The Vauxhall A16XHT 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 delivers 95 kW (130 PS) and 300 Nm of torque, with strong low-rpm pull for responsive everyday drivability.
Fitted to models such as the Astra J, Insignia B, and Mokka X—including the 1.6 CDTi variants—the A16XHT was engineered for fuel-efficient urban commuting and relaxed motorway cruising. Emissions compliance was achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), meeting Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards depending on model year.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear leading to hard starts or limp mode, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin 12‑045. This issue is often linked to fuel contamination or extended service intervals. From 2015 onward, updated HPFP components were introduced to improve durability.
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 A16XHT is a 1,598 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact and mid‑size models (2013–2018). It combines common‑rail direct injection with a single variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards, it balances everyday performance with 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 | 95 kW (130 PS) | |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 1,750–2,500 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 VGT turbo provides strong low-end torque ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using GM Dexos2 (5W-30) to prevent HPFP and turbo wear. The Bosch CP4.2 fuel pump is sensitive to fuel contamination—only ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) should be used. Extended idling or short-trip driving increases DPF soot accumulation, risking regeneration failures. Post-2015 engines feature updated HPFP internals per Vauxhall SIB 12-045; pre-2015 units benefit from proactive pump inspection. EGR cooler clogging is common in stop-start use and may trigger limp mode.
Oil Specs: Requires GM Dexos2 (5W-30) specification (Vauxhall SIB 12-045). Meets ACEA C3 but with OEM-specific additive limits.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to 2013–2014 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). 2015–2018 models meet Euro 6.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output verified on Astra J 1.6 CDTi (VIN 8th digit 'H') per Vauxhall TIS V26‑001.
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V24‑1130, V24‑1132, SIB 12‑045
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall A16XHT was used across Vauxhall's Astra J, Insignia B, and Mokka X platforms with transverse mounting and co-developed with PSA (Peugeot/Citroën) under the joint Euro 6 diesel program. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Insignia and modified intake manifolds in the Mokka X—and from 2015 the updated HPFP and EGR cooler design improved reliability, creating 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 V24‑1150). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('H' for A16XHT). Pre-2015 models use a silver HPFP with Bosch part number 0445020078; post-2015 units have black HPFP (0445020192). Critical differentiation from A16DTH: A16XHT has a DPF and EGR cooler, while A16DTH (Euro 5 only) lacks DPF. Service parts for fuel system require production date verification—HPFP kits for engines before 06/2015 are incompatible with later units due to internal camshaft redesign (Vauxhall SIB 12‑045).
The A16XHT's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure on early builds, with elevated incidence in vehicles using non-EN 590 diesel or exceeding service intervals. Vauxhall internal data from 2016 indicated a notable share of pre-2015 engines requiring HPFP replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased DPF-related MOT failures in urban-driven examples. Short-trip cycles and poor fuel quality accelerate wear, making fuel specification and oil interval adherence 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-XHT.
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)
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
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VCA Certification Portal
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