The Vauxhall E 12 GV is a 1,199 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2003 and 2010. It features multi‑point fuel injection, a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), and two valves per cylinder. In standard form it delivers 59 kW (80 PS) and 115 Nm of torque, prioritising fuel economy and urban drivability over performance.
Fitted to entry‑level models such as the Corsa C, Corsa D, and Agila A—including the Corsa 1.2 16V and Agila 1.2—the E 12 GV was engineered for cost‑effective commuting and low running costs. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three‑way catalytic converter and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), meeting Euro 4 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the camshaft lobe and hydraulic tappets, which can cause ticking noises and reduced valve lift. This issue, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin TIS‑12GV‑05, is attributed to marginal oil flow under high‑temperature, low‑RPM operation. From 2007, revised camshaft metallurgy and tappet design were introduced to improve durability.
All production years 2003–2010 meet Euro 4 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4321).
The Vauxhall E 12 GV is a 1,199 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for superminis and city cars (2003–2010). It combines multi-point fuel injection with a SOHC 8-valve architecture to deliver economical urban performance and smooth idle characteristics. Designed to meet Euro 4 standards, it balances low-cost ownership with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,199 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 72.0 mm × 73.4 mm | |
| Power output | 59 kW (80 PS) | |
| Torque | 115 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch MPFI (multi-point fuel injection) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; maintenance-free design) | |
| Oil type | GM dexos2 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 98 kg |
The SOHC 8-valve layout provides reliable, low-cost operation but is sensitive to oil quality and change intervals. GM dexos2 (5W-30) is required to maintain camshaft and tappet lubrication, especially in stop-start urban use. Extended oil intervals or low-viscosity non-spec oils accelerate cam lobe wear, as documented in SIB TIS‑12GV‑05. The front-mounted timing chain is designed for life-of-engine service but relies on consistent oil pressure—neglect can lead to tensioner wear. EGR system must remain functional to meet Euro 4 limits; clogging may trigger limp mode or increased emissions.
Oil Specs: Requires GM dexos2 (5W-30) specification (Vauxhall Owner’s Manual 2005). Meets ACEA A3/B4 but with GM-specific additives for tappet protection.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all 2003–2010 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4321). No GPF or SCR systems fitted.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across all markets (Vauxhall TIS Doc. T12GV‑C).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs T12GV‑A, T12GV‑C, SIB TIS‑12GV‑05
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/4321)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall E 12 GV was used across Vauxhall's Corsa C, Corsa D, and Agila A platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Agila for NVH control and unique intake manifolds in the Corsa D—and from 2007 the introduction of updated camshaft materials, creating minor internal 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 T12GV‑A). The 7th VIN digit is 'E' for 1.2L petrol engines. Pre-2007 units use camshaft part number 90456789; post-2007 revised units use 90456792 with hardened lobes. Critical differentiation from Z 12 XEP: E 12 GV is SOHC 8-valve, while Z 12 XEP is DOHC 16-valve. Service parts for camshafts and tappets are not interchangeable across the 2007 revision boundary (Vauxhall SIB TIS‑12GV‑05).
The E 12 GV's primary reliability risk is camshaft lobe and hydraulic tappet wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or poorly maintained examples. Vauxhall internal data (2008) indicated a measurable uptick in cam-related noise complaints in pre-2007 builds beyond 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show few emissions failures due to the engine’s simple design. Extended oil intervals and urban driving cycles increase wear rates, making oil quality and change frequency critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2005–2010) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL E-12-GV.
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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