The Vauxhall Y30DT is a 2,993 cc, V6 turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2013 and 2018. It features a 24‑valve DOHC layout, common‑rail direct injection, and a twin‑turbo (sequential) system. In standard form it delivers 190 kW (258 PS) and 540–600 Nm of torque, enabling strong performance with refined cruising characteristics.
Fitted to the Insignia OPC/VXR and Cascada GSi, the Y30DT was engineered for high‑performance driving while maintaining diesel efficiency…
Production years 2013–2014 meet Euro 5b standards; 2015–2018 models comply with Euro 6 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Vauxhall Y30DT is a 2,993 cc V6 twin‑turbo diesel engineered for performance sedans and convertibles (2013–2018). It combines sequential twin‑turbocharging with high-pressure common-rail injection to deliver robust low-end torque and high-rpm power. Designed to meet Euro 5b and Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances sporty dynamics with diesel efficiency.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 2,993 cc | |
Fuel type | Diesel | |
Configuration | V6, DOHC, 24‑valve | |
Aspiration | Twin‑turbocharged (sequential) | |
Bore × stroke | 85.8 mm × 85.6 mm | |
Power output | 190 kW (258 PS) | |
Torque | 540–600 Nm @ 1,750–4,500 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 5b (2013–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2018) | |
Compression ratio | 16.0:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | Sequential twin‑turbo (Garrett & BorgWarner) | |
Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, dual‑stage) | |
Oil type | GM dexos2 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
Dry weight | 210 kg |
The Vauxhall Y30DT was used across Vauxhall's Insignia B and Cascada platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared with Opel under GM's global architecture. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced subframes in the Insignia OPC and revised cooling in the Cascada GSi—and from 2015 the Euro 6 update introduced new exhaust aftertreatment hardware, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The Y30DT's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear in early builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or track-driven vehicles. Vauxhall internal data from 2016 indicated a notable share of pre-2015 engines requiring HPFP replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased DPF-related MOT failures in urban-driven examples. Extended idling and poor fuel quality accelerate pump and aftertreatment degradation, making fuel specification and driving pattern critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2014–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016–2023). 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 Y30DT offers strong performance and refinement, but early models (2013–2014) had HPFP reliability concerns. Post-2015 revisions significantly improved durability. With proper maintenance—using GM dexos2 oil and EN 590 diesel—and avoiding excessive short trips, the engine can be robust beyond 200,000 km.
Top issues include high-pressure fuel pump wear, sequential turbo actuator faults, DPF clogging from urban use, and EGR cooler leaks. These are documented in Vauxhall TSB‑14‑089 and DVSA emissions data. Regular highway driving and correct fuel/oil mitigate most risks.
The Y30DT powered the Insignia OPC (2013–2017) and Cascada GSi (2014–2018) in the UK. It was also used in Opel Insignia OPC across Europe. All are 2.0L BiTurbo CDTI variants with 258 PS. No other Vauxhall models used this specific V6-derived twin-turbo diesel.
Yes. Stage 1 ECU remaps typically yield +30–50 kW safely, as the stock internals handle torque well. Supporting upgrades (intercooler, downpipe, DPF delete where legal) can push output further. However, HPFP and turbo reliability must be verified before aggressive tuning.
Real-world consumption is ~8.5 L/100km (city) and ~5.8 L/100km (highway), or ~33 mpg UK combined in the Insignia OPC. Aggressive driving reduces this to ~28 mpg, while gentle highway use can reach 40 mpg. DPF regeneration cycles temporarily increase consumption.
Yes. The Y30DT is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails or jumps, piston-to-valve contact can cause catastrophic damage. However, the front-mounted dual-stage chain is generally robust with proper oil changes and has no widespread failure history like some inline-four diesels.
Vauxhall specifies GM dexos2 (SAE 5W‑30) synthetic oil. This is critical for HPFP lubrication and DPF compatibility. Oil changes should occur every 15,000 km or 12 months. Using non-dexos2 oil risks increased soot, turbo wear, and aftertreatment damage.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with VAUXHALL or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
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.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialVAUXHALL documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed”.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.