The Vauxhall G9U 650 is a 2,188 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2012 and 2018. It features common‑rail direct injection, a variable‑geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivers 96 kW (130 PS) at 4,000 rpm and 320 Nm of torque at 1,750 rpm, offering strong low‑end pull for mid‑size vehicles.
Fitted to models such as the Insignia B and Zafira Tourer C, the G9U 650 was engineered for refined performance, fuel efficiency, and compliance with Euro 5b and Euro 6 emissions standards. Emissions control was achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection on Euro 6 variants.
One documented concern is premature failure of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive mechanism, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin 09‑063. This is attributed to marginal lubrication under high thermal load and extended service intervals. From mid‑2015, revised HPFP internals and updated engine calibration were introduced to mitigate the issue on Euro 6-compliant units.
Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5b standards; 2015–2018 models meet Euro 6 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Vauxhall G9U 650 is a 2,188 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for mid‑size sedans and MPVs (2012–2018). It combines common‑rail direct injection with a variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and efficient motorway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5b (early) and Euro 6 (late) standards, it balances performance with stringent emissions control.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,188 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel (EN 590) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (VGT) | |
| Bore × stroke | 84.0 mm × 98.5 mm | |
| Power output | 96 kW (130 PS) @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1,750–2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5b (2012–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2018) | |
| Compression ratio | 15.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with electric auxiliary pump | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (BorgWarner) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | DEXOS2 5W‑30 | |
| Dry weight | 165 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for motorway overtaking and load-carrying but requires strict adherence to oil change intervals (max 20,000 km or 12 months) to protect the HPFP drive mechanism and timing chain. DEXOS2‑approved 5W‑30 oil is critical to prevent HPFP wear and maintain turbo bearing life. Use only EN 590 ultra-low-sulfur diesel to avoid CP4.2 pump seizure. Euro 6 models require regular AdBlue top-ups and DPF regeneration cycles; occasional extended drives (>30 min) are recommended to maintain aftertreatment health. Post‑2015 engines include revised HPFP components per Vauxhall SIB 09‑063; pre‑2015 units benefit from proactive calibration updates and HPFP inspection.
Oil Specs: Requires GM DEXOS2 specification (Vauxhall Owner's Manual Insignia B 2013). ACEA C2/C3 oils are not approved.
Emissions: Euro 5b applies to 2012–2014 models; Euro 6 applies to 2015–2018 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output assumes EN 590 diesel fuel (Vauxhall TIS Doc. V‑ENG‑G9U‑04).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V‑ENG‑G9U‑01 through V‑ENG‑G9U‑05, SIB 09‑063
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Vauxhall G9U 650 was used across Vauxhall's Insignia B and Zafira Tourer C platforms with transverse mounting and licensed from Renault. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Zafira Tourer C and modified exhaust routing in the Insignia B—and from 2015 received updated HPFP hardware and SCR/AdBlue integration for Euro 6 compliance, 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 crankshaft pulley (Vauxhall TIS V‑ENG‑G9U‑02). The 7th VIN digit is 'G' for this engine family. Pre-2015 units lack AdBlue tank and use Euro 5b calibration; post-2015 revisions include SCR system and updated HPFP per SIB 09‑063. Visual differentiation: all G9U 650 units have black plastic cam covers with '2.0 CDTI' embossed. Do not confuse with higher-output G9U 651 (170 PS) which has different turbo and ECU. HPFP replacement requires matching production date to bulletin 09‑063 applicability.
The G9U 650's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive wear under sustained high-load conditions, with elevated incidence in pre-2015 builds. Vauxhall internal data from 2017 indicated a measurable uptick in HPFP-related warranty claims for early Euro 5b units before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA records show minimal emissions-related MOT failures due to robust aftertreatment design. Extended high-RPM operation and infrequent oil changes increase thermal stress on the HPFP, making fuel quality and maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2012–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL G9U-650.
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