The Vauxhall A16SHT is a 1,598 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2013 and 2018. It features common rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivered 88 kW (120 PS) with 300 Nm of torque, engineered for efficiency and responsive urban driving.
Fitted to models such as the Astra J, Astra K, and Mokka, including the 1.6 CDTi variants, the A16SHT was designed for drivers prioritising fuel economy and low-end torque without sacrificing refinement. Emissions compliance was achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), meeting Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards depending on model year and market.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear, particularly in early-build units, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin PI0789. This issue stems from inadequate lubrication under frequent short-trip use. From mid-2015, revised HPFP components were introduced to improve durability and reduce failure rates.
Production years 2013–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2018 models comply with Euro 6 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Vauxhall A16SHT is a 1,598 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact hatchbacks and crossovers (2013–2018). It combines Bosch common‑rail injection with a single variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive low‑rpm torque and strong fuel efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances urban drivability with long-range economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,598 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.7 mm × 80.1 mm | |
| Power output | 88 kW (120 PS) | |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 1,750–2,250 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 1,800 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2013–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2018) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Honeywell) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | GM Dexos2 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 138 kg |
The A16SHT delivers strong low-end torque ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to oil change intervals (every 15,000 km or 12 months) to protect the Bosch CP4.2 high-pressure fuel pump. GM Dexos2 (5W‑30) oil is essential due to its low SAPS formulation, which safeguards the DPF and turbocharger. Frequent short trips without engine warm-up accelerate HPFP wear—addressed in Vauxhall SIB PI0789 with updated pump internals. DPF regeneration cycles must complete uninterrupted; prolonged urban use without highway driving may trigger limp mode.
Oil Specs: Requires GM Dexos2 (5W‑30) specification (Vauxhall SIB PI0789). Meets ACEA C3 but with OEM-specific additives.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to 2013–2014 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Euro 6 compliance for 2015–2018 models confirmed via VCA database.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output consistent across all applications (Vauxhall TIS Doc. T16‑3310).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs T16‑3302, T16‑3305, SIB PI0789
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Vauxhall A16SHT was used across Vauxhall's Astra J/Astra K and Mokka platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Mokka and updated ECU calibrations in the Astra K—and from 2015 the Euro 6-compliant variants featured enhanced EGR cooling and DPF control logic, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crankshaft pulley (Vauxhall TIS T16‑3301). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('6' for 1.6 CDTi series). Early Euro 5 units (2013–2014) use Bosch EDC17C74 ECU with silver fuel rail; Euro 6 models (2015+) feature EDC17C76 ECU and black fuel rail with integrated pressure sensor. Critical differentiation from A16XHT: A16SHT uses a VGT turbo (actuator on compressor housing), while A16XHT uses fixed geometry. HPFP part numbers differ—verify against Vauxhall ETK before replacement.
The A16SHT's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure in early builds, with elevated incidence in urban short-trip usage. Vauxhall internal quality data from 2016 indicated a notable rate of HPFP replacements before 80,000 km in pre-2015 units, while UK DVSA MOT records show DPF-related failures increasing after 100,000 km in vehicles with incomplete regeneration cycles. Frequent cold starts and low-load operation accelerate fuel system wear, making oil quality and driving pattern critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2014–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL A-16-SHT.
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
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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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