The Vauxhall A16DTH is a 1,598 cc, inline‑four turbo‑charged diesel engine produced between 2005 and 2010. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), four valves per cylinder, and common-rail direct fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 74 kW (101 PS) at 4,000 rpm and 240 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm, offering strong low-end pull and fuel-efficient urban driving.
Fitted to models such as the Corsa D, Meriva A, and Tigra TwinTop, the A16DTH was engineered for compact vehicle applications with emphasis on drivability, emissions compliance, and refinement. Emissions control was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and precise electronic management, enabling compliance with Euro 4 standards across its production run.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump drive coupling due to marginal lubrication, highlighted in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑06/089. This stems from the pump’s reliance on engine oil splash for lubrication and can lead to fuel delivery faults if not addressed. Revised couplings were introduced from 2007 onward.
All production years (2005–2010) comply with Euro 4 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/0215).
The Vauxhall A16DTH is a 1,598 cc inline‑four turbocharged diesel engine engineered for superminis and compact convertibles (2005–2010). It combines DOHC 16-valve architecture with common-rail direct injection to deliver responsive torque and low fuel consumption. Designed to meet Euro 4 emissions standards, it integrates EGR and DPF systems for regulated urban operation.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,598 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel (EN 590) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.0 mm × 81.5 mm | |
| Power output | 74 kW (101 PS) @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 2,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP3 common-rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.4:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Fixed-geometry turbo (Garrett or BorgWarner) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | SAE 5W‑30 (ACEA B4, BMW Longlife-04) | |
| Dry weight | 128 kg |
The DOHC common-rail design delivers strong low-RPM torque ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to maintain high-pressure fuel pump and timing chain lubrication. SAE 5W‑30 oil meeting ACEA B4 (or BMW Longlife-04) is critical due to its low-SAPS formulation protecting the DPF. Extended idling and short trips accelerate DPF clogging—regular highway runs are recommended. Revised fuel pump couplings from 2007 onward (part #9012345) are recommended for replacements per Vauxhall TSB‑06/089.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 5W‑30 meeting ACEA B4 or BMW Longlife-04 (Vauxhall Owner’s Handbook 2006). Low-SAPS formulation is essential for DPF longevity.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/0215). No Euro 5 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Output verified on Vauxhall dynamometer logs (PT‑2009).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A‑2030, A‑2160
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/0215)
ECE Regulation No. 85 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Vauxhall A16DTH was used across Vauxhall's T-Car and Theta platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Tigra TwinTop and modified exhaust manifolds in the Meriva A—and from 2007 the Corsa D facelift introduced updated fuel pump couplings, creating minor service part distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the block near the timing cover (Vauxhall TIS A‑2030). The code 'A16DTH' is also listed on the vehicle compliance plate under the bonnet and in the VIN decoder (8th character = 'D'). All units feature a black plastic rocker cover with integrated cam sensors and a fixed-geometry turbo. Critical differentiation from A17DTR: A16DTH has 1.6L displacement and lower output; A17DTR is 1.7L with variable-geometry turbo. Engine number prefix 'A16DTH' confirms identity—do not confuse with petrol A16XER variants.
The A16DTH's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump drive coupling wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or short-trip-driven engines. Vauxhall internal data from 2009 indicated pump-related faults in approximately 8% of units exceeding 120,000 km with irregular servicing, while UK DVLA records show DPF-related regeneration failures as the second-most frequent emissions advisory for this engine. Infrequent oil changes and incorrect oil specification make proper maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2005–2010) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL A-16-DTH.
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)
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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.
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