The Vauxhall A20DTR is a 1,956 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2013 and 2018. It features a DOHC 16‑valve layout, common‑rail direct injection, and a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT). In standard form it delivered 100 kW (136 PS) at 4,000 rpm and 320 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm, providing strong low‑end pull ideal for urban and motorway driving.
Fitted to models such as the Insignia B, Zafira Tourer C, and Astra J, the A20DTR was engineered for fuel‑efficient commuting with responsive torque delivery. Emissions compliance was achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), enabling Euro 5 compliance across its production run.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high‑pressure fuel pump drive coupling, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin 14‑018. This issue stems from insufficient lubrication in the camshaft-driven pump mechanism under frequent short‑trip operation. From mid‑2015, revised camshaft lobes and pump couplings were introduced to improve durability.
All production years 2013–2018 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8923). No Euro 6 variants exist.
The Vauxhall A20DTR is a 1,956 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for mid‑size and compact MPV models (2013–2018). It combines Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail injection with a single variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances everyday drivability with fuel economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,956 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel (EN 590 ultra‑low sulfur) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 83.0 mm × 90.4 mm | |
| Power output | 100 kW (136 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 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Honeywell) | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | Dexos2 5W‑30 (ACEA C3) | |
| Dry weight | 148 kg |
The A20DTR delivers responsive torque and good fuel economy but requires strict adherence to Dexos2 5W-30 oil and 20,000 km (or 12-month) service intervals to protect the high-pressure fuel pump drive. Short-trip driving accelerates wear on the cam-driven CP4.2 pump coupling, potentially leading to catastrophic fuel system failure. Use of EN 590 ultra-low sulfur diesel is mandatory to prevent injector and pump damage. DPF regeneration cycles are frequent in urban use; extended highway driving is recommended to maintain system health. Revised camshaft and pump components introduced in 2015 improve reliability—pre-2015 engines should be inspected per Vauxhall SIB 14‑018.
Oil Specs: Requires GM Dexos2 5W-30 (ACEA C3) specification (Vauxhall Owner’s Manual 2014). Non-Dexos oils void warranty and accelerate fuel pump wear.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all A20DTR production (2013–2018) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8923). No Euro 6 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under UN ECE R85 standards. Power output verified via VCA chassis dyno certification (VCA/EMS/8923).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A20DTR‑01, ES‑A20DTR
Vauxhall Service Information Bulletin 14‑018
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8923)
UN Regulation No. 85 (Engine Power Measurement)
The Vauxhall A20DTR was used across Vauxhall's Insignia B, Zafira Tourer C, and Astra J platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Insignia and modified exhaust manifolds in the Zafira Tourer—and from mid‑2015 the Astra J LCI adopted updated camshaft lobes and pump couplings, creating minor 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 A20DTR‑01). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine displacement ('0' for 2.0L). All A20DTR units feature black cam covers with '2.0 CDTi' embossed and a single VGT turbo on the exhaust side. Critical differentiation from A20DTH: A20DTR uses a single turbo and CP4.2 pump; A20DTH is twin-turbo with higher output. Post-2015 engines have revised camshaft part numbers; fuel pump couplings are not backward-compatible (Vauxhall SIB 14‑018).
The A20DTR's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump drive failure, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or short-trip urban use. Vauxhall internal data (2016) noted pump-related faults in ~6% of pre-2015 engines beyond 80,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show increased emissions failures linked to incomplete DPF regeneration in city-driven vehicles. Frequent cold starts and low-quality diesel accelerate pump wear, making fuel specification and driving pattern critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2014–2017) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL A-20-DTR.
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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