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 com…
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 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.
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.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The X 15 TD is generally robust, but early models (2010–mid-2014) had camshaft lobe wear concerns affecting the HPFP. Post-2014 revisions significantly improved durability. With correct DEXOS2 5W-30 oil and timely servicing, the engine can exceed 200,000 km without major issues.
The main issues are camshaft lobe wear driving the HPFP (pre-2014), DPF saturation from short trips, EGR cooler leaks, and turbo actuator faults. All are documented in Vauxhall service bulletins and repair manuals.
The X 15 TD powers the Astra J (2010–2015), Meriva B (2010–2017), and Zafira Tourer (2011–2018) in 120 PS form. It is identical to the Opel 1.5 CDTi and was not used in SUVs like the Mokka.
Yes—ECU remaps typically yield +15–25 kW safely on stock hardware due to conservative factory calibration. However, tuning increases thermal load on the HPFP drive lobe and turbo, so upgraded cooling or fueling may be needed for sustained high-load use.
Official WLTP combined is ~4.2 L/100km (67 mpg UK). Real-world mixed driving typically achieves 4.8–5.8 L/100km (49–59 mpg UK), depending on driving style and DPF regeneration cycles.
Yes. Like all modern DOHC engines, the X 15 TD is an interference design. Timing chain failure (though rare due to robust design) could cause piston-to-valve contact.
Vauxhall mandates DEXOS2 5W‑30 (ACEA C3) synthetic oil. This low-SAPS oil protects the DPF and HPFP drive system. Never use older DEXOS1 or non-approved 10W‑40 oils.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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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.
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