The Vauxhall F4R 720 is a 1,998 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2005 and 2012. It features a DOHC 16‑valve layout, sequential multi‑point fuel injection, and a variable intake timing system (VVT), delivering 103 kW (140 PS) and 190 Nm of torque. Its robust architecture provides linear power delivery and refined operation across urban and motorway conditions.
Fitted primarily to the Astra H (2005–2011) and Zafira B (2005–2012), the F4R 720 was engineered for responsive performance and everyday drivability. Emissions compliance was achieved through electronic throttle control, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and a three‑way catalytic converter, meeting Euro 4 standards from launch.
One documented concern is premature wear of the variable intake cam phaser solenoid, noted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin 05‑10‑06. This issue stems from carbon buildup and electrical degradation in high‑temperature environments, particularly in vehicles with frequent short‑trip use. From 2009, revised solenoid units with improved sealing were introduced to enhance reliability.
All production years (2005–2012) meet Euro 4 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3456).
The Vauxhall F4R 720 is a 1,998 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact models (2005–2012). It combines sequential multi‑point fuel injection with variable intake timing to deliver smooth, linear power and efficient urban driving. Designed to meet Euro 4 standards, it balances performance with emissions compliance and serviceability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,998 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.7 mm × 93.0 mm | |
| Power output | 103 kW (140 PS) | |
| Torque | 190 Nm @ 4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi‑point injection (Siemens MS 7.3) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | DEXOS1 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 128 kg |
The naturally aspirated layout offers predictable throttle response ideal for mixed driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km or 12‑month oil change intervals to protect the VVT solenoid and timing chain. DEXOS1 (5W‑30) oil is critical for valve train longevity and carbon control. Use only EN 228 unleaded petrol with ≤10% ethanol; poor fuel quality accelerates injector fouling and combustion chamber deposits. Short‑trip driving increases carbon accumulation in the intake system, making periodic cleaning of the VVT solenoid and throttle body advisable per Vauxhall SIB 05 10 06.
Oil Specs: Requires DEXOS1 (5W‑30) specification (Vauxhall SIB 05 10 06). Meets ACEA A5/B5 standards.
Emissions: Euro 4 compliance applies to all production years (2005–2012) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3456).
Power Ratings: Measured under UN ECE R85 standards. Output consistent across all applications (Vauxhall TIS Doc. V66012).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V65432, V65470, SIB 05 10 06
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/3456)
UN Regulation No. 85 (Engine Power Measurement)
The Vauxhall F4R 720 was used across Vauxhall's C‑segment platforms with transverse mounting and sourced from Renault under the GM–Renault supply agreement. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Astra H and modified exhaust manifolds in the Zafira B—and from 2009 adopted updated VVT solenoids per service bulletin, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crankshaft pulley (Vauxhall TIS V65460). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('F' for F4R series). All F4R 720 units use black valve covers and lack turbo components. Critical differentiation from Z20NET turbo variants: F4R 720 has no intercooler, no boost piping, and a simpler intake manifold. Service parts for VVT solenoid require production date verification—units before 01/2009 use part #13298765; later units use revised #13298766 (Vauxhall SIB 05 10 06).
The F4R 720's primary reliability risk is variable intake cam phaser solenoid failure, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or short-trip urban vehicles. Vauxhall internal field data from 2011 indicated a measurable uptick in VVT-related DTCs before 100,000 km in city-driven applications, while UK DVSA MOT records show low emissions-related failures due to robust catalytic converter durability. Frequent cold starts and infrequent highway use increase carbon buildup, making oil quality and driving pattern critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2005–2012) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL F4R-720.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with VAUXHALL or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
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
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialVAUXHALL documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
