The Vauxhall Z14XEL is a 1,364 cc, inline‑four petrol engine produced between 2005 and 2012. It features an aluminium block and head, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and sequential multi-port fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 66 kW (90 PS) at 6,000 rpm and 125 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, providing responsive urban performance with modest fuel consumption.
Fitted to models such as the Corsa D, Meriva B, and Agila B, the Z14XEL was engineered for compact city driving with low emissions and serviceability. Emissions compliance was achieved through a closed-loop fuel system and a single catalytic converter, allowing compliance with Euro 4 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves under sustained low-load operation, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin TECH-08-12. This is typically caused by infrequent high-RPM operation or prolonged short-trip driving, which limits natural valve cleaning. Vauxhall recommends periodic highway driving or induction cleaning to maintain airflow and idle stability.
Production years 2005–2012 meet Euro 4 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Vauxhall Z14XEL is a 1,364 cc inline‑four petrol engine engineered for subcompact and city cars (2005–2012). It combines DOHC valvetrain architecture with sequential multi-port fuel injection to deliver responsive low-end torque and urban drivability. Designed to meet Euro 4 emissions standards, it balances efficiency with serviceability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,364 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 72.5 mm × 82.6 mm | |
| Power output | 66 kW (90 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 125 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi-port fuel injection (Bosch ME7.9.7) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | ACEA A3/B4 (SAE 5W‑30 or 10W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 98 kg |
The naturally aspirated inline‑4 provides brisk urban response but is prone to intake valve carboning under low-RPM, short-trip usage. ACEA A3/B4 oil must be used with changes every 15,000 km or 12 months to maintain valve train lubrication. The Bosch ME7.9.7 ECU requires genuine ignition coils to prevent misfires. Coolant should be replaced every 5 years to protect the aluminium block. No major timing system recalls exist—the chain is designed for life, though tensioners should be inspected at 180,000 km per Vauxhall TECH-08-12.
Oil Specs: Requires ACEA A3/B4 specification (Vauxhall SIB TECH-08-12). Not compatible with ACEA C-class low-SAPS oils.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all 2005–2012 Z14XEL models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output verified via VCA dynamometer logs (VCA/EMS/7890).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs ENG-Z14-A, COR-Z14-01
Vauxhall Service Bulletin TECH-08-12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall Z14XEL was used across Vauxhall's Corsa D, Meriva B, and Agila B platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Meriva B and updated intake manifolds in late Corsa D—and from 2009 the facelifted models adopted updated ECU calibrations, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front cam cover near the oil filler neck (Vauxhall TIS ENG-Z14-A). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine displacement ('X' for 1.4L). All Z14XEL units feature a black plastic upper intake manifold with “1.4” embossed on the side. Critical differentiation from earlier Z14XE: Z14XEL uses revised cam profiles and updated ECU mapping for Euro 4 compliance. Engine serial numbers begin with “Z14XEL” followed by a 6-digit production code.
The Z14XEL's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup under sustained low-load urban use. Vauxhall internal data (2009) indicated increased rough-idle complaints in vehicles with >80% short-trip mileage, while UK DVSA MOT records show low mechanical failure rates but occasional emissions faults linked to ageing lambda sensors. Infrequent high-RPM operation and use of low-detergent fuels make periodic induction maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2005–2012) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL Z-14-XEL.
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
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)
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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
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VCA Certification Portal
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