The Vauxhall R9M 452 is a 1,749 cc, inline‑four turbocharged diesel engine produced between 2018 and 2023 under licence from Renault. 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) and 300 Nm of torque, offering responsive low-end delivery and efficient motorway cruising.
Fitted to compact and mid-size models such as the Astra K, Grandland X, and Crossland—including the Astra 1.5 CDTI 130 and Grandland 1.5 BlueHDi—the R9M 452 was engineered for urban efficiency, low CO₂ output, and compliance with stringent emissions regulations. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue, meeting Euro 6d TEMP and Euro 6d standards.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump drive coupling due to marginal lubrication under thermal stress, which can cause sudden rail pressure loss. This issue, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin TIS‑R9M‑21, is attributed to material fatigue in early pump couplings. From 2020, revised couplings with enhanced metallurgy were introduced to improve durability.
All production years 2018–2023 meet Euro 6d TEMP (2018–2019) and Euro 6d (2020–2023) standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/10112).
The Vauxhall R9M 452 is a 1,749 cc inline‑four turbocharged diesel engineered for compact hatchbacks, SUVs, and crossovers (2018–2023). It combines Bosch common-rail injection with a single variable-geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive low-RPM torque and efficient highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6d TEMP and Euro 6d emissions standards, it integrates AdBlue-based SCR for stringent NOx control.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,749 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (VGT) | |
| Bore × stroke | 78.0 mm × 91.1 mm | |
| Power output | 96 kW (130 PS) | |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 1,750–2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common-rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d TEMP (2018–2019); Euro 6d (2020–2023) | |
| Compression ratio | 15.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; low‑wear design) | |
| Oil type | GM dexos2 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 132 kg |
The VGT turbo delivers responsive low-end torque ideal for urban driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using GM dexos2 (5W-30) to protect turbo bearings and timing chain. The Bosch CP4.2 high-pressure fuel pump is highly sensitive to fuel lubricity—only EN 590 ultra-low-sulfur diesel should be used. Early R9M 452 units (2018–2019) are prone to fuel pump drive coupling fatigue, as documented in SIB TIS‑R9M‑21; post-2020 engines include an updated coupling. AdBlue consumption must be monitored, and DPF/SCR systems require full regeneration cycles to avoid limp mode or start inhibition.
Oil Specs: Requires GM dexos2 (5W-30) specification (Vauxhall Owner’s Manual 2019). Meets ACEA C5 but with GM-specific additives for SCR compatibility.
Emissions: Euro 6d TEMP applies to 2018–2019 builds; Euro 6d certification applies to 2020–2023 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/10112).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across all markets (Vauxhall TIS Doc. TR9M‑C).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs TR9M‑A, TR9M‑B, SIB TIS‑R9M‑21
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/10112)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall R9M 452 was used across Vauxhall's Astra K, Grandland X, and Crossland platforms with transverse mounting under licence from Renault. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Grandland for NVH control and unique exhaust routing in the Crossland—and from 2020 the refinement of SCR calibration for Euro 6d compliance, creating minor ECU differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filler neck (Vauxhall TIS TR9M‑A). The 7th VIN digit is 'R' for 1.5L diesel engines. Pre-2020 units use fuel pump coupling part number 8200789012; post-2020 revised units use 8200789016 with improved fatigue resistance. Critical differentiation from R9M 450: R9M 452 produces 130 PS, while R9M 450 produces 115 PS and uses a different ECU map. Service parts for exhaust and ECU are not interchangeable across power variants (Vauxhall SIB TIS‑R9M‑22).
The R9M 452's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump coupling failure, with elevated incidence in pre-2020 builds subjected to frequent short trips or poor-quality diesel. Vauxhall internal data (2021) indicated a measurable uptick in fuel system complaints in early production engines before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show AdBlue-related warnings as a growing failure mode in high-mileage examples. Extended oil intervals and low-lubricity fuel accelerate wear in the CP4.2 system, making fuel quality and maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2018–2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2020–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL R9M-452.
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