The Vauxhall Z17DTR is a 1,686 cc, inline‑four turbo‑charged diesel engine produced between 2006 and 2013. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 16 valves, and common‑rail direct fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 81 kW (110 PS) at 4,000 rpm and 250 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm, offering strong low‑end pull for compact and mid‑size applications.
Fitted to models such as the Astra H, Zafira B, and Corsa D, the Z17DTR was engineered for cost‑effective urban comm…
Production years 2006–2009 meet Euro 4 standards; 2010–2013 models meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2006/0945).
The Vauxhall Z17DTR is a 1,686 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact and mid‑size family vehicles (2006–2013). It combines common‑rail direct injection with a fixed‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 4 (and later Euro 5) emissions standards, it balances drivability with moderate fuel consumption.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,686 cc | |
Fuel type | Diesel | |
Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
Bore × stroke | 79.0 mm × 85.8 mm | |
Power output | 81 kW (110 PS) @ 4,000 rpm | |
Torque | 250 Nm @ 2,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch CP3 common‑rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 4 (2006–2009); Euro 5 (2010–2013) | |
Compression ratio | 16.4:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | Fixed‑geometry turbo (Garrett GT15) | |
Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, maintenance‑free design) | |
Oil type | GM‑LL‑B‑025 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
Dry weight | 134 kg |
The Vauxhall Z17DTR was used across Vauxhall's Astra H, Zafira B, and Corsa D platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Opel under GM’s global diesel strategy. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Zafira B and revised intake manifolds in the Astra H—and from 2010 the Euro 5 update introduced camshaft and ECU changes, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The Z17DTR's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump cam follower wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to frequent high-load operation or delayed oil changes. Vauxhall internal quality data from 2011 indicated a measurable uptick in CP3 pump replacements beyond 120,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show DPF-related advisories as a leading emissions concern in diesel Astra H and Zafira B models. Extended oil intervals and short-trip driving increase cam follower stress, making oil quality and change frequency critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2006–2013) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2023). 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 Z17DTR offers strong torque and good economy but has a known risk of high-pressure fuel pump cam follower wear if oil changes are delayed. Early models (2006–2009) are more susceptible; Euro 5 variants (2010–2013) feature improved camshafts. With strict 15,000 km oil intervals using GM‑LL‑B‑025 oil, many engines exceed 200,000 km reliably.
Top issues include cam follower wear leading to fuel pump failure, DPF clogging from short trips, EGR valve carbon buildup, and turbo oil seal leaks. These are documented in Vauxhall TSB‑06‑08‑12 and recurring UK MOT advisories related to emissions and smoke.
The Z17DTR powered the Astra H (2006–2013), Zafira B (2006–2011), and Corsa D (2007–2013) in 1.7 CDTi variants. It was also used in Opel equivalents (Astra, Zafira, Corsa) across Europe under GM’s shared diesel platform.
Yes. The Z17DTR responds well to ECU remapping (+10–20 kW) and exhaust upgrades. Stock internals support up to ~135 PS reliably. However, increased fueling accelerates cam follower wear—upgraded followers and enhanced oil cooling are recommended for tuned applications.
Excellent for its class. In an Astra H 1.7 CDTi, expect ~5.9 L/100km (city), ~4.1 L/100km (highway), or ~48 mpg UK combined. Real-world mixed driving typically yields 45–50 mpg UK. Economy degrades if DPF or EGR systems are malfunctioning.
Yes. The Z17DTR is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails (rare but possible), pistons can contact open valves, causing catastrophic damage. However, the chain is robust and designed to last the engine’s lifetime with proper oil maintenance.
Vauxhall specifies SAE 5W‑30 synthetic oil meeting GM‑LL‑B‑025 standard. Always use a quality ACEA C3‑compliant oil designed for diesel engines with DPF and change every 15,000 km or 12 months to protect the fuel pump cam follower and aftertreatment systems.
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.