The Vauxhall Z10XE is a 973 cc, inline‑three petrol engine produced between 1998 and 2003. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 12‑valve layout with multi‑point fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 40 kW (55 PS) at 5,600 rpm and 87 Nm of torque at 3,200 rpm, providing modest performance suited to urban commuting and light-duty use.
Fitted primarily to the Corsa B and Agila A, the Z10XE was engineered for fuel economy, low emissions, and compact packaging in entry‑level city cars. Emissions compliance was achieved through a closed-loop three‑way catalytic converter and electronic engine management, allowing adherence to Euro 2 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the timing belt tensioner pulley, highlighted in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑99‑07. This issue stems from early‑design plastic pulley bearings prone to seizing under thermal stress. From 2001 onward, Vauxhall updated the tensioner assembly with a metal‑bearing version to improve service life.
All production years (1998–2003) meet Euro 2 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9876).
The Vauxhall Z10XE is a 973 cc inline‑three petrol engine engineered for compact city cars (1998–2003). It combines multi‑point fuel injection with a SOHC 12‑valve head to deliver frugal fuel use and low emissions. Designed to meet Euro 2 standards, it balances urban drivability with mechanical simplicity.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 973 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑3, SOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 71.1 mm × 81.5 mm | |
| Power output | 40 kW (55 PS) @ 5,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 87 Nm @ 3,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic MPFI | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Belt‑driven (tensioner pulley prone to wear) | |
| Oil type | Vauxhall GM‑LL‑A‑025 (SAE 10W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 87 kg |
The SOHC 12-valve layout provides adequate low-RPM response for city driving but lacks high-end power. Timing belt replacement every 60,000 km or 4 years is critical due to interference design and documented tensioner pulley wear per TSB 99‑07. Use of GM‑LL‑A‑025 (10W‑40) oil ensures proper valve train lubrication and minimizes sludge in stop-start conditions. The Bosch MPFI system requires clean fuel and functioning oxygen sensors to maintain emissions compliance and fuel economy. Post-2001 engines include the revised metal-bearing tensioner—pre-2001 units should be upgraded during belt service.
Oil Specs: Requires GM‑LL‑A‑025 (10W‑40) specification (Vauxhall Owner’s Manual 1999). Equivalent ACEA A3/B3 oils permitted.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to all Z10XE models (1998–2003) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9876). No Euro 3 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under EEC 80/1269 standards. Power figures verified via VCA homologation testing.
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs TIS‑Z10XE‑01, TSB 99‑07
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9876)
EU Directive 98/69/EC (Euro 2 Implementation)
The Vauxhall Z10XE was used across Vauxhall's T200 platform with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-lightweight mounts in the Agila A and revised airbox routing in the Corsa B-and from 2001 the tensioner pulley was upgraded to a metal-bearing design, creating minor service part distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Vauxhall TIS Z10XE‑01). The 7th VIN digit is 'Z' for Z10XE-equipped vehicles. Pre-2001 models use a black plastic tensioner pulley; post-2001 units feature a grey metal-bearing pulley. Critical differentiation from Z10XEP: Z10XE lacks variable valve timing and uses a simpler intake manifold. Service parts for timing systems require production date verification—pre-2001 tensioners are not interchangeable with updated units (Vauxhall TSB 99‑07).
The Z10XE's primary reliability risk is timing belt tensioner pulley seizure on pre-2001 builds, with elevated incidence in high-temperature or extended-interval service. Vauxhall internal data from 2000 indicated a notable share of early engines requiring premature belt service due to pulley binding, while UK DVSA records show timing-related failures as a recurring MOT defect in neglected examples. Infrequent oil changes and missed belt intervals increase risk, making adherence to the 60,000 km service critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (1999–2003) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2005–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL Z-10-XE.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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VAUXHALL Official Site
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EUR-Lex
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GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
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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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