1.6 VTi / THP (EP6, Prince)
2008–2010 · petrol · 1598cc · 150hp
Engine codes: EP6, EP6DT, 5FW, 5FX
Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Citroen C4 1.6 VTi / THP (EP6, Prince). Check this before you buy used.
The BMW-PSA Prince 1.6 (VTi NA and THP turbo). The most popular but most problematic petrol here: timing chain stretch and oil consumption, plus the THP's coolant loss/overheating and high-pressure-pump faults. Needs disciplined oil and a chain history; otherwise expensive.
Same engine, other cars
This is the same physical engine (EP6) sold under different names across brands. Reliability is broadly shared — cross-check these:
- Peugeot 3008— 1.6 THP / VTi (EP6, Prince)156hp
- Peugeot 5008— 1.6 THP (EP6)156hp
- Citroën C3— 1.6 VTi / THP (EP6, Prince)120hp
- Citroën Berlingo— 1.6 VTi (EP6)120hp
- Mini Hatch— Cooper / Cooper S (1.6 EP6)175hp
- Peugeot 508— 1.6 THP (EP6CDT)156hp
- Peugeot 207— 1.6 VTi / THP (EP6, Prince)150hp
- Peugeot 308— 1.6 THP (EP6DT / EP6CDT, turbo)150hp
- Peugeot 308— 1.6 VTi (EP6, naturally aspirated)120hp
- Citroën C4 Picasso— 1.6 THP / VTi (EP6)156hp
Known Issues
Chain stretches/rattles; can skip teeth → valve/piston damage.
Fix / Workaround: Replace chain + tensioner at first rattle; correct oil, keep topped.
Repair cost: €600–€1400
Typically appears after: 90,000 km
Notable oil use; keep topped to protect the chain/engine.
Fix / Workaround: Check oil frequently.
0THP turbo prone to coolant loss and overheating (water pump/housing, thermostat).
Fix / Workaround: Fix leaks; replace pump/housing.
Repair cost: €150–€600
Mileage Thresholds
After 90,000 km: Chain/oil/coolant issues cluster.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
- ☐Cold-start rattle check (chain)
- ☐Check oil consumption + coolant level
- ☐Chain/HP-pump history
- ☐Prefer the older 1.6 16V or 2.0 petrol
Frequently asked questions
Is the Citroen C4 1.6 VTi / THP (EP6, Prince) reliable?
Problematic — The BMW-PSA Prince 1.6 (VTi NA and THP turbo). The most popular but most problematic petrol here: timing chain stretch and oil consumption, plus the THP's coolant loss/overheating and high-pressure-pump faults. Needs disciplined oil and a chain history; otherwise expensive.
What are the common problems and reviews for the Citroen C4 1.6 VTi / THP (EP6, Prince)?
The most commonly reported problems: Timing chain stretch, Oil consumption, Coolant loss / overheating (THP).
Is a used Citroen C4 1.6 VTi / THP (EP6, Prince) worth buying?
Known design issues and recurring faults that were never fully resolved. Buy only with eyes open.