The Vauxhall X 20 DTH is a 1,995 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2006 and 2011. It features common‑rail direct injection, a single variable‑geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivered 110 kW (150 PS) and 350 Nm of torque, with variable valve timing enhancing mid‑range responsiveness for mixed driving.
Fitted to models such as the Vectra C and Signum, the X 20 DTH was engineered for executive‑class efficiency, offering strong motorway cruising and low CO₂ emissions. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), allowing Euro 4 compliance across all markets.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower wear, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Information Bulletin 05‑10‑09. This issue is linked to marginal lubricity in certain diesel batches and exacerbated by extended oil change intervals or frequent short trips. From 2009, revised cam follower components were introduced to improve durability.
All production years (2006–2011) meet Euro 4 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5688).
The Vauxhall X 20 DTH is a 1,995 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for mid‑size and executive models (2006–2011). It combines Bosch common‑rail injection with a single variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong mid‑range torque and refined highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 4 standards, it balances performance with emissions control and fuel economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,995 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 84.0 mm × 90.0 mm | |
| Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) | |
| Torque | 350 Nm @ 1,750–2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP3.2 common‑rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | DEXOS2 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 160 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong mid-range torque ideal for mixed driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km or 12-month oil change intervals to protect the timing chain and fuel system. DEXOS2 (5W-30) oil is critical due to its low-SAPS formulation, which safeguards the DPF. Frequent short trips increase soot loading; occasional highway runs (≥60 km/h for 15+ minutes) are recommended to trigger passive DPF regeneration. The Bosch CP3.2 fuel pump demands ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) with adequate lubricity—avoid biodiesel blends above B7. Pre-2009 engines should be inspected for HPFP cam follower wear per SIB 05 10 09.
Oil Specs: Requires DEXOS2 (5W-30) specification (Vauxhall Owner Manual 2006+). Meets ACEA C3 and API SN standards.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all 2006–2011 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5688). Confirmed via NEDC testing.
Power Ratings: Measured under UN ECE R85. Output verified on NEDC-compliant dyno per Vauxhall PT‑2022.
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V1112, V1115, SIB 05 10 09
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5688)
EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 (Euro 4)
The Vauxhall X 20 DTH was used across Vauxhall's Epsilon platform with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—including revised engine mounts in the Vectra C and modified airbox routing in the Signum—and from 2009 the cam follower was updated to address wear concerns, 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 oil filler neck (Vauxhall TIS V1118). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('Q' for X 20 DTH). All units feature black plastic cam covers with integrated coil packs and a visible DPF in the exhaust system. Critical differentiation from other 2.0L diesels: X 20 DTH uses a CP3.2 high-pressure pump and front-mounted chain. Service parts for cam followers differ pre- and post-2009 per SIB 05 10 09.
The X 20 DTH's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump cam follower wear, with elevated incidence in pre‑2009 Vectra C/Signum models under frequent short‑trip or high‑load conditions. Vauxhall internal data from 2012 indicated a notable uptick in cam follower replacements before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA records show minimal DPF‑related MOT failures due to robust regeneration logic. Poor diesel quality and extended oil intervals accelerate wear, making fuel specification and maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2006–2011) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2007–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL X-20-DTH.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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VAUXHALL Official Site
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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