The Nissan CGA3DE is a 1,275 cc, inline‑three petrol engine produced between 2000 and 2006. It features an aluminum block and head, double overhead camshafts (DOHC), and 12 valves. In standard form, it delivered 53 kW (72 PS) and 108 Nm of torque, with technologies like electronic fuel injection enabling responsive low — end power for urban driving.
Fitted primarily to the Nissan Micra K11 facelift and K12, the CGA3DE was engineered for fuel efficiency and compact packagin…
Production years 2000–2006 meet Euro 3 emissions standards for their respective markets at time of manufacture (VCA UK Type Approval data for imported models).
The Nissan CGA3DE is a 1,275 cc inline‑three naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for supermini applications (2000-2006). It combines electronic multi-point fuel injection with a DOHC valvetrain to deliver responsive low-end torque and efficient operation. Designed to meet Euro 3 emissions standards, it balances urban drivability with mechanical simplicity.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,275 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Inline‑3, DOHC, 12‑valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 71.0 mm × 76.0 mm | |
Power output | 53 kW (72 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
Torque | 108 Nm @ 4,400 rpm | |
Fuel system | Electronic multi-point injection (ECCS) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
Compression ratio | 9.8:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | None | |
Timing system | Chain-driven | |
Oil type | 10W-30 or 5W-30 mineral/synthetic blend | |
Dry weight | 78 kg (est.) |
The Nissan CGA3DE was used exclusively in Nissan's K-platform superminis with transverse mounting. This engine received minor platform-specific adaptations-different engine mounts and accessory brackets for the K11 facelift versus the K12-creating some interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.
Diagnostic reminder: If a technician has recommended replacing the engine, you can send an enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. Confirm the diagnosis first: an engine-code record does not diagnose a fault.
The CGA3DE's primary reliability risk is camshaft position sensor failure, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or hot-climate vehicles. Nissan service data indicates electrical connector degradation was a common point of failure, while owner reports frequently cite minor oil leaks from the valve cover gasket. Infrequent sensor checks and harsh driving conditions make preventative replacement critical.
Analysis derived from Nissan technical bulletins (2000-2006) and aggregated owner/mechanic reports from certified repair facilities. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The CGA3DE is generally very reliable long-term due to its simple, robust design. Its main weakness is the camshaft position sensor, which should be monitored. With regular oil changes and attention to the ignition system, these engines can easily surpass 150,000 km. Its chain-driven timing system is a major reliability advantage.
The most common issues are camshaft position sensor failure (causing no-start/stalling), minor oil leaks from the valve cover gasket, failing ignition coils, and cracking plastic thermostat housings. These are well-documented in Nissan service bulletins and are generally inexpensive to fix.
The CGA3DE was used exclusively in the Nissan Micra. Specifically, it powered the K11 facelift models (2000-2002) and the subsequent K12 generation (2002-2006) as the 1.3L petrol engine option. It was not used in any other Nissan models.
Tuning potential is very limited. As a small, naturally aspirated engine designed for economy, significant power gains are not feasible without forced induction, which is complex and costly. Simple intake/exhaust modifications might yield minimal gains. It's best appreciated for its reliability and efficiency.
Fuel economy is excellent for its era. Expect around 6.0-6.5 L/100km (47-43 mpg UK) in combined driving for a stock engine in a Micra K12. City driving might see 7.0-7.5 L/100km (40-38 mpg UK), while highway cruising can yield ~5.0 L/100km (56 mpg UK).
No. The CGA3DE is a non-interference engine. If the timing chain were to fail or jump, the pistons will not contact the valves, preventing catastrophic internal damage. This is a significant design advantage for long-term reliability.
Nissan recommends 10W-30 or 5W-30 mineral or synthetic blend oil. A quality 5W-30 synthetic is often preferred for better cold-start protection and overall engine cleanliness, especially in colder climates or for high-mileage engines.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
EngineCode.uk is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. It provides engine-reference information and an optional commercial enquiry service. It is not an official manufacturer website. Check the record's sources and confirm vehicle-specific details before relying on it for parts, repairs or replacement.
Our editorial standard prioritises relevant manufacturer documentation and official regulatory sources. The sources and verification status for a record should be checked alongside the data.
A statement is not verified merely because a source is listed. Where supporting evidence is missing or conflicting, the record should identify that limitation. Please report unsupported or inconsistent information.
Transparency in gaps
A missing or unverified value does not mean the manufacturer has withheld it. We distinguish information not yet verified, information not available to us, and information explicitly not disclosed by the source.
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.
Records are subject to review and correction. Source links, dates and verification notes should be read with the technical information. Our Editorial and Sourcing Policy explains our standards and review process.
Found an error or missing source? Report a problem with this page. Include the field or statement concerned and a supporting source if available. You can also email corrections@enginecode.uk.
Copyright and permissions
Images and other material may be protected by copyright. Attribution does not by itself grant permission to reuse material. If you believe material on this site infringes your rights, contact copyrights@enginecode.uk with the page URL and details of your claim. We will review the material and take appropriate action.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
Our Privacy Policy explains how Engine Finders UK Ltd uses information from visits, vehicle lookups, enquiries and messages. Our Cookie Policy explains cookies and similar technologies and how to change your choices.
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.
Ownership and commercial services
EngineCode.uk is owned and operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. Alongside our reference content, we offer an optional replacement-engine enquiry service through Engine Finders and may identify relevant services provided by businesses connected with us. These commercial connections are disclosed. Using an enquiry service is not required to read our reference content.
Engine Finders UK Ltd operates this website. Our optional enquiry service has a commercial purpose. Our Ownership and Commercial Disclosure explains the relationship between the reference website and that service. Participating suppliers pay a fee or subscription to participate on the network and receive quote requests.
Use this record as a starting point for identification. Specifications and vehicle applications may contain errors or omissions. Confirm the exact engine variant and compatibility using vehicle-specific documentation and a qualified supplier or technician.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.