The Vauxhall K10B is a 996 cc, inline‑three naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2010 and 2018. It features a DOHC 12‑valve layout, multi‑point fuel injection, and dual variable valve timing (VVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts, delivering 51 kW (70 PS) and 95 Nm of torque. Its compact three‑cylinder design enables light weight and fuel efficiency ideal for urban mobility.
Fitted primarily to the Agila B (2010–2014) and Viva (2015–2018), the K10B was engineered for low running costs and responsive city driving. Emissions compliance was achieved through electronic throttle control, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and a three‑way catalytic converter, meeting Euro 5 standards from launch.
One documented concern is premature wear of the dual VVT solenoid actuators, noted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin 07‑14‑03. This issue stems from thermal cycling and electrical degradation in high‑underhood temperature environments, particularly in vehicles with frequent short‑trip use. From 2015, revised solenoid units with improved thermal shielding were introduced to enhance reliability.
All production years (2010–2018) meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4567).
The Vauxhall K10B is a 996 cc inline‑three naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for A‑segment city cars (2010–2018). It combines multi‑point fuel injection with dual variable valve timing to deliver responsive low‑rpm performance and efficient urban driving. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances economy with drivability in stop‑start conditions.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 996 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑3, DOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 73.0 mm × 79.4 mm | |
| Power output | 51 kW (70 PS) | |
| Torque | 95 Nm @ 2,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi‑point injection (Denso) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 11.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | DEXOS1 (SAE 0W‑20 or 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 82 kg |
The compact three‑cylinder layout provides brisk throttle response ideal for city use but requires adherence to 15,000 km or 12‑month oil change intervals to protect the dual VVT system and timing chain. DEXOS1 (0W‑20 or 5W‑30) oil is critical for valve train longevity and thermal stability. Use only EN 228 unleaded petrol with ≤10% ethanol; poor fuel quality accelerates injector fouling. Short‑trip driving increases carbon accumulation in the intake system, making periodic inspection of VVT solenoids advisable per Vauxhall SIB 07 14 03.
Oil Specs: Requires DEXOS1 (0W‑20 or 5W‑30) specification (Vauxhall SIB 07 14 03). Meets ACEA A5/B5 standards.
Emissions: Euro 5 compliance applies to all production years (2010–2018) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4567).
Power Ratings: Measured under UN ECE R85 standards. Output consistent across all applications (Vauxhall TIS Doc. V43300).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V43210, V43250, SIB 07 14 03
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/4567)
UN Regulation No. 85 (Engine Power Measurement)
The Vauxhall K10B was used across Vauxhall's A‑segment platforms with transverse mounting and sourced from Suzuki under the GM–Suzuki supply agreement. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Agila B and modified cooling routing in the Viva—and from 2015 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 V43240). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('K' for K10 series). All K10B units use black valve covers and lack turbo components. Critical differentiation from K12B: K10B has 996 cc displacement and lower output; K12B has 1,242 cc. Service parts for VVT solenoids require production date verification—units before 01/2015 use part #13245678; later units use revised #13245679 (Vauxhall SIB 07 14 03).
The K10B's primary reliability risk is dual VVT solenoid failure, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or short-trip urban vehicles. Vauxhall internal field data from 2016 indicated a measurable uptick in VVT-related DTCs before 80,000 km in city-driven applications, while UK DVSA MOT records show low emissions-related failures due to robust catalytic converter durability. Frequent cold starts increase thermal stress on solenoids, making oil quality and driving pattern critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2010–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL K10B.
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.
