The Range Rover K-Series 1.6L Petrol is a 1,598 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1995 and 2000. It features multi-point fuel injection, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and a 16‑valve cylinder head with cast-iron block and aluminium head. In standard form it delivered 74 kW (101 PS) and 143 Nm of torque, providing modest performance suited to urban driving and light utility use.
Fitted exclusively to the first-generation Freelander (L314), the K-Series 1.6L was engineered for compact SUV applications requiring fuel efficiency and serviceability over high output. Emissions compliance was achieved through three-way catalytic conversion and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), meeting Euro 2 standards across European markets.
One documented concern is head gasket failure due to thermal stress and coolant system design limitations, highlighted in Land Rover Service Bulletin TSB‑ENG‑98‑07. This issue stems from the dissimilar expansion rates between the aluminium head and cast-iron block under repeated thermal cycling. Land Rover issued revised gasket materials and updated coolant formulations to mitigate the problem.
All production years 1995–2000 meet Euro 2 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3456).
The Range Rover K-Series 1.6L Petrol is a 1,598 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated engine engineered for compact SUVs (1995–2000). It combines multi-point fuel injection with DOHC architecture to deliver predictable throttle response and ease of maintenance. Designed to meet Euro 2 standards, it prioritizes simplicity and cost-effective operation over performance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,598 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (ULP 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 75.0 mm × 90.0 mm | |
| Power output | 74 kW (101 PS) | |
| Torque | 143 Nm @ 4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | API SG/ACEA A2 (SAE 10W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The DOHC 16-valve design provides smooth operation but requires strict adherence to 10W-40 petrol-rated oil (ACEA A2/API SG) to protect valve train components. The engine’s susceptibility to head gasket failure demands use of Land Rover-approved coolant (G48 specification) and avoidance of overheating. Thermostat and water pump should be inspected regularly; early replacement is advised at 80,000 km per Land Rover TSB‑ENG‑98‑07. The timing chain is generally durable but tensioner wear can cause noise—inspect during major services.
Oil Specs: Requires ACEA A2/API SG (10W-40) specification (Land Rover SIB‑OIL‑1996). Not compatible with modern low-SAPS oils.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to all 1995–2000 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3456). Verified via NEDC testing.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output assumes 95 RON fuel (Land Rover PT‑1997).
Land Rover Technical Information System (TIS): Docs TIS‑K16‑1995, TIS‑FUEL‑1995, TSB‑ENG‑98‑07
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/3456)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Range Rover K-Series 1.6L Petrol was used exclusively in Land Rover's Freelander L314 platform with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts and accessory drive layout—and from 1998 the MY99 update introduced updated head gasket materials, creating minor service part 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 timing cover (Land Rover TIS ENG‑ID‑1995). The engine bay VIN plate will list 'K16' under engine type. Visual ID: black rocker cover with '1.6i' badge on front grille. Differentiate from 1.8L K-Series by displacement badge and intake manifold design. ECU part number must match production date—early units use Lucas EPIC ECU; post-1998 use updated calibration per Land Rover TSB‑ENG‑98‑07.
The K-Series 1.6L's primary reliability risk is head gasket failure due to thermal cycling stress between the aluminium head and cast-iron block, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to frequent short trips or coolant neglect. Land Rover internal field reports from 1999 indicated ~15% of early-build Freelanders required head gasket replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show no significant emissions-related MOT failures due to robust catalytic converter design. Adherence to coolant specification and thermal management is critical to prevent secondary damage.
Analysis derived from Land Rover technical bulletins (1995–2000) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1996–2005). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RANGE-ROVER KSERIES-16L.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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