The Vauxhall C13N is a 1,199 cc, inline‑three turbocharged petrol engine introduced in 2018. It features direct fuel injection (SIDI), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing (DCVCP). In standard form it delivers 96 kW (130 PS) and 230 Nm of torque, offering responsive urban performance with compact packaging.
Fitted to models such as the Corsa F, Crossland, and Mokka B, the C13N was engineered for urban efficiency, low emissions, and agile drivability. Emissions compliance was achieved through a close‑coupled three‑way catalytic converter, gasoline particulate filter (GPF), and precise combustion control, meeting Euro 6d standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive lobe on the camshaft, noted in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑19‑087. This issue arises from metallurgical stress under repeated high-load cycles. From late 2021, revised camshaft and HPFP materials were introduced to improve durability.
All production years 2018–present meet Euro 6d standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3892).
The Vauxhall C13N is a 1,199 cc inline‑three turbocharged petrol engineered for subcompact and small SUV applications (2018–present). It combines spark‑ignited direct injection (SIDI) with a single‑scroll turbocharger to deliver brisk low‑end response and urban agility. Designed to meet Euro 6d emissions standards, it balances everyday usability with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,199 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min, RON 98 recommended) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑3, DOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (single‑scroll) | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.0 mm × 92.0 mm | |
| Power output | 96 kW (130 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 230 Nm @ 1,750–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDP6 high‑pressure direct injection (up to 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with electric auxiliary pump | |
| Turbocharger | Single‑scroll BorgWarner B01 | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven (front‑mounted, maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | DEXOS2 0W‑20 (ACEA C5) | |
| Dry weight | 98 kg |
The compact three‑cylinder layout and single‑scroll turbo deliver lively urban response but require RON 98 fuel for optimal knock resistance under load. DEXOS2 0W‑20 oil is essential to protect the turbo bearings and maintain HPFP cam lobe lubrication. Extended oil intervals increase HPFP and cam wear risk—service every 15,000 km or 12 months. Carbon buildup on intake valves is minimal due to direct injection, but the GPF requires periodic high‑load driving to avoid saturation. The front‑mounted timing chain is robust, but HPFP drive lobe wear (pre‑late‑2021 builds) may cause hard starts or fuel pressure faults per TSB‑19‑087.
Oil Specs: Requires DEXOS2 0W‑20 (ACEA C5) specification (Vauxhall Owner’s Manual 2020). Not interchangeable with older GM specs.
Emissions: Euro 6d certification applies to all C13N models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3892). No earlier emissions variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Full 130 PS output requires RON 98 fuel (Vauxhall TIS Doc. ENG‑C13N‑005).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs ENG‑C13N‑001 to ‑005
Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑19‑087
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/3892)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Vauxhall C13N was used across Vauxhall's EMP2‑derived small platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Peugeot/Citroën as the EB2DT. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Mokka B and revised cooling routing in the Corsa F—and from late 2021 the updated camshaft design improved HPFP durability, creating minor service part distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the rear of the cylinder block near the transmission flange (Vauxhall TIS ENG‑C13N‑001). The 7th VIN digit for UK C13N models is '3' (indicating 1.2L turbo petrol). Visual cues: black plastic cam cover with '1.2 Turbo' badge, single‑scroll turbo with integrated exhaust manifold, and GPF visible in the downpipe. Critical differentiation from non‑turbo C12N: C13N has direct injection rails, HPFP on cam lobe, and Bosch MED17.8.21 ECU. HPFP cam lobes changed in late 2021—pre‑2021 units (cam part 55578423) are not interchangeable with post‑2021 (55581094) per TSB‑19‑087.
The C13N's primary reliability risk is HPFP drive lobe wear on the intake camshaft in pre-late‑2021 builds, with elevated incidence in frequent short‑trip or high‑load urban use. Vauxhall internal data (2022) indicated camshaft replacements in ~8% of early Corsa Fs before 60,000 km, while UK DVSA records show minimal GPF-related MOT failures due to robust regeneration logic. Cold starts and poor fuel quality accelerate cam lobe degradation, making oil grade and service adherence 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 C-13-N.
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