‑2347
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9876)
UN Regulation No. 85 – Engine Power Measurement
The Ford XUCA was used across Ford's B‑platform derivatives with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Puma for off‑road durability and revised cooling ducts in the EcoSport—and from 2021 the facelifted Fiesta ST‑Line adopted updated engine calibration with HPFP hardware revisions, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filler neck (Ford TIS F18-7721). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine displacement and aspiration ('U' for 1.5L EcoBoost petrol). All XUCA units feature black valve covers with integrated cam cover breather. Critical differentiation from earlier 1.0L EcoBoost: XUCA uses a 4‑cylinder block with twin‑scroll turbo and direct injection only—no port injection. HPFP part number 1939387 (pre‑2021) vs. 2139387 (post‑2021) indicates service bulletin compliance (Ford SIB 19‑2347).
The XUCA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear in pre-2021 builds, with elevated incidence in high-ambient-temperature regions and frequent short-trip driving. Ford internal quality data from 2020 indicated a measurable uptick in HPFP warranty claims before 60,000 km, while UK DVSA records show minimal emissions-related failures due to robust aftertreatment design. Thermal cycling and fuel quality make OEM-specified petrol and timely SIB compliance 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 XUCA.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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