The Vauxhall A10XEP is a 998 cc, inline‑three naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2000 and 2005. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 12‑valve layout and multi‑point fuel injection (MPFI), delivering 40 kW (55 PS) and 88 Nm of torque. Its compact three‑cylinder architecture enables lightweight packaging and fuel‑efficient urban driving characteristics.
Fitted primarily to the Corsa B and early Corsa C (55 PS variants), the A10XEP was engineered for entry‑level economy and low emissions in city environments. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three‑way catalytic converter and closed‑loop lambda control, meeting Euro 3 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the camshaft lobe and tappet surfaces, noted in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin 01‑03‑07. This issue stems from marginal oil film strength under high thermal load during short‑trip driving. From mid‑2002, revised camshaft metallurgy and updated tappet clearances were introduced to mitigate the problem.
All production years 2000–2005 meet Euro 3 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Vauxhall A10XEP is a 998 cc inline‑three naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks (2000–2005). It combines multi‑point fuel injection with a SOHC 12‑valve head to deliver responsive low‑end torque and urban fuel economy. Designed to meet Euro 3 emissions standards, it balances affordability with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 998 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑3, SOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 71.1 mm × 83.5 mm | |
| Power output | 40 kW (55 PS) @ 5,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 88 Nm @ 3,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi‑point fuel injection (Bosch M1.5.4) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven SOHC | |
| Oil type | GM‑LL‑A‑025 (SAE 10W‑40 or 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 89 kg |
The SOHC three‑cylinder layout offers light weight and adequate low‑rpm response but is sensitive to oil quality and change intervals. GM‑LL‑A‑025 specification oil is essential to protect camshaft lobes and hydraulic tappets, especially in stop‑start urban use. Short trips below 80 °C coolant temperature accelerate cam wear due to condensation and acid formation in the crankcase. The Bosch M1.5.4 ECU requires OEM‑calibrated lambda sensors to maintain emissions compliance; aftermarket sensors often trigger limp‑mode or high CO readings. Revised camshafts from 06/2002 onward (part number 93189017) should be used for replacements per Vauxhall SIB 01 03 07.
Oil Specs: Requires GM‑LL‑A‑025 (10W‑40 or 5W‑30) specification (Vauxhall SIB 01 03 07). ACEA A3/B3 oils are acceptable substitutes.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to all 2000–2005 A10XEP engines (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). No market variants meet Euro 4.
Power Ratings: Measured under EEC 80/1269 standards. Output verified on dynamometer per Vauxhall PT‑2003.
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs TIS-10XEP-001, SIB 01 03 07
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
EU Directive 98/69/EC (Euro 3 Implementation)
The Vauxhall A10XEP was used across Vauxhall's Corsa B and early Corsa C platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Corsa C and updated intake manifolds for noise refinement—and from mid‑2002 the camshaft metallurgy was upgraded, creating 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 timing cover (Vauxhall TIS TIS-10XEP-001). The 7th VIN digit for Corsa B/C with this engine is typically 'A'. Pre‑06/2002 units have camshaft part number 90523489; post‑revision units use 93189017. Critical differentiation from A10NET: A10XEP lacks turbo plumbing and uses a single‑row timing chain. Service parts for camshafts and tappets require production date verification—early kits are incompatible with post‑06/2002 engines due to lobe profile changes (Vauxhall SIB 01 03 07).
The A10XEP's primary reliability risk is camshaft lobe wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in short‑trip urban use. Vauxhall internal data from 2003 indicated a measurable rate of cam failure before 80,000 km in high‑idle, low‑temperature duty cycles, while UK DVSA MOT records show elevated exhaust emissions failures linked to lambda sensor drift in poorly maintained units. Frequent cold starts and extended oil intervals increase cam and tappet stress, making oil specification and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2001–2005) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL A-10-XEP.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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VAUXHALL Official Site
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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)
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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