The Vauxhall X 15 TD is a 1,496 cc, inline‑four turbocharged diesel engine produced between 2010 and 2018. It features common‑rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) with four valves per cylinder. In standard form it delivers 88 kW (120 PS) and 300 Nm of torque, prioritising urban drivability with strong low‑end pull.
Fitted to models such as the Astra J, Meriva B, and Zafira Tourer, the X 15 TD was engineered for compact MPVs and hatchbacks where fuel economy and emissions compliance were critical. Emissions control was achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), enabling Euro 5 compliance from launch and Euro 6 readiness in later variants.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive failure due to excessive wear on the camshaft lobe actuating the pump, noted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin 09‑022. This issue manifests as hard starting or loss of rail pressure and is linked to marginal lubrication under high thermal load. From mid‑2014, revised camshaft profiles and updated HPFP units were introduced to address the concern.
All production years 2010–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2018 models comply with Euro 6 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4321).
The Vauxhall X 15 TD is a 1,496 cc inline‑four turbocharged diesel engineered for compact hatchbacks and MPVs (2010–2018). It combines Bosch common‑rail injection with a single variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive low‑rpm torque and urban efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 5 and later Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances performance with stringent aftertreatment requirements.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,496 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel (EN 590) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.0 mm × 86.5 mm | |
| Power output | 88 kW (120 PS) @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 1,750–2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 1,800 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2010–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2018) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with electric auxiliary pump | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Garrett or BorgWarner) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | DEXOS2 5W‑30 (ACEA C3) | |
| Dry weight | 132 kg |
The compact VGT turbo provides brisk urban response but demands strict adherence to 15,000 km or 12-month oil change intervals using DEXOS2 5W-30 to protect the high-pressure fuel pump drive lobe and turbo bearings. The cam-driven HPFP is sensitive to oil degradation, making oil quality critical. Ultra-low sulfur diesel (EN 590) is required to prevent DPF clogging. Vehicles used for frequent short trips may experience DPF saturation; occasional highway driving is recommended. Post-2014 engines include revised camshaft lobes and updated HPFP units per Vauxhall SIB 09 022.
Oil Specs: Requires DEXOS2 5W-30 (ACEA C3) specification (Vauxhall Owner’s Manual). Not interchangeable with older DEXOS1 oils.
Emissions: Euro 5 applies to 2010–2014 models; full Euro 6 compliance from 2015 onward (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4321).
Power Ratings: Measured under UN ECE R85 standards on EN 590 diesel (Vauxhall TIS Doc. V-X15TD-ENG-01).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V-X15TD-ENG-01, V-X15TD-TURBO-02, SIB 09 022
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/4321)
UN Regulation No. 85 – Engine Power Measurement
The Vauxhall X 15 TD was used across Vauxhall's Delta II and GEM platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Opel across European markets. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Zafira Tourer and updated intake ducting in the Astra J—and from 2015 the Euro 6-compliant calibration with enhanced DPF regeneration logic, creating minor ECU interchange limits. 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 V-X15TD-ID-01). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('D' for 1.5 diesel). All X 15 TD units feature a black plastic cam cover with '1.5 CDTi' embossing and a variable-geometry turbo visible from the rear. Critical differentiation from earlier 1.3 CDTi: X 15 TD has a larger displacement, DPF in the exhaust, and Bosch CP4.2 high-pressure pump. ECU part numbers beginning with '96830712' denote pre-2015 Euro 5 units; '96830728' and later indicate Euro 6 variants.
The X 15 TD's primary reliability risk is camshaft lobe wear driving the high-pressure fuel pump in early builds, with elevated incidence in high-temperature or high-load usage. Vauxhall internal field data from 2016 indicated a measurable uptick in HPFP-related warranty claims for vehicles built before mid-2014, while UK DVSA data shows minimal DPF-related MOT failures due to robust regeneration logic. Frequent short-trip driving and delayed oil changes increase thermal stress on the cam lobe, making oil specification and service interval adherence 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 X-15-TD.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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