The Vauxhall A18XEL is a 1,796 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2017 and 2023. It features direct fuel injection, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust camshafts. In standard form it delivered 150 kW (204 PS) with 350 Nm of torque, engineered for responsive performance and refined highway cruising.
Fitted to models such as the Insignia B, Grandland X, and Astra K GSe, the A18XEL was designed for drivers seeking sporty dynamics without sacrificing everyday usability. Emissions compliance was achieved through a gasoline particulate filter (GPF) and close-coupled three-way catalytic converter, meeting Euro 6d-TEMP and Euro 6d standards depending on model year and market.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves due to the absence of port fuel injection, which can reduce airflow and cause misfires under high-load conditions. This issue, noted in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TSB-19-08-21, is common to many direct-injection petrol engines. From 2020 onward, revised engine management calibrations were introduced to mitigate deposit formation through optimized injection strategies.
Production years 2017–2019 meet Euro 6d-TEMP standards; 2020–2023 models comply with Euro 6d depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9876).
The Vauxhall A18XEL is a 1,796 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for mid‑size and compact performance models (2017–2023). It combines direct injection with a single twin-scroll turbocharger to deliver strong mid-range torque and linear power delivery. Designed to meet Euro 6d-TEMP and Euro 6d emissions standards, it balances sporty performance with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,796 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 77.4 mm | |
| Power output | 150 kW (204 PS) | |
| Torque | 350 Nm @ 1,750–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d-TEMP (2017–2019); Euro 6d (2020–2023) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single twin‑scroll turbo (BorgWarner) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | GM dexos1 Gen 3 (SAE 0W‑20) | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The twin-scroll turbo provides linear power delivery and strong mid-range response but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using GM dexos1 Gen 3 (0W-20) oil to protect turbo bearings and timing chain. Direct injection leads to intake valve carbon buildup over time; periodic induction cleaning is recommended after 80,000 km. The GPF system demands consistent highway driving to enable passive regeneration—frequent short trips may trigger warning lights. Post-2020 engines include updated ECU maps per TSB-19-08-21 to reduce deposit formation.
Oil Specs: Requires GM dexos1 Gen 3 (0W-20) specification (Vauxhall TIS Doc. V92150). Meets ACEA C5 but includes OEM-specific LSPI protection.
Emissions: Euro 6d-TEMP certification applies to 2017–2019 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9876). 2020–2023 models meet Euro 6d in all EU markets.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Power output assumes RON 95 petrol with ≤10 ppm sulfur (Vauxhall TIS Doc. V92160).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V92130, V92135, V92140, TSB-19-08-21
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9876)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall A18XEL was used across Vauxhall's Insignia B/Astra K platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Grandland X and revised cooling ducts in the Astra GSe—and from 2020 the Euro 6d-compliant variants adopted updated ECU calibrations and GPF hardware, creating 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 V92165). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('E' for 1.6 turbo petrol series). Pre-2020 models use a silver cam cover with round diagnostic port; post-2020 Euro 6d units have black cam covers and updated ECU with trapezoidal OBD port. Critical differentiation from A16XHT: A18XEL is 1.8L with 204 PS; A16XHT is 1.6L with 180 PS. ECU and turbo assemblies are not interchangeable across model years due to GPF and calibration differences.
The A18XEL's primary reliability risk is carbon buildup on intake valves due to direct-only fuel injection, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or urban-driven vehicles. Vauxhall internal data from 2021 indicated a measurable increase in induction-related service visits after 70,000 km, while UK DVSA records show GPF-related warning lights in vehicles with predominantly short-trip usage. Extended oil intervals and low-quality petrol accelerate deposit formation, making oil specification and fuel quality critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2019–2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2020–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL A-18-XEL.
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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