The Vauxhall X 14 NZ is a 1,389 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1993 and 1998. It features multi‑point fuel injection, a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), and 8 valves. In standard form it delivers 55 kW (75 PS) at 5,600 rpm and 118 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm, offering predictable and economical performance for compact city vehicles.
Fitted to models such as the Corsa B and Tigra A, the X 14 NZ was engineered for low running costs, reliability in stop-start urban driving, and compliance with Euro 1 emissions standards. Emissions control was achieved through a three‑way catalytic converter and electronic engine management, allowing baseline regulatory compliance across its production run.
One documented concern is premature wear of the timing belt tensioner pulley, noted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin 04‑009. This is attributed to marginal bearing lubrication under frequent thermal cycling and extended service intervals. From late 1996, revised tensioner materials and updated belt kits were introduced to improve service life.
All production years (1993–1998) meet Euro 1 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/1876).
The Vauxhall X 14 NZ is a 1,389 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for superminis and small coupes (1993–1998). It combines multi‑point fuel injection with SOHC architecture to deliver dependable urban performance and fuel economy. Designed to meet Euro 1 emissions standards, it prioritizes mechanical simplicity and ease of maintenance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,389 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 72.0 mm × 85.8 mm | |
| Power output | 55 kW (75 PS) @ 5,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 118 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch MPFI (multi‑point fuel injection) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 1 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.4:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Belt‑driven SOHC (replace every 60,000 km or 4 years) | |
| Oil type | ACEA A2/B2 or GM 9310M (10W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 98 kg |
The SOHC valvetrain provides mechanical simplicity ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to timing belt and oil change intervals (max 10,000 km or 12 months) to prevent tensioner pulley failure and cam wear. ACEA A2/B2 or GM 9310M 10W‑40 oil is essential for upper valvetrain and timing component lubrication. Use only RON 95+ fuel meeting EN 228 standards to avoid knock and injector fouling. Post‑1996 engines include revised tensioner pulleys per Vauxhall SIB 04‑009; pre‑1996 units benefit from proactive inspection of belt tensioner condition during major services.
Oil Specs: Requires ACEA A2/B2 or GM 9310M specification (Vauxhall Owner's Manual Corsa B 1994).
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies to all 1993–1998 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/1876).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output assumes RON 95 fuel (Vauxhall TIS Doc. V‑ENG‑X14‑05).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V‑ENG‑X14‑01 through V‑ENG‑X14‑05, SIB 04‑009
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/1876)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Vauxhall X 14 NZ was used across Vauxhall's Corsa B and Tigra A platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Tigra A and modified accessory drive routing in the Corsa B—and from late 1996 received updated timing belt tensioner kits, 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‑X14‑01). The 7th VIN digit is 'X' for this engine family. Pre-1996 units use early-design tensioner pulley; post-1996 revisions use updated bearing per SIB 04‑009. Visual differentiation: all X 14 NZ units have black plastic cam covers with '1.4i' embossed. Do not confuse with carburetted X 14 SE (8V) which lacks fuel injection and has different intake manifold. Timing belt kits are not interchangeable between pre- and post-1996 builds due to pulley profile changes.
The X 14 NZ's primary reliability risk is timing belt tensioner pulley failure under frequent stop-start urban use, with elevated incidence in pre-1996 builds. Vauxhall internal data from 1997 indicated a measurable uptick in belt-related breakdowns for early units before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show minimal emissions-related MOT failures due to robust catalyst design. Infrequent oil changes and low-quality oil increase upper valvetrain and timing component stress, making maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (1993–1998) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1995–2003). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL X-14-NZ.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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VAUXHALL Official Site
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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
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