The Vauxhall A20DTL is a 1,956 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 100 kW (136 PS) with 320 Nm of torque, engineered for responsive performance and highway cruising comfort.
Fitted to models such as the Insignia B, Zafira Tourer C, and Cascada, including the 2.0 CDTi 136 variants, the A20DTL was designed for drivers seeking a balance of fuel economy, strong mid-range torque, and refined long-distance capability. 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 and market.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP), particularly in early-build units, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin PI0821. This issue stems from marginal lubrication under frequent short-trip use and low fuel temperatures. From mid-2015, revised HPFP internals and updated ECU calibration 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/6103).
The Vauxhall A20DTL is a 1,956 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for mid-size sedans and MPVs (2013–2018). It combines Bosch common‑rail injection with a single variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong mid-range torque and efficient highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances performance with long-range economy.
| 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 | 100 kW (136 PS) | |
| Torque | 320 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 | 148 kg |
The A20DTL delivers strong mid-range torque ideal for motorway 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 PI0821 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 PI0821). Meets ACEA C3 but with OEM-specific additives.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to 2013–2014 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6103). 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. T20‑2210).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs T20‑2201, T20‑2205, SIB PI0821
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6103)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Vauxhall A20DTL was used across Vauxhall's Insignia B, Zafira Tourer C, and Cascada platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific calibrations—revised engine mounts in the Zafira Tourer and updated ECU logic in the Insignia B—and from 2015 the Euro 6-compliant variants featured enhanced EGR cooling and DPF control strategies, 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 T20‑2201). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('0' for 2.0 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 A20DTH: A20DTL produces 136 PS, while A20DTH produces 170 PS with twin-turbo setup. HPFP part numbers differ—verify against Vauxhall ETK before replacement.
The A20DTL'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-20-DTL.
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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