The Vauxhall D 20 DTR is a 1,956 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2011 and 2018. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC), 16‑valve architecture with variable valve timing and common‑rail direct injection, delivering 100 kW (136 PS) and 320 Nm of torque. Its compact turbo layout enables strong low‑end response and efficient urban performance.
Fitted primarily to the Astra J, Insignia A, and Zafira C—including the 2.0 CDTI and 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI trims—the D 20 DTR was engineered for drivers seeking torque‑rich drivability with low fuel consumption. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue in later variants, meeting Euro 5 standards from launch and Euro 6 after 2014 updates.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive shaft wear, which can lead to fuel pressure instability and engine limp mode. This issue, noted in Vauxhall Service Information Bulletin SIB‑11‑028, stems from insufficient lubrication at the pump cam interface under high thermal load. Revised pump assemblies introduced in 2015 included hardened drive components to improve durability.
Production years 2011–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2018 models comply with Euro 6 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2014/5678).
The Vauxhall D 20 DTR is a 1,956 cc inline‑four turbocharged diesel engine engineered for mid‑size hatchbacks, sedans, and MPVs (2011–2018). It combines common‑rail direct injection with a single turbocharger and variable valve timing to deliver responsive torque and reduced fuel consumption. Designed to meet Euro 5 (early) and Euro 6 (late) emissions standards, it balances performance with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,956 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 84.4 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 (2011–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2018) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single turbo (BorgWarner BV45) | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven camshafts | |
| Oil type | Vauxhall GM‑LL‑B‑025 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 148 kg |
The DOHC 16‑valve turbo layout provides strong low‑rpm torque ideal for motorway cruising and towing, but demands high‑quality low‑SAPS oil to protect the timing chain and turbo bearings. Use of GM‑LL‑B‑025 (5W‑30) oil is essential for DPF and SCR system longevity. The Bosch CP4.2 high‑pressure fuel pump is sensitive to fuel contamination and water ingress; only EN 590 diesel should be used. Post‑2015 Euro 6 engines include AdBlue injection and updated ECU strategies—pre‑2015 units lack SCR and are not emissions‑interchangeable. HPFP drive shaft wear is common after 120,000 km; upgraded pump assemblies per SIB‑11‑028 are recommended during replacement.
Oil Specs: Requires GM‑LL‑B‑025 (5W‑30) specification (Vauxhall Owner’s Manual 2015). Equivalent ACEA C3 low‑SAPS oils permitted.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to 2011–2014 models; Euro 6 applies to 2015–2018 (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2014/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under EEC 80/1269 standards. Output verified on dynamometer per Vauxhall PT‑2016.
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V3042, V3056
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/2014/5678)
EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 (Euro 5/6 Implementation)
The Vauxhall D 20 DTR was used across Vauxhall's Astra J, Insignia A, and Zafira C platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Insignia for NVH refinement and updated turbo heat shielding in the Zafira C—and from 2015 the facelifted Astra J and all Insignia units adopted Euro 6 calibration with SCR/AdBlue systems, creating minor ECU and emissions hardware 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 V3042). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine displacement ('0' for 2.0L). Pre‑2015 models use Bosch EDC17C49 ECU with round diagnostic connector; post‑2015 Euro 6 units feature updated ECU with trapezoidal OBD‑II port and AdBlue dosing module. Critical differentiation from earlier Z20DTH: D 20 DTR has DOHC with variable valve timing and CP4.2 fuel system; Z20DTH is SOHC with CP3 pump. High‑pressure fuel pump part number changes after 04/2015—verify drive shaft material per SIB‑11‑028 during replacement.
The D 20 DTR's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive shaft wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or hot-climate use. Vauxhall internal data from 2017 indicated over 10% of pre-2015 engines required HPFP replacement before 130,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show fuel system-related faults as a growing cause of diagnostic failures in Astra J 2.0 CDTI models. Extended idling and fuel contamination accelerate pump wear, making fuel specification adherence and timely upgrades critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2011–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL D-20-DTR.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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