The Vauxhall D 15 SFT is a 1,490 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2010 and 2018. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC), 16‑valve architecture with variable valve timing (VVT) and direct fuel injection (SIDI), delivering 103 kW (140 PS) and 200 Nm of torque. Its compact turbo layout enables strong low‑end response and efficient urban performance.
Fitted primarily to the Astra J, Astra K, and Meriva B—including the 1.6 Turbo and 1.6T SIDI trims—the D 15 SFT was engineered for drivers seeking sporty acceleration without sacrificing everyday fuel economy. Emissions compliance was achieved through a close‑coupled three‑way catalytic converter and precise engine management, meeting Euro 5 standards from launch and Euro 6 after 2014 updates.
One documented concern is high‑pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear, which can lead to hard starts and limp‑mode activation. This issue, noted in Vauxhall Service Information Bulletin SIB‑10‑032, stems from fuel lubricity degradation in low‑sulfur petrol and thermal stress on the pump cam follower. Revised pump assemblies introduced in 2015 improved durability.
Production years 2010–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2018 models comply with Euro 6 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2013/9876).
The Vauxhall D 15 SFT is a 1,490 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and MPVs (2010–2018). It combines gasoline direct injection (SIDI) with a single turbocharger and variable valve timing to deliver responsive performance and reduced fuel consumption. Designed to meet Euro 5 (early) and Euro 6 (late) emissions standards, it balances sporty character with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,490 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.0 mm × 86.6 mm | |
| Power output | 103 kW (140 PS) @ 4,900 rpm | |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1,850–4,900 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Gasoline direct injection (SIDI), Bosch HDP5 high-pressure pump | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2010–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2018) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single turbo (Honeywell GT1544V) | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven camshafts | |
| Oil type | Vauxhall GM‑LL‑A‑025 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The DOHC 16‑valve turbo layout provides brisk acceleration and flat torque delivery but demands high‑quality fuel and oil to protect the direct injection system and turbo bearings. Use of GM‑LL‑A‑025 (5W‑30) oil is essential for chain longevity and turbo cooling. The Bosch HDP5 high‑pressure fuel pump is sensitive to low‑lubricity petrol; only EN 228 (95 RON minimum) fuel should be used. Carbon buildup on intake valves is minimal due to direct injection but may occur on piston crowns over time. Post‑2015 engines include updated HPFP cam followers per SIB‑10‑032—pre‑2015 units should be monitored for hard starts or fuel pressure DTCs.
Oil Specs: Requires GM‑LL‑A‑025 (5W‑30) specification (Vauxhall Owner’s Manual 2014). Equivalent ACEA C3 oils permitted.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to 2010–2014 models; Euro 6 applies to 2015–2018 (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2013/9876).
Power Ratings: Measured under EEC 80/1269 standards. Output verified on dynamometer per Vauxhall PT‑2015.
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V2034, V2056
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/2013/9876)
EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 (Euro 5/6 Implementation)
The Vauxhall D 15 SFT was used across Vauxhall's Astra J, Astra K, and Meriva B platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Astra K and updated turbo heat shielding for cabin noise reduction—and from 2015 the facelifted Astra J and all Astra K units adopted Euro 6 calibration with updated catalytic converters and OBD‑II strategies, creating minor ECU 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 V2034). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine displacement ('5' for 1.6L). Pre‑2015 models use Bosch ME17.8 ECU with round diagnostic connector; post‑2015 Euro 6 units feature updated ECU with trapezoidal OBD‑II port and secondary air injection. Critical differentiation from naturally aspirated A16XER: D 15 SFT has turbocharger, intercooler, and direct injection rails. High‑pressure fuel pump part number changes after 06/2015—verify cam follower material per SIB‑10‑032 during replacement.
The D 15 SFT's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or hot-climate use. Vauxhall internal data from 2016 indicated over 12% of pre-2015 engines required HPFP replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show fuel system-related faults as a growing cause of diagnostic failures in Astra J 1.6T models. Extended idling and low-quality fuel accelerate pump wear, making fuel specification adherence and timely upgrades critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2010–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL D-15-SFT.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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