The Vauxhall D 16 DTI is a 1,598 cc, inline‑four turbocharged 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 delivers 88 kW (120 PS) and 300 Nm of torque, with strong low-end pull ideal for urban and motorway use.
Fitted to models such as the Astra J, Meriva B, and Zafira Tourer—including the Astra 1.6 CDTI 120 and Meriva 1.6 CDTI—the D 16 DTI was engineered for fuel-efficient commuting and relaxed cruising. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), meeting Euro 5b and Euro 6 standards depending on model year.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump drive coupling, which can lead to fuel pressure instability and engine stalling. This issue, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin TIS‑16DTI‑07, is attributed to material fatigue under thermal cycling. From 2016, revised pump couplings were introduced to address the failure mode.
Production years 2013–2015 meet Euro 5b standards; 2016–2018 models meet Euro 6 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Vauxhall D 16 DTI is a 1,598 cc inline‑four turbocharged diesel engineered for compact MPVs and hatchbacks (2013–2018). It combines Bosch common-rail injection with a single variable-geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive low-end torque and efficient highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5b and Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances drivability with urban compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,598 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (VGT) | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.7 mm × 80.1 mm | |
| Power output | 88 kW (120 PS) | |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 1,750–2,250 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common-rail (up to 1,800 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5b (2013–2015); Euro 6 (2016–2018) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; low‑wear design) | |
| Oil type | GM dexos2 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM torque but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using GM dexos2 (5W-30) to protect turbo bearings and timing chain. The Bosch CP4.2 high-pressure fuel pump is sensitive to fuel contamination and low lubricity—only ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) should be used. Premature pump coupling wear, documented in SIB TIS‑16DTI‑07, can cause stalling; post-2016 engines include an updated coupling. DPF regeneration cycles must complete uninterrupted to avoid clogging. EGR cooler fouling is common in short-trip use and may require cleaning after 100,000 km.
Oil Specs: Requires GM dexos2 (5W-30) specification (Vauxhall Owner’s Manual 2014). Meets ACEA C3 but with GM-specific additives.
Emissions: Euro 5b applies to 2013–2015 builds; Euro 6 certification applies to 2016–2018 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across all markets (Vauxhall TIS Doc. T16DTI‑C).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs T16DTI‑A, T16DTI‑B, SIB TIS‑16DTI‑07
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall D 16 DTI was used across Vauxhall's Astra J, Meriva B, and Zafira Tourer platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Zafira Tourer for NVH control and unique exhaust routing in the Meriva—and from 2016 the addition of a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system on Euro 6 variants, creating minor ECU and exhaust differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filler neck (Vauxhall TIS T16DTI‑A). The 7th VIN digit is 'D' for 1.6L diesel engines. Pre-2016 units lack SCR and use ECU part number 13579022; post-2016 Euro 6 variants use ECU 13579038 with AdBlue control. Critical differentiation from B 16 DTH: D 16 DTI has a VGT turbo and higher torque output. Service parts for exhaust and ECU are not interchangeable across SCR boundaries (Vauxhall SIB TIS‑16DTI‑11).
The D 16 DTI's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump coupling failure, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to frequent short trips or fuel contamination. Vauxhall internal data (2017) indicated a notable failure rate in pre-2016 builds before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show increased DPF-related failures in high-mileage examples. Extended oil intervals and poor-quality diesel accelerate wear in the CP4.2 system, making fuel quality and maintenance 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 D-16-DTI.
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