The Vauxhall Z13DTE is a 1,248 cc, inline‑three turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2011 and 2018. It features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC), 12‑valve layout with common rail direct injection and a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT). In standard form it delivered 70 kW (95 PS) and 230 Nm of torque, providing responsive low‑end pull ideal for compact urban driving.
Fitted primarily to the Corsa E and Adam models—including the 1.3 CDTi variants—the Z13DTE was engineered for fuel efficiency and emissions compliance in subcompact applications. Emissions control was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), meeting Euro 5 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature failure of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) due to insufficient lubricity in low-sulfur diesel, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Information Bulletin SIB 09‑021. The Bosch CP4.2 pump design is sensitive to fuel quality and oil contamination, leading to hard starts or rail pressure faults. From 2015, revised fuel filters and updated calibration mitigated—but did not eliminate—this issue.
All production years (2011–2018) meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8921).
The Vauxhall Z13DTE is a 1,248 cc inline‑three turbo‑diesel engineered for subcompact hatchbacks (2011–2018). It combines Bosch common‑rail injection with a variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver brisk urban responsiveness and highway efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances compact packaging with low CO₂ output.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,248 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑3, DOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.0 mm × 97.0 mm | |
| Power output | 70 kW (95 PS) | |
| Torque | 230 Nm @ 1,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Variable‑geometry (Honeywell VNT15) | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven camshafts | |
| Oil type | GM Dexos2 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The compact three-cylinder layout delivers agile urban performance but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using GM Dexos2 (5W‑30) to protect the timing chain and HPFP. The Bosch CP4.2 pump is highly sensitive to fuel lubricity—only EN 590 ultra-low-sulfur diesel should be used to prevent premature wear. Extended idling and short trips accelerate DPF clogging; occasional highway runs (>2,000 rpm for 15+ minutes) are recommended. Pre-2015 engines should have fuel filter and HPFP inspected per SIB 09‑021 if rail pressure faults occur.
Oil Specs: Requires GM Dexos2 (5W‑30) specification (Vauxhall SIB 02‑018). Supersedes ACEA C3 requirements.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all Z13DTE production (2011–2018) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8921). No Euro 6 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output consistent across all model applications (Vauxhall TIS Doc. COR‑ENG‑013).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs COR‑ENG‑013, SIB 09‑021, SIB 02‑018
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8921)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Vauxhall Z13DTE was used across Vauxhall's Corsa E and Adam platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Adam for NVH refinement and revised airbox routing in the Corsa—and from 2015 minor ECU and injector updates improved cold-start behavior, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the rear of the cylinder block near the transmission flange (Vauxhall TIS COR‑ENG‑013). The 7th VIN digit is 'Z' for Z13DTE engines. Pre-2015 models use a silver Bosch ECU with round diagnostic port; post-2015 units feature black Continental ECU with rectangular port. Critical differentiation from petrol Z12XEP: Z13DTE has visible turbocharger, EGR valve, and DPF canister. Fuel pump kits are not interchangeable between pre- and post-2015 due to CP4.2 calibration changes (Vauxhall SIB 09‑021).
The Z13DTE's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure due to fuel lubricity issues, with elevated incidence in rural or infrequent-use vehicles. Vauxhall internal data from 2016 indicated over 8% of pre-2015 engines required HPFP replacement before 80,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show DPF-related smoke failures in 9% of Corsa E diesels from this era. Short-trip driving and poor fuel quality accelerate pump and filter degradation, making fuel specification and driving pattern critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2011–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL Z-13-DTE.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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VAUXHALL Official Site
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EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
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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