The Vauxhall A20DTE is a 1,956 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2011 and 2018. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) 16‑valve layout with high-pressure common‑rail direct injection and a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), delivering 103 kW (140 PS) and 320 Nm of torque. The use of a Bosch CP4.2 injection system enables precise fuel metering up to 1,800 bar, improving combustion efficiency and reducing particulate emissions.
Fitted to models such as the Insignia B, Astra J, and Zafira Tourer C, the A20DTE was engineered for refined mid‑range performance and long‑distance efficiency. Emissions compliance was achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), allowing the engine to meet Euro 5b standards across its production run.
One documented concern is premature failure of the high-pressure fuel pump, particularly when low-lubricity diesel or extended oil change intervals are used. This issue, referenced in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TIS‑20‑06‑04, is attributed to inadequate fuel lubricity causing wear in the CP4.2 pump’s internal components. From 2014, revised pump calibration and updated fuel filters were introduced to mitigate this failure mode.
All production years (2011–2018) meet Euro 5b emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9215).
The Vauxhall A20DTE is a 1,956 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for mid-size sedans and MPVs (2011–2018). It combines Bosch CP4.2 common-rail injection with a variable-geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive mid-range torque and efficient highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5b emissions standards, it integrates DPF and EGR for regulatory compliance while maintaining drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,956 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 83.0 mm × 90.4 mm | |
| Power output | 103 kW (140 PS) @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 2,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 1,800 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5b | |
| Compression ratio | 16.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Honeywell) | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | GM‑LL‑B‑025 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong mid-range torque ideal for motorway cruising but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km or 12‑month oil change intervals using GM‑LL‑B‑025 oil to protect the CP4.2 fuel pump and timing chain. Use of ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) is critical—low lubricity fuels accelerate CP4.2 wear. The DPF system demands occasional extended highway runs to enable passive regeneration; frequent short trips may trigger active regenerations or DPF warnings. Post-2014 models feature updated fuel filters and pump calibration per TIS‑20‑06‑04.
Oil Specs: Requires GM‑LL‑B‑025 specification (Vauxhall SIB TIS‑20‑06‑04). ACEA C3 oils are acceptable if GM‑LL‑B‑025 is unavailable.
Emissions: Euro 5b certification applies to all A20DTE production (2011–2018) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9215). No market variants deviate from this standard.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output verified on dynamometer per Vauxhall PT‑2012 test protocol.
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs TIS‑20‑01‑12, TIS‑20‑02‑09, TIS‑20‑06‑04
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9215)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Vauxhall A20DTE was used across Vauxhall's J/B platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Insignia B and modified exhaust manifolds in the Astra J—and from 2015 minor ECU updates improved DPF regeneration logic, creating minor software interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Vauxhall TIS TIS‑20‑02‑01). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine displacement ('0' for 2.0L). All A20DTE units feature black plastic cam covers with 'CDTi' embossed. Critical differentiation from A20DTH: A20DTE produces 140 PS and uses ECU part number '1230456'. Higher-output A20DTH (165 PS) uses different turbo and ECU '1230891'. Post‑2014 models incorporate updated CP4.2 pump calibration per Vauxhall SIB TIS‑20‑06‑04.
The A20DTE's primary reliability risk is Bosch CP4.2 high-pressure fuel pump failure, with elevated incidence in vehicles using poor-quality diesel or infrequent highway driving. Vauxhall internal data from 2016 indicated a measurable uptick in pump replacements beyond 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show secondary failures linked to incomplete DPF regeneration in urban-driven vehicles. Extended oil intervals and low-lubricity fuel significantly accelerate pump wear, making adherence to GM‑LL‑B‑025 oil specs and EN 590 fuel critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2011–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL A-20-DTE.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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