The Vauxhall Z19DTH is a 1,910 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2006 and 2011. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) layout with 16 valves, common-rail direct injection, and a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT). In standard form it delivered 96 kW (130 PS) and 320 Nm of torque, providing strong low-end pull and efficient motorway cruising.
Fitted to models such as the Astra H, Zafira B, and Vectra C, the Z19DTH was engineered for drivers seeking a balance of fuel economy, torque, and long-distance refinement. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), allowing it to meet Euro 4 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogging under frequent short-trip driving, which can trigger limp mode and regeneration failures. This issue, referenced in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TIS 09‑01‑06, is linked to insufficient exhaust temperatures for passive regeneration. Vauxhall later updated DPF control strategies and recommended extended highway driving to maintain filter health.
All production years 2006–2011 meet Euro 4 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5123).
The Vauxhall Z19DTH is a 1,910 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact and mid-size models (2006–2011). It combines common-rail direct injection with a variable geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low-RPM torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 4 emissions standards, it balances everyday performance with fuel economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,910 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 83.0 mm × 88.3 mm | |
| Power output | 96 kW (130 PS) @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 2,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP3 common-rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | GM Dexos2 5W‑30 (or ACEA C3 equivalent) | |
| Dry weight | 158 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for mixed driving but requires consistent oil changes every 10,000–15,000 km using GM Dexos2 5W‑30 to protect the chain and turbo bearings. Frequent short trips prevent DPF passive regeneration, leading to clogging and forced regenerations that increase fuel consumption. Vauxhall recommends at least 30 minutes of highway driving monthly to maintain DPF health per TIS 09‑01‑06. The Bosch CP3 fuel system demands ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) to avoid high-pressure pump wear.
Oil Specs: Requires GM Dexos2 or ACEA C3 5W-30 specification (Vauxhall SIB 09-01-06).
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all Z19DTH production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5123).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Power output assumes EN 590 diesel fuel (Vauxhall TIS Doc. AST‑P2008).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs AST‑A3301, AST‑T3005, SIB 09-01-06
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5123)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall Z19DTH was used across Vauxhall's Astra H, Zafira B, and Vectra C platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Opel under GM's global architecture. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Vectra C and revised DPF housings in facelifted Astra H models—and from 2008 the ECU calibration was updated to improve regeneration logic, creating minor service distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crankshaft pulley (Vauxhall TIS AST‑ID01). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine displacement ('H' for 1.9L CDTi 130). Early models (2006–2007) use silver cam covers with a single DPF pressure sensor; post-2008 units feature black cam covers and dual DPF sensors. Critical differentiation from Z19DT: Z19DTH includes DPF and higher-output Bosch EDC16C39 ECU, while Z19DT lacks DPF and uses lower-output calibration. DPF control modules are not interchangeable between pre- and post-2008 builds without full ECU update (Vauxhall SIB 09-01-06).
The Z19DTH's primary reliability risk is diesel particulate filter (DPF) clogging under frequent short-trip urban use. Vauxhall internal data from 2009 indicated a significant portion of Astra H and Zafira B 1.9 CDTi models required DPF intervention before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show elevated emissions-related failures in high-mileage examples. Infrequent highway driving prevents passive regeneration, making proactive maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2006–2011) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL Z-19-DTH.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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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
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VCA Certification Portal
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