The Vauxhall C14NZ is a 1,389 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1993 and 1998. It features a SOHC 8‑valve layout with multi-point fuel injection and a cast-iron block with aluminium head. In standard form it delivered 60 kW (82 PS) and 114 Nm of torque, prioritizing reliability and fuel economy over performance.
Fitted primarily to the Corsa B and Astra F, the C14NZ was engineered for entry-level urban mobility and cost-effective ownership. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three-way catalytic converter and basic engine management, allowing adherence to Euro 1 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is ignition coil pack failure, which can cause misfires or no-start conditions. This issue, referenced in Vauxhall Service Bulletin TIS 95‑018, is often linked to thermal cycling and moisture ingress in the distributorless ignition system. Later production units incorporated revised coil insulation and connector sealing to improve durability.
Production years 1993–1998 meet Euro 1 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2105).
The Vauxhall C14NZ is a 1,389 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and sedans (1993–1998). It combines multi-point fuel injection with a simple SOHC valvetrain to deliver dependable urban performance. Designed to meet Euro 1 emissions standards, it emphasizes serviceability and low running costs over high output.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,389 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 77.6 mm × 73.4 mm | |
| Power output | 60 kW (82 PS) @ 5,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 114 Nm @ 2,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch MP3.1 multi-point injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 1 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.4:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Belt (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | API SG/CD (SAE 10W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 108 kg |
The simple SOHC design offers robust reliability but requires a timing belt replacement every 60,000 km or 4 years to prevent catastrophic failure. RON 95 petrol is sufficient, though higher octane offers no benefit. The distributorless ignition system is prone to coil pack failure in damp conditions—Vauxhall SIB 95‑018 recommends inspecting connectors for corrosion if misfires occur. Regular coolant changes prevent head gasket issues common in high-mileage units. The cast-iron block provides durability but adds weight, affecting fuel economy compared to later all-aluminium designs.
Oil Specs: Requires API SG/CD (10W‑40) mineral or semi-synthetic oil (Vauxhall Owner’s Manual 1995). Not compatible with modern low-SAPS oils.
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies to all 1993–1998 C14NZ models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2105).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output assumes RON 95 fuel quality (Vauxhall TIS Doc. C14‑3400).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs C14‑3310, C14‑3320, SIB 95‑018
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/2105)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall C14NZ was used across Vauxhall's Corsa B and Astra F platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Astra and modified intake manifolds in the Corsa—and from 1996 the facelifted Corsa B models adopted updated ECU calibrations, creating minor 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 C14‑3315). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('4' for C14 series). All C14NZ units feature a black plastic cam cover with “1.4i” badge and lack a distributor. Critical differentiation from C14SE: C14NZ uses Bosch MP3.1 ECU with single coil pack; C14SE uses MP3.2 with twin coils. ECU and ignition components are not interchangeable (Vauxhall SIB 94‑022).
The C14NZ's primary reliability risk is ignition coil pack failure, with elevated incidence in high-humidity environments or vehicles with infrequent use. Vauxhall internal data from 1997 indicated a measurable uptick in no-start warranty claims before 80,000 km, while UK DVSA records show no significant emissions failure correlation due to the simplicity of the Euro 1 system. Moisture protection and regular use make ignition longevity critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (1994–1998) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2000–2010). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL C-14-NZ.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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VAUXHALL Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
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