The Mitsubishi 4A92 is a 1,590 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2010 and 2017. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 16 valves, and Mitsubishi’s MIVEC variable valve timing system on the intake camshaft. In standard form it delivered 85–88 kW (115–120 PS) with peak torque of 154–157 Nm, offering responsive urban performance and smooth cruising.
Fitted to models such as the ASX (GA), Lancer (CY/CS), and Colt Plus (Z30), the 4A92 wa…
All production years 2010–2017 meet Euro 5 standards .
The Mitsubishi 4A92 is a 1,590 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and crossovers (2010–2017). It combines DOHC architecture with MIVEC variable valve timing to deliver responsive low-end torque and smooth highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances urban agility with fuel economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,590 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 75.0 mm × 90.0 mm | |
Power output | 85–88 kW (115–120 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
Torque | 154–157 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | None | |
Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC | |
Oil type | API SN/ILSAC GF-5, SAE 5W‑30 | |
Dry weight | 102 kg |
The Mitsubishi 4A92 was used across Mitsubishi's Global Small platform with transverse mounting and co-developed with Daimler AG for shared architecture. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the ASX and modified intake manifolds in the Lancer—and from 2014 the Colt Plus received ECU updates for improved cold-start emissions, creating minor calibration differences. Partnerships enabled use in Smart Forfour (2014–2019) with identical mechanicals. 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 manufacturer technical service bulletins and industry workshop records. 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 4A92 is generally reliable with proper maintenance. Early models (2010–2013) had MIVEC solenoid issues, largely resolved by 2014 updates. The chain-driven valvetrain is durable, and the engine responds well to regular oil changes. Using correct 5W-30 oil and avoiding short trips greatly enhances longevity.
Top issues include MIVEC solenoid clogging (causing P0011 codes), exhaust manifold cracks near the head, timing chain tensioner wear, and throttle body carbon buildup. Most are preventable with correct oil, fuel, and driving habits. Mitsubishi issued TSB-ENG-2013-04 addressing the solenoid concern.
The 1.6L 4A92 powered the ASX (2010–2017), Lancer (2010–2017), and Colt Plus (2010–2013). It was also used by Smart in the Forfour (2014–2019) under Daimler-Mitsubishi co-development. All are transverse-mounted, Euro 5-compliant applications with MIVEC variable valve timing.
Limited tuning potential due to naturally aspirated design. ECU remaps typically yield only +5–8 kW. Forced induction is possible but requires internal upgrades. Most owners focus on drivability improvements via throttle remaps or intake/exhaust mods. Significant power gains are not cost-effective on this engine.
In a 2012 ASX 1.6, typical consumption is ~7.2 L/100km (city) and ~5.1 L/100km (highway), or about 45 mpg UK combined. Real-world figures range from 40–50 mpg (UK) depending on driving style and vehicle weight. It meets Euro 5 standards with EN 228 fuel.
Yes. The 4A92 is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails or jumps, pistons can contact open valves, causing catastrophic damage. However, the chain is designed for life-of-engine service if oil is maintained properly—no scheduled replacement is required.
Mitsubishi specifies SAE 5W-30 oil meeting API SN/ILSAC GF-5 (or ACEA A5/B5). Always use a high-quality synthetic blend and change every 10,000 km or 12 months. Correct oil is essential for MIVEC solenoid function and chain lubrication.
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.