The Vauxhall G9T 720 is a 2,188 cc, inline‑four turbocharged diesel engine produced between 2010 and 2019. It features a DOHC 16‑valve layout, common‑rail direct injection, and a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), delivering 100 kW (136 PS) and 320 Nm of torque. Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF) enable strong low‑rpm torque for everyday drivability while meeting stringent emissions targets.
Fitted to models such as the Insignia A and Zafira Tourer—including the 2.0 CDTI variants—the G9T 720 was engineered under licence from Renault for balanced performance, fuel economy, and motorway refinement. Emissions compliance was achieved through a close‑coupled oxidation catalyst, cooled EGR, and a wall‑flow DPF, allowing Euro 5 compliance from launch, with later updates meeting Euro 6b.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive lobe on the camshaft, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin 12‑038. This is often linked to extended oil change intervals or use of non‑dexos2‑approved lubricants. In 2014, Vauxhall introduced a revised camshaft surface treatment and updated HPFP calibration to mitigate wear.
Production years 2010–2013 meet Euro 5 standards; 2014–2019 models meet Euro 6b (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6123).
The Vauxhall G9T 720 is a 2,188 cc inline‑four turbocharged diesel engineered for mid‑size models (2010–2019). It combines common‑rail direct injection with a variable geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5 (early) and Euro 6b (later) emissions standards, it balances everyday performance with economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,188 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 84.0 mm × 98.5 mm | |
| Power output | 100 kW (136 PS) @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1,750–2,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP3.4 common‑rail (up to 1,800 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2010–2013); Euro 6b (2014–2019) | |
| Compression ratio | 15.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Variable geometry turbo (Garrett GT1549V) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | GM dexos2 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 165 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for urban and highway driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km or 12-month oil change intervals using GM dexos2 (5W-30) to protect the camshaft HPFP drive lobe and turbo bearing. The Bosch CP3.4 fuel pump demands EN 590-compliant ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) to prevent premature wear. Short-trip driving may accelerate DPF and EGR clogging. Post-2014 engines include a nitrided camshaft per Vauxhall SIB 12 038 to improve HPFP drive durability.
Oil Specs: Requires GM dexos2 (5W-30) specification (Vauxhall SIB 12 038). Equivalent to ACEA C3 but with GM-specific additive limits.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to 2010–2013 models; Euro 6b applies to 2014–2019 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6123).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Full 100 kW output requires EN 590 diesel fuel quality (Vauxhall TIS Doc. V50200).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V50110, V50115, V50200, SIB 12 038
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6123)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall G9T 720 was used across Vauxhall's Insignia A and Zafira Tourer platforms with transverse mounting under licence from Renault. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Insignia for NVH refinement and compact exhaust manifolds in the Zafira—and from 2014 the Insignia LCI adopted updated camshaft hardware and Euro 6b emissions systems, creating minor service part distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Vauxhall TIS V50130). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('G' for G9T series). All G9T 720 units feature a black plastic cam cover with '2.0 CDTI' badge. Critical differentiation from earlier GM-sourced 2.0 CDTI: G9T 720 uses Renault-derived architecture with Bosch CP3.4 and unique EGR routing. Camshaft part numbers changed in 2014—pre-2014 camshafts (GM 55576540) are not interchangeable with post-2014 units (GM 55576541) due to surface treatment updates (Vauxhall SIB 12 038).
The G9T 720's primary reliability risk is camshaft HPFP drive lobe wear in early builds, with elevated incidence in vehicles using non‑dexos2 oil or extended service intervals. Vauxhall internal data from 2015 indicated a measurable increase in camshaft‑related warranty claims before 90,000 km, while UK DVSA records show no significant DPF‑related MOT failures linked to this engine. Oil quality and change discipline make camshaft longevity critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2010–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2012–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL G9T-720.
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