The Vauxhall E 18 NVR is a 1,796 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2015 and 2020. It features port fuel injection, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing on the intake camshaft. In standard form it delivers 95 kW (129 PS) and 175 Nm of torque, with linear power delivery suited to urban and highway use.
Fitted to models such as the Astra K, Mokka X, and Cascada—including the 1.8 i variants—the E 18 NVR was engineered for reliability, serviceability, and low-cost ownership. Emissions compliance was achieved through a close‑coupled three‑way catalytic converter and precise air‑fuel ratio control, enabling Euro 6b compliance across all production years.
One documented concern is oil consumption in early-build units under sustained high-load conditions, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin PI0745. This is often linked to piston ring land design tolerances and thermal stress during repeated high-RPM operation. From mid‑2017, Vauxhall introduced revised piston ring packs with improved oil control to reduce consumption.
All production years (2015–2020) meet Euro 6b standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5123).
The Vauxhall E 18 NVR is a 1,796 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engineered for compact and crossover models (2015–2020). It combines port fuel injection with variable intake cam timing to deliver smooth, predictable power and low maintenance demands. Designed to meet Euro 6b, it prioritizes durability and emissions compliance over peak performance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,796 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, RON 95 min) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 77.4 mm | |
| Power output | 95 kW (129 PS) @ 6,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 175 Nm @ 3,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point port fuel injection (Bosch HDEV5) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b | |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with electric auxiliary pump | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | DEXOS2 5W‑30 (ACEA C3) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The naturally aspirated layout provides predictable throttle response and low mechanical complexity but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using DEXOS2 5W-30 to maintain piston ring sealing and timing chain longevity. Fuel must meet EN 228 standards; ethanol blends above E10 are not recommended. Early-build engines (pre-06/2017) may exhibit elevated oil consumption under sustained high-RPM use due to piston ring land tolerances. Revised ring packs from mid-2017 mitigate this. The front-mounted timing chain is considered lifetime but relies on clean oil; sludge from neglected changes may impair tensioner function.
Oil Specs: Requires DEXOS2 5W-30 (ACEA C3) specification (Vauxhall Owner's Manual 2016).
Emissions: Euro 6b certification applies to all 2015–2020 E 18 NVR engines (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5123).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output assumes RON 95 fuel (Vauxhall TIS Doc. TIS-E18NVR-04).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs TIS-E18NVR-01 to TIS-E18NVR-04, SIB PI0745
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5123)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall E 18 NVR was used across Vauxhall's Astra K, Mokka X, and Cascada platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Mokka X for NVH control and modified airbox routing in the Cascada—and from mid‑2017 the Astra K adopted updated piston ring hardware, creating minor service part distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crank pulley (Vauxhall TIS TIS-E18NVR-06). The 7th VIN digit for E 18 NVR applications is 'E'. All units feature black valve covers with integrated coil packs and no turbocharger. Critical differentiation from earlier 1.8 Z18XER: E 18 NVR uses a different intake cam phaser and updated ECU calibration. Service parts for piston rings (pre- and post-06/2017) are not interchangeable due to land profile changes per Vauxhall SIB PI0745.
The E 18 NVR's primary reliability risk is elevated oil consumption in early-build units under sustained high-load driving. Vauxhall internal field data (2018) indicated higher-than-expected oil usage in pre-06/2017 engines subjected to frequent motorway or mountain driving, while UK DVSA records show minimal emissions-related MOT failures linked to this engine. Thermal stress and ring land design make oil quality and driving profile critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2015–2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL E-18-NVR.
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VAUXHALL Official Site
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EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
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