The Vauxhall A18XER is a 1,796 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2010 and 2018. It features double overhead camshafts (DOHC), 16 valves, and variable valve timing (VVT) on the intake camshaft. In standard form it delivered 103 kW (140 PS) at 6,200 rpm and 175 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, offering responsive performance with balanced fuel economy.
Fitted to models such as the Astra J, Insignia A, and Zafira C, the A18XER was engineered for mainstream compact and midsize applications with an emphasis on refinement, drivability, and emissions compliance. Emissions control was achieved through sequential port fuel injection, electronic throttle control, and a close‑coupled three‑way catalytic converter, enabling Euro 5 compliance across all production years.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on the intake valves due to the port fuel injection system’s inability to clean valve stems directly. This issue, noted in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑18‑019, can lead to rough idle or misfires after extended low‑speed operation. From 2015, revised ECU calibrations improved cold‑start enrichment strategies to mitigate deposit formation.
All production years 2010–2018 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8901).
The Vauxhall A18XER is a 1,796 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact and midsize vehicles (2010–2018). It combines port fuel injection with variable intake cam timing to deliver smooth power delivery and fuel efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances everyday performance with low running costs.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,796 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 80.5 mm × 88.2 mm | |
| Power output | 103 kW (140 PS) @ 6,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 175 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi‑point port injection (Bosch ME17.4.6) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven DOHC with intake VVT | |
| Oil type | Dexos2 5W‑30 (ACEA C3) | |
| Dry weight | 110 kg |
The naturally aspirated design provides linear throttle response ideal for mixed driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using Dexos2 5W-30 to maintain VVT solenoid function and chain longevity. Port injection reduces direct valve cleaning, so extended low-speed use may cause intake valve deposits—periodic highway driving helps mitigate this. The timing chain is designed for life but relies on correct oil viscosity; using non-Dexos2 oils risks premature wear. ECU updates from 2015 improve cold-start calibration to reduce carbon buildup per TSB‑18‑019.
Oil Specs: Requires GM Dexos2 5W-30 (ACEA C3) specification (Vauxhall TSB‑18‑019). Not interchangeable with older GM-LL-A-025 oils.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all 2010–2018 A18XER engines (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8901). No market variants deviate from this standard.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across all applications (Vauxhall TIS Doc. V‑A18XER‑01).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V‑A18XER‑01, V18‑7804
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8901)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall A18XER was used across Vauxhall's GM Delta II and Epsilon II platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Insignia A and compact accessory drive in the Astra J—and from 2015 the Zafira C facelift adopted updated ECU calibrations for emissions, creating minor software interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (Vauxhall TIS V‑A18XER‑01). The 7th VIN digit is 'E' for 1.8L petrol engines in Astra J and Insignia A. Visual identification: black plastic cam cover with '1.8' embossed; intake manifold is black composite with integrated throttle body. Critical differentiation from later SIDI direct-injection engines: A18XER uses port injection and lacks high-pressure fuel rail. ECU part number is Bosch 0285000126. Software updates post-2015 require matching ECU and instrument cluster per TSB‑18‑019.
The A18XER's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup in high-mileage city-driven vehicles, with elevated incidence in stop-start urban use. Vauxhall internal data from 2016 indicated a measurable increase in misfire-related warranty claims after 80,000 km in low-speed duty cycles, while UK DVSA MOT statistics show infrequent emissions failures but occasional lambda sensor drift linked to rich mixture adaptation. Extended idling and short trips accelerate deposit formation, making periodic highway driving and correct oil specification critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2012–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL 18-SV.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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VAUXHALL Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
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.
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