The Lancia A112 A5.000 is a 903 cc, inline‑four petrol engine produced between 1969 and 1986. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) design and a carbureted fuel system, delivering outputs ranging from 31 kW (42 PS) to 33 kW (45 PS) with torque figures around 67–70 Nm. Its compact layout enables efficient packaging in Lancia's smallest hatchback.
Fitted exclusively to the Lancia A112, the A112 A5.000 was engineered for urban mobility and economical driving. Emissi…
All production years (1969–1986) meet pre-Euro standards .
The Lancia A112 A5.000 is a 903 cc inline‑four petrol engine engineered for compact city cars (1969-1986). It combines SOHC architecture with a single-barrel carburetor to deliver economical performance and easy maintenance. Designed to meet pre-Euro standards, it prioritizes reliability and fuel efficiency for urban driving.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 903 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 65.0 mm × 68.0 mm | |
Power output | 31–33 kW (42–45 PS) | |
Torque | 67–70 Nm @ 3,500 rpm | |
Fuel system | Single-barrel carburetor (Weber or Solex) | |
Emissions standard | Pre-Euro | |
Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | None | |
Timing system | Chain-driven (SOHC) | |
Oil type | SAE 20W-50 (mineral) | |
Dry weight | 89 kg |
The Lancia A112 A5.000 was used exclusively in Lancia's A112 platform with transverse mounting. This engine received minor platform-specific adaptations throughout its production run, including revised engine mounts and carburetor types for different model years. No licensing to other manufacturers occurred. 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 A112 A5.000's primary reliability risk is carburetor wear and tuning drift, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or poorly maintained examples. Lancia service data indicates carburetor rebuilds are common beyond 80,000 km, while owner club surveys frequently cite distributor wear as a secondary concern. Neglected valve adjustments and use of incorrect oil make adherence to the 10,000 km service interval critical.
Analysis derived from Lancia technical bulletins (1970-1985) and owner club technical surveys (1990-2023). 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 A112 A5.000 is mechanically simple and robust when meticulously maintained. Its primary weaknesses are the carburetor and ignition system, which require periodic rebuilding or replacement. With correct SAE 20W-50 oil and regular valve adjustments, these engines can easily surpass 150,000 km. Well-preserved examples are highly reliable for their era.
The most frequent issues are carburetor wear leading to poor running, distributor/ignition component failure causing misfires, and incorrect valve clearances resulting in noise and power loss. Cooling system leaks from aged hoses and the water pump are also common. These are well-documented in Lancia service bulletins.
This engine was fitted exclusively to the Lancia A112 hatchback across all its production years (1969-1986) and variants (Normale, Elegant, Abarth). It was not used in any other Lancia model or licensed to other manufacturers.
Yes, within limits. The Abarth variant already demonstrates this with a higher-compression head and twin-choke carburetor. For the standard A5.000, fitting an Abarth-spec cylinder head, a performance camshaft, and a twin-choke carburetor can yield safe gains. Supporting modifications like a free-flow exhaust are recommended. Significant power increases require engine swaps.
Expect 7-9 L/100km (31-40 mpg UK) in mixed city/highway driving for a standard A112. Fuel economy is heavily dependent on carburetor condition and driving style; a poorly tuned carburetor can easily increase consumption by 20-30%. Highway cruising can return 6-7 L/100km (40-47 mpg UK).
No, the A112 A5.000 is a non-interference engine. If the timing chain were to fail or jump, the pistons will not contact the open valves. This design choice enhances reliability for a basic economy engine, though valve timing will still be lost, preventing the engine from running.
Lancia specified a quality mineral SAE 20W-50 oil for this engine. While modern multi-grade oils can be used, the original specification was designed for the engine's tolerances and the high under-bonnet temperatures of its era. Change every 10,000 km or annually.
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.
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.