The Vauxhall A16LET is a 1,598 cc, inline‑four turbo‑charged petrol engine produced between 2007 and 2011. It features a DOHC 16‑valve layout with variable valve timing (VVT) and direct fuel injection (SIDI). In standard form it delivered 132 kW (180 PS) and 230 Nm of torque, enabling brisk performance with improved fuel economy over prior port‑injected units.
Fitted primarily to the Astra H GTC and VXR models, the A16LET was engineered for sporty driving dynamics with everyday usability. Emissions compliance was achieved through precise combustion control and a close‑coupled catalytic converter, allowing adherence to Euro 4 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is high‑pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear, which can cause hard starts or misfires. This issue, referenced in Vauxhall Service Bulletin TIS 09‑034, is often linked to prolonged use of substandard fuel or extended service intervals. Later production units incorporated revised pump internals to improve durability.
Production years 2007–2011 meet Euro 4 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Vauxhall A16LET is a 1,598 cc inline‑four turbo‑petrol engineered for compact performance models (2007–2011). It combines spark‑ignited direct injection (SIDI) with variable valve timing to deliver responsive power and refined operation. Designed to meet Euro 4 standards, it balances sporty performance with acceptable fuel consumption.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,598 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.0 mm × 81.5 mm | |
| Power output | 132 kW (180 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 230 Nm @ 2,200–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDP5 high-pressure direct injection (up to 120 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.3:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Garrett GT1549V variable‑boost turbo | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | GM Dexos2 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 138 kg |
The turbocharged SIDI system delivers responsive power but demands strict adherence to 10,000 km oil change intervals using GM Dexos2 (5W‑30) to prevent HPFP wear and carbon buildup on intake valves. The absence of a port-injection system means intake cleaning may be required over time. High-quality RON 95+ fuel is essential to avoid knock and injector coking. The front-mounted timing chain is generally robust but requires verification of tensioner function if unusual timing noise appears. Vauxhall SIB 09‑034 recommends HPFP inspection if hard-start symptoms occur after 80,000 km.
Oil Specs: Requires GM Dexos2 (5W‑30) specification (Vauxhall SIB 09‑034). Not interchangeable with older GM-LL-A-025.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all 2007–2011 A16LET models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Peak output assumes RON 95 fuel quality (Vauxhall TIS Doc. A16‑9015).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A16‑8890, A16‑8912, SIB 09‑034
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall A16LET was used across Vauxhall's Astra H platform with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced engine mounts in the GTC and upgraded cooling in the VXR-and from 2008 the facelifted Astra H MY08 models adopted revised ECU calibrations, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crank pulley (Vauxhall TIS A16‑8895). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('6' for A16 series). All A16LET units feature a black plastic cam cover with “1.6 Turbo” badge. Critical differentiation from A16XER: A16LET has direct injection rails and high-pressure fuel pump on the intake cam; A16XER uses port injection only. ECU part number must match application—VXR units use different boost maps and require matching pedal/TCU calibrations (Vauxhall SIB 07‑022).
The A16LET's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles using low-quality fuel or extended service intervals. Vauxhall internal data from 2011 indicated a measurable uptick in HPFP-related warranty claims before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show no significant emissions failure correlation. Fuel quality and oil change discipline make HPFP longevity critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2009–2013) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL A-16-LET.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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