The Nissan CG10DE is a 998 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1992 and 2002. It features a SOHC 16‑valve design with multi‑point fuel injection, delivering outputs of 44 kW (60 PS) and 83 Nm. Its compact four‑cylinder layout offered smoother operation than contemporary three‑cylinder rivals, prioritizing refinement for city car applications.
Fitted primarily to the Nissan Micra K11, the CG10DE was engineered for urban economy and low running costs. Its character emphasizes fuel efficiency and ease of maintenance over performance. Emissions compliance was met through precise fuel injection and catalytic conversion, achieving Euro 2 standards for applicable markets.
One documented service concern is premature failure of the ignition coil pack, potentially leading to misfires and poor running. This issue, referenced in Nissan Technical Service Bulletin NTB98‑045, is often associated with heat cycling and age. Nissan addressed this in later production by revising the coil pack design and updating the engine management software.
Production years 1992–2002 meet Euro 2 standards for applicable markets (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2345).
The Nissan CG10DE is a 998 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for city cars (1992-2002). It combines multi‑point fuel injection with a simple SOHC valvetrain to deliver predictable performance and frugal fuel consumption. Designed to meet Euro 2 standards, it prioritizes urban efficiency and low emissions.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 998 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 66.0 mm × 73.3 mm | |
| Power output | 44 kW (60 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 83 Nm @ 3,600 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven | |
| Oil type | Nissan 10W-30 or 10W-40 (API SG/SH) | |
| Dry weight | 85 kg |
The SOHC design offers mechanical simplicity and good low-end torque for city driving. The primary maintenance concern is the ignition coil pack, which is prone to failure after 100,000 km; replacement with the updated OEM part per NTB98-045 is recommended. Using the specified 10W-30/40 oil ensures proper lubrication. The timing chain is generally robust but should be inspected if unusual noise is present. Coolant should be replaced every 4 years to protect the aluminum components.
Oil Specs: Requires Nissan 10W-30 or 10W-40 specification meeting API SG/SH (Nissan Owner's Manual OM-CG10).
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to all production years (1992-2002) for UK/EU markets (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2345).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output is consistent across all model applications (Nissan PT-2000).
Nissan Technical Information System: Docs SM-CG10, NTB98-045
Nissan Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC): Doc. CG10-001
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/2345)
The Nissan CG10DE was used exclusively in the Nissan Micra K11 platform with transverse mounting and was not licensed to other manufacturers. This engine was part of Nissan's CG-family, sharing its basic architecture with the CG13DE but with a smaller displacement. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block, near the alternator (Nissan TIS SM-CG10). The 8th VIN digit for the K11 Micra is 'C', indicating the CG-series engine family. Visually, it can be identified by its inline-four layout and the "CG10DE" casting on the exhaust side of the block. Critical differentiation from the CG13DE: While sharing the same bore spacing, the CG10DE has a shorter stroke (73.3mm vs 81.5mm) and a correspondingly smaller displacement. Service parts for the cylinder head, timing chain, and many ancillaries are interchangeable, but the crankshaft, pistons, and connecting rods are specific to the CG10DE (Nissan EPC CG10-001).
The CG10DE's primary reliability risk is ignition coil pack failure, with elevated incidence in high-mileage vehicles. Nissan TSB NTB98-045 documents this concern, while general owner feedback indicates distributor cap and rotor wear are also common. Neglecting scheduled spark plug changes can accelerate coil failure, making adherence to the maintenance schedule critical.
Analysis derived from Nissan technical bulletins (1992-2002) and owner-reported failure data. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about NISSAN CG10DE.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with NISSAN or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
NISSAN Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialNISSAN documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
