Alfa Romeo AR01655 Engine (2015-2020) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Alfa Romeo AR 01655 is a 1,750 cc, inline — four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2015 and 2020. It forms the core of Alfa Romeo's downsized gasoline lineup, featuring direct fuel injection, variable valve timing (Dual VVT), and a twin — scroll turbocharger. In standard tune it delivers 147 kW (200 PS), with torque peaking at 300 Nm from 1,500 rpm, enabling responsive performance ideal for sporty driving dynamics.

Fitted to key models including the 940 Giulie…

Alfa Romeo AR01655 Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2015–2017 meet Euro 6b standards; 2018–2020 models comply with Euro 6d-TEMP .

Alfa Romeo AR01655 Technical Specifications

The Alfa Romeo AR 01655 is a 1,750 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and mid-size performance models (2015–2020). It combines direct fuel injection with a twin-scroll turbocharger to deliver strong low-end torque and linear power delivery. Designed to meet Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances sporty driving character with regulated efficiency.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement
1,750 cc
Fuel type
Petrol
Configuration
Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve
Aspiration
Turbocharged (twin-scroll)
Bore × stroke
84.0 mm × 80.0 mm
Power output
147 kW (200 PS) @ 5,750 rpm
Torque
300 Nm @ 1,500–4,500 rpm
Fuel system
Direct injection (up to 200 bar)
Emissions standard
Euro 6b (2015–2017); Euro 6d-TEMP (2018–2020)
Compression ratio
9.8:1
Cooling system
Water-cooled
Turbocharger
IHI twin-scroll turbo with vacuum-actuated wastegate
Timing system
Chain-driven (single-row, front-mounted)
Oil type
Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification
Dry weight
132 kg

Alfa Romeo AR01655 Compatible Models

The Alfa Romeo AR 01655 was used across Alfa Romeo's 940/952/956 platforms with transverse mounting in the Giulietta and longitudinal in the Giulia/Stelvio, creating drivetrain-specific adaptations. This engine received platform-specific calibrations-adapted intake manifolds in the 940 and revised cooling layouts in the 952-and from 2018 the facelifted Giulia QV adopted a higher-lift cam profile for improved airflow. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Alfa Romeo
Years:
2015-2019
Models:
Giulietta (940)
Variants:
2.0 Turbo 200 HP
View Source
Alfa Romeo Group PT-2019
Make:
Alfa Romeo
Years:
2016-2020
Models:
Giulia (952)
Variants:
2.0 Turbo 200 HP
View Source
Alfa Romeo Group PT-2019
Make:
Alfa Romeo
Years:
2017-2020
Models:
Stelvio (956)
Variants:
2.0 Turbo 200 HP
View Source
Alfa Romeo TIS Doc. A956-ENG-01

Looking for a replacement Alfa Romeo engine?

Free to submit · No obligation to buy

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.

Common Reliability Issues - ALFA-ROMEO AR01655 Compatible Models

Field reports and technical service bulletins highlight component wear patterns under high-load operation. Adherence to manufacturer service intervals and approved fluid specifications is critical for long-term reliability.

Turbocharger wastegate actuator sticking
Symptoms: Fluctuating boost, limp mode, P0299 or P003A DTCs, delayed throttle response.
Cause: Carbon deposits and thermal stress on the vacuum-actuated wastegate linkage, exacerbated by short-trip driving and extended idling.
Fix: Replace actuator with updated OEM part per service bulletin; recalibrate boost control via diagnostic tool and inspect for ECU software updates.
Direct injector coking and flow imbalance
Symptoms: Misfires, rough idle, reduced power, increased fuel consumption, P030X codes.
Cause: Carbon buildup on injector tips due to heat soak and low-detergent fuel, leading to poor atomization and uneven cylinder contribution.
Fix: Clean or replace injectors using OEM-approved procedures; use TOP TIER petrol and perform adaptation resets post-repair.
Timing chain tensioner wear (early production)
Symptoms: Rattle at cold start, timing over-advance codes, metal particles in oil.
Cause: Early-design single-row chain and tensioner prone to wear under high turbo backpressure and infrequent oil changes.
Fix: Inspect chain and guides; replace with revised tensioner kit if wear exceeds tolerance. Verify oil flow to tensioner piston.
Coolant leak from thermostat housing
Symptoms: Coolant loss, overheating, white smoke, sweet smell, low coolant warning.
Cause: Age-related cracking of plastic thermostat housing and degradation of O-ring seals under thermal cycling.
Fix: Replace housing and seal with updated metal-reinforced OEM part; bleed cooling system thoroughly post-repair.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from manufacturer technical service bulletins and industry workshop records. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

ALFA-ROMEO AR01655 FAQ Common Questions Answered

The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works

The AR 01655 offers strong performance and responsiveness, but early models (2015–2017) had reliability concerns, particularly turbo wastegate and injector issues. Later revisions (post-2018) improved actuator durability and ECU calibration. Well-maintained examples with regular oil changes and quality fuel can achieve high mileage. Using TOP TIER petrol and adhering to service intervals greatly enhances longevity.

The most documented issues are turbocharger wastegate actuator sticking, direct injector coking, and coolant leaks from the thermostat housing. Secondary concerns include timing chain rattle on early units and occasional cam phaser faults. These are addressed in Alfa Romeo service bulletins, with updated parts available for critical components.

This 1.75L turbo petrol engine was used in the Giulietta (940), Giulia (952), and Stelvio (956) models from 2015 to 2020. It powered the 200 HP variants across these lines, with longitudinal mounting in the Giulia and Stelvio, and transverse in the Giulietta. No cross-manufacturer usage is documented.

Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the AR01655 platform, but increasing boost or altering engine parameters accelerates component wear, impacts emissions compliance, and may void vehicle warranties. Any modifications should be evaluated carefully by a qualified specialist.

In mixed driving, expect 8.0–9.5 L/100km (29–35 mpg UK). Highway efficiency reaches ~6.8 L/100km (~41 mpg UK), while city driving may exceed 11 L/100km (~25 mpg UK). Real-world figures depend heavily on driving style. The engine's turbo efficiency helps, but aggressive use reduces economy significantly.

Yes. The AR 01655 is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails or jumps, piston-to-valve contact will occur, resulting in severe internal damage. Chain maintenance and oil condition are critical. Any cold-start rattle should be diagnosed immediately to prevent catastrophic failure.

Alfa Romeo specifies SAE 5W-40 synthetic oil meeting ACEA C3 standards. Use of API SN/CF compatible oil is permitted. Change intervals should not exceed 15,000 km or 1 year. Proper oil ensures turbo bearing protection, timing chain lubrication, and particulate filter compatibility.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

Platform Overview

About this reference

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.

Sourcing Policy

Source selection

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.

Evidence and uncertainty

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.

Primary Sources

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.

Regulatory Context

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.

Methodology

Data compilation

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.

Corrections & Submissions

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 & Legal

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

Data Privacy

Privacy and cookies

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.

Data Requests

For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk

Trademarks

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.

Commercial Disclosure

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.

Funding model

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.

Verification and identification note

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.