The Vauxhall Z20LEH is a 1,998 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2009 and 2017. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) layout with 16 valves, direct fuel injection, and a twin-scroll turbocharger. In standard form it delivered 162 kW (220 PS) and 400 Nm of torque, providing strong mid-range pull and responsive overtaking performance.
Fitted to performance models such as the Astra J GTC, Insignia A Sports Tourer, and Cascada, the Z20LEH was engineered for drivers seeking sporty dynamics with everyday usability. Emissions compliance was achieved through a gasoline particulate filter (GPF) in later builds, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and precise electronic control, allowing it to meet Euro 5 standards (pre-2014) and Euro 6 (2014 onward).
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump wear due to lubricity issues in low-sulfur petrol, which can cause hard starts and misfires. This issue, referenced in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TIS 14‑06‑09, is linked to extended service intervals and fuel quality degradation. Vauxhall updated the pump design in 2013 and mandated use of Top Tier fuel to improve longevity.
Production years 2009–2013 meet Euro 5 standards; 2014–2017 models meet Euro 6 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6721).
The Vauxhall Z20LEH is a 1,998 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and mid-size performance models (2009–2017). It combines direct injection with a twin-scroll turbocharger to deliver strong low-to-mid-range torque and responsive power delivery. Designed to meet Euro 5 (early) and Euro 6 (late) emissions standards, it balances sporty performance with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,998 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 86.0 mm | |
| Power output | 162 kW (220 PS) @ 5,300 rpm | |
| Torque | 400 Nm @ 2,000–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct injection (Bosch HDEV5, up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2009–2013); Euro 6 (2014–2017) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Twin-scroll turbocharger (Honeywell GT1749V) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | GM Dexos2 5W‑40 (or ACEA C3 equivalent) | |
| Dry weight | 145 kg |
The twin-scroll turbo provides strong mid-range torque ideal for spirited driving but requires consistent oil changes every 10,000–15,000 km using GM Dexos2 5W‑40 to protect the turbo bearings and chain. Direct injection leads to carbon buildup on intake valves under frequent short-trip conditions. Vauxhall recommends using Top Tier 98 RON fuel and periodic induction cleaning to maintain airflow efficiency. High-pressure fuel pumps are sensitive to fuel lubricity—only EN 228-compliant fuel with detergent additives should be used per TIS 14‑06‑09.
Oil Specs: Requires GM Dexos2 5W-40 or ACEA C3 specification (Vauxhall SIB 14-06-09).
Emissions: Euro 5 applies to 2009–2013; Euro 6 applies to 2014–2017 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6721).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Power output assumes 98 RON fuel (Vauxhall TIS Doc. AST‑P2012).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs AST‑A5501, AST‑T5010, SIB 14-06-09
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6721)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall Z20LEH was used across Vauxhall's Astra J, Insignia A, and Cascada platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Opel under GM's global architecture. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced subframes in the Astra J GTC and performance-tuned mounts in the Insignia Sports Tourer—and from 2014 the updated ECU and GPF hardware created 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‑ID04). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine displacement ('L' for 2.0L turbo). Early models (2009–2013) use silver cam covers without GPF; post-2014 units feature black cam covers and integrated GPF pressure sensors. Critical differentiation from B20LET: Z20LEH uses direct injection and Bosch HDEV5, while B20LET uses port injection. Fuel pump and injector components are not interchangeable between variants (Vauxhall SIB 14-06-09).
The Z20LEH's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear due to low-lubricity petrol, with elevated incidence in vehicles using budget-grade fuel. Vauxhall internal data from 2015 indicated a notable portion of Astra J and Insignia 2.0 Turbo models required pump replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show increased misfire-related failures in high-mileage examples. Infrequent oil changes and poor fuel quality dramatically accelerate wear, making adherence to Dexos2 oil and Top Tier fuel critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2012–2017) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL Z20LEH.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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