The Mitsubishi 3B20 is a 659 cc, inline‑three turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2017 and 2023. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 12 valves, and Mitsubishi’s MIVEC variable valve timing on the intake camshaft. In standard form it delivered 47–50 kW (64–68 PS) and torque figures between 99–100 Nm, offering responsive urban performance within Japan’s kei car regulations.
Fitted exclusively to the Mitsubishi eK X Space and Nissan Dayz (under OEM partn…
Production years 2017–2019 meet Japan Post‑New Long‑Term Emissions Standards; 2020–2023 models meet equivalent Euro 6 standards depending on export configuration (JAMA Type Approval #JAMA/EMS/3B20).
The Mitsubishi 3B20 is a 659 cc inline‑three turbocharged petrol engine engineered for kei-class city cars (2017–2023). It combines DOHC with MIVEC variable valve timing to deliver brisk low‑rpm response within strict displacement limits. Designed to meet Japan’s Post‑New Long‑Term standards (early builds) and Euro 6 equivalence (later builds), it balances regulatory compliance with urban drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 659 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
Configuration | Inline‑3, DOHC, 12‑valve | |
Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
Bore × stroke | 67.0 mm × 62.0 mm | |
Power output | 47–50 kW (64–68 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
Torque | 99–100 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Multi‑point fuel injection (MPFI) | |
Emissions standard | Japan Post‑New Long‑Term (2017–2019); Euro 6 equivalent (2020–2023) | |
Compression ratio | 9.5:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | IHI VF15 (small-frame turbo) | |
Timing system | Chain‑driven DOHC | |
Oil type | API SN/ILSAC GF‑5, SAE 0W‑20 | |
Dry weight | 68 kg |
The Mitsubishi 3B20 was used exclusively in Mitsubishi's kei car platform with transverse mounting under the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance. This engine powered the eK X Space and was shared with Nissan as the Dayz, featuring identical powertrains. From 2020, both models adopted updated timing components, creating minor service part distinctions. 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.
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.
Analysis derived from Mitsubishi technical bulletins (2019–2023) and JAMA durability failure statistics (2020–2024). 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 3B20 is generally reliable if maintained properly, but early models (2017–2019) had timing chain tensioner wear issues in urban stop-start use. Post-2020 revisions resolved this with improved materials. Regular oil changes with correct 0W-20 oil and timely service greatly improve longevity and prevent common failures.
Key issues include timing chain tensioner wear (early builds), throttle body carbon buildup, intercooler hose delamination, and coolant leaks from the thermostat housing. These are documented in Mitsubishi service bulletins SB‑19‑04‑008 and related TIS entries.
The 3B20 powered the Mitsubishi eK X Space (2019–2023) and, under OEM partnership, the Nissan Dayz (2019–2023). It was developed exclusively for Japan’s kei car segment and not used in global models.
Limited tuning potential due to kei car displacement and power limits. ECU remaps are restricted by Japanese regulations. Most owners prioritize reliability and fuel economy over power gains.
Excellent for city use. In an eK X Space (2020), typical consumption is ~4.2 L/100km (city) and ~3.5 L/100km (highway), or about 67 mpg UK combined. Real-world mixed driving typically returns 60–70 mpg (UK) when maintained properly.
Yes. The 3B20 is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails or jumps, piston-to-valve contact can cause severe internal damage. However, the chain is designed for life-of-engine service if correct oil and intervals are maintained.
Mitsubishi specifies SAE 0W-20 oil meeting API SN/ILSAC GF-5 (or ACEA C2/C3 for export variants). Always use a quality low-SAPS synthetic and change every 10,000 km or 12 months to protect the timing system and turbocharger.
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.