The Vauxhall G9U 720 is a 2,188 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2010 and 2019 under licence from Renault. It features a single variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), common‑rail direct injection, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) with 16 valves. In standard form it delivers 96 kW (130 PS) and 320 Nm of torque, providing strong low‑end pull for mid‑size crossovers and light commercial vehicles.
Fitted to models such as the Vauxhall Vivaro A, Zafira Tourer C, and Insignia A, the G9U 720 was engineered for durability, towing capability, and everyday utility. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), allowing adherence to Euro 5 standards across its production run.
One documented concern is premature failure of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP), noted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin PI0819. This is attributed to thermal stress and marginal lubricity in early-design Bosch CP3.4 internals under sustained high-load conditions. From 2014, revised HPFP components and updated engine control software were introduced to improve reliability.
All production years (2010–2019) meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Vauxhall G9U 720 is a 2,188 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered under Renault licence for mid-size passenger and light commercial vehicles (2010–2019). It combines common-rail direct injection with a variable-geometry turbocharger to deliver robust low-rpm torque and towing capability. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances utility with regulatory compliance.
| 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 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP3.4 common‑rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 15.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | DEXOS2 5W‑30 (ACEA C3) | |
| Dry weight | 148 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-end torque ideal for towing and urban driving but requires consistent use of EN 590 diesel and DEXOS2 oil to protect the high-pressure fuel system and turbo bearings. Extended oil change intervals beyond 20,000 km or 12 months may accelerate wear in the Bosch CP3.4 pump and timing chain. The DPF requires periodic highway driving (>60 km/h for 15+ minutes) to enable passive regeneration. Vauxhall SIB PI0819 recommends replacing the HPFP with updated part number (13612840) for pre-2014 engines exhibiting rail pressure faults.
Oil Specs: Requires DEXOS2 5W-30 (ACEA C3) specification (Vauxhall Owner's Manual Vivaro A 2012). Not interchangeable with DEXOS1.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all 2010–2019 G9U 720 engines (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). DPF is fitted on all units.
Power Ratings: Measured under EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007. Output assumes EN 590 diesel and ambient conditions per ISO 1585.
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs TIS-G9U-01, TIS-G9U-02, TIS-G9U-03
Vauxhall Service Bulletin PI0819
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
The Vauxhall G9U 720 was used across Vauxhall's Vivaro A, Zafira Tourer C, and Insignia A platforms with transverse mounting under licence from Renault. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Vivaro for commercial load tolerance and modified exhaust routing in the Insignia—and from 2014 minor fuel system updates were introduced to address HPFP durability, creating service part interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil pump (Vauxhall TIS TIS-G9U-01). The 7th and 8th VIN digits identify engine variant ('G9' for G9U series). All units use Bosch EDC16C39 ECU with silver casing. Critical differentiation from 2.0 BiTurbo: G9U 720 has single VGT turbo and 130 PS output. Service parts for fuel system require production date verification—HPFPs before 01/2014 use part number 13598720; later units use 13612840 with revised internals (Vauxhall SIB PI0819).
The G9U 720's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear in early builds, with elevated incidence in sustained high-load or hot-climate use. Vauxhall internal data from 2015 indicated a measurable uptick in HPFP replacements before 100,000 km for 2010–2013 units, while UK DVSA records show DPF-related warning lights as the second-most common emissions fault in urban-driven examples. Extended oil intervals and low-quality fuel amplify HPFP and turbo stress, making adherence to DEXOS2 oil and EN 590 diesel critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2012–2019) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL G9U-720.
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VAUXHALL Official Site
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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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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