The Vauxhall U 25 DT is a 2,499 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2018 and 2024. It features a DOHC 16‑valve layout, gasoline direct injection, and a single‑scroll turbocharger, delivering 169 kW (230 PS) and 350 Nm of torque. Variable valve timing and a lightweight aluminium block enable responsive performance and improved thermal efficiency.
Fitted to models such as the Insignia B and Grandland—including the 2.5 Turbo variants—the U 25 DT was engineered for sporty driving dynamics and relaxed motorway cruising. Emissions compliance was achieved through a close‑coupled three‑way catalytic converter, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and a gasoline particulate filter (GPF), allowing full Euro 6d compliance from launch.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves due to the direct injection system, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin 12‑075. This is often linked to frequent short‑trip driving or infrequent oil changes. In 2021, Vauxhall updated the crankcase ventilation system and introduced revised calibration to reduce oil vapour ingestion.
Production years 2018–2024 meet Euro 6d standards across all markets (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9234).
The Vauxhall U 25 DT is a 2,499 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for mid‑size and SUV models (2018–2024). It combines gasoline direct injection with a single‑scroll turbocharger to deliver brisk acceleration and smooth power delivery. Designed to meet Euro 6d emissions standards, it balances performance with regulatory compliance and fuel efficiency.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,499 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 107.0 mm | |
| Power output | 169 kW (230 PS) @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 350 Nm @ 1,750–4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDP6 high-pressure direct injection (up to 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single‑scroll turbo (Honeywell Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | GM dexos2 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The turbocharged layout provides strong mid-range pull and highway overtaking capability but requires adherence to 15,000 km or 12-month oil change intervals using GM dexos2 (5W-30) to protect the turbo bearing and timing chain. The Bosch HDP6 fuel system demands EN 228-compliant 95 RON (or higher) petrol to prevent injector coking. Short-trip driving may accelerate carbon buildup on intake valves due to the absence of fuel-wash effect in direct-injection systems. Post-2021 engines include an updated crankcase ventilation system per Vauxhall SIB 12 075 to reduce oil vapour carryover.
Oil Specs: Requires GM dexos2 (5W-30) specification (Vauxhall SIB 12 075). Equivalent to ACEA C5 but with GM-specific additive limits.
Emissions: Euro 6d certification applies to all 2018–2024 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9234). No market-specific deviations.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Full 169 kW output requires 95 RON minimum fuel (Vauxhall TIS Doc. V80200).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V80110, V80115, V80200, SIB 12 075
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9234)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall U 25 DT was used across Vauxhall's Insignia B and Grandland platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Grandland for NVH refinement and compact exhaust manifolds in the Insignia—and from 2021 the Grandland LCI adopted updated CCV hardware, 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 V80130). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('U' for U25 series). All U 25 DT units feature a black plastic cam cover with '2.5 Turbo' badge. Critical differentiation from naturally aspirated 2.5: U 25 DT has a visible turbocharger on the exhaust manifold and high-pressure fuel rail. Crankcase ventilation components changed in 2021—pre-2021 CCV assemblies (GM 55601230) are not interchangeable with post-2021 units (GM 55601231) due to vapour separator redesign (Vauxhall SIB 12 075).
The U 25 DT's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup due to direct injection, with elevated incidence in vehicles used for frequent short trips. Vauxhall internal data from 2022 indicated increased service visits for intake cleaning before 80,000 km, while UK DVSA records show no significant GPF‑related MOT failures linked to this engine. Driving pattern and oil change discipline make carbon accumulation critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2018–2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2019–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL U-25-DT.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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