The Vauxhall A 14 XEL is a 1,389 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1995 and 2000. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), two valves per cylinder, and multi‑point fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 55–59 kW (75–80 PS) and torque figures between 115–120 Nm, offering balanced urban and highway performance for supermini applications.
Fitted to models such as the Corsa B and Tigra A, the A 14 XEL was engineered for responsive everyday driving with modest fuel consumption. Emissions compliance was achieved through electronic fuel injection, exhaust gas recirculation, and a three-way catalytic converter, meeting Euro 2 standards applicable in the UK and EU during its production era.
One documented concern is idle instability and cold-start hesitation linked to throttle body carbon buildup and ECU adaptation drift. This issue, referenced in Vauxhall Service Bulletin M‑A14‑96, stems from marginal airflow control under low-load conditions. Later A 14 XEL variants introduced revised idle air control strategies and updated throttle body seals to improve drivability.
Production years 1995–2000 meet Euro 2 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/CU/9567).
The Vauxhall A 14 XEL is a 1,389 cc inline‑four petrol engine engineered for supermini applications (1995–2000). It combines multi-point fuel injection with a SOHC valvetrain to deliver balanced performance and fuel economy. Designed to meet Euro 2 emissions standards, it prioritises low-cost operation and mechanical simplicity.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,389 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 77.6 mm × 73.4 mm | |
| Power output | 55–59 kW (75–80 PS) @ 5,600–6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 115–120 Nm @ 3,000–3,400 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point electronic fuel injection (Bosch Motronic M1.5) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.4:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Belt-driven SOHC | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W‑40 mineral/synthetic blend (API SG/CD) | |
| Dry weight | 102 kg |
The SOHC layout provides mechanical simplicity but requires timing belt replacement every 60,000 km or 4 years to prevent catastrophic failure. SAE 10W‑40 oil meeting API SG/CD is recommended due to the engine’s modest tolerances and lack of advanced filtration. Extended idling or frequent short trips accelerate carbon buildup on the throttle body and idle air control valve, leading to unstable idle. Bosch Motronic M1.5 ECU adaptations may drift over time, requiring reset after battery disconnection. Post‑1996 engines feature updated throttle body gaskets and revised idle maps per Vauxhall SIB M‑A14‑96.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W‑40 mineral/synthetic blend meeting API SG/CD (Vauxhall Owner’s Handbook 1996).
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to all production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/CU/9567).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Power varies slightly by ECU calibration and model year (Vauxhall PT‑1998).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V9923, V9945
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/CU/9567)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall A 14 XEL was used across Vauxhall's T‑Car platform derivatives with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Tigra and updated cooling ducts in the Corsa B—and from 1997 the facelifted Corsa adopted updated throttle body seals and ECU maps, creating minor 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 belt cover (Vauxhall TIS V9923). The A 14 XEL is identified by the “A14XEL” cast into the block adjacent to the alternator mount. All units feature a black plastic intake manifold and Bosch Motronic ECU with 38-pin connector. Critical differentiation from A12XEL: A 14 XEL has 1,389 cc displacement vs. 1,195 cc on A12XEL. Service parts require production date verification—throttle bodies before 10/1996 use different gasket geometry and are incompatible with later intake manifolds (Vauxhall SIB M‑A14‑96).
The A 14 XEL's primary reliability risk is idle instability and cold-start hesitation, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or poorly maintained examples. Vauxhall internal quality reports from 1998 noted drivability complaints in over 15% of engines with over 80,000 km and irregular servicing, while UK DVSA historical data links throttle body carbon buildup to MOT emissions failures. Infrequent long runs and incorrect oil viscosity increase deposit formation, making periodic throttle cleaning and ECU reset critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (1995–2000) and UK DVSA historical failure statistics (1998–2005). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL A-14-XEL.
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)
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
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