The Vauxhall R9M 452 is a 1,749 cc, inline‑four turbocharged diesel engine produced between 2018 and 2023 under licence from Renault. It features common — rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivers 96 kW (130 PS) and 300 Nm of torque, offering responsive low — end delivery and efficient motorway cruising.
Fitted to compact and mid — size models such as the Astra K, Grandland X, and Crosslan…
All production years 2018–2023 meet Euro 6d TEMP (2018–2019) and Euro 6d (2020–2023) standards .
The Vauxhall R9M 452 is a 1,749 cc inline‑four turbocharged diesel engineered for compact hatchbacks, SUVs, and crossovers (2018–2023). It combines Bosch common-rail injection with a single variable-geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive low-RPM torque and efficient highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6d TEMP and Euro 6d emissions standards, it integrates AdBlue-based SCR for stringent NOx control.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,749 cc | |
Fuel type | Diesel | |
Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
Aspiration | Turbocharged (VGT) | |
Bore × stroke | 78.0 mm × 91.1 mm | |
Power output | 96 kW (130 PS) | |
Torque | 300 Nm @ 1,750–2,500 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common-rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 6d TEMP (2018–2019); Euro 6d (2020–2023) | |
Compression ratio | 15.5:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Garrett) | |
Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; low‑wear design) | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | 132 kg |
The Vauxhall R9M 452 was used across Vauxhall's Astra K, Grandland X, and Crossland platforms with transverse mounting under licence from Renault. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Grandland for NVH control and unique exhaust routing in the Crossland—and from 2020 the refinement of SCR calibration for Euro 6d compliance, creating minor ECU differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.
Diagnostic reminder: If a technician has recommended replacing the engine, you can send an enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. Confirm the diagnosis first: an engine-code record does not diagnose a fault.
Field reports and technical service bulletins highlight component wear patterns under high-load operation. Adherence to manufacturer service intervals and approved fluid specifications is critical for long-term reliability.
Analysis derived from manufacturer technical service bulletins and industry workshop records. 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 R9M 452 offers strong low-end torque and refinement, but pre-2020 models are prone to high-pressure fuel pump coupling failures. Post-2020 Euro 6d variants are more robust. With regular oil changes (using GM dexos2) and high-quality EN 590 diesel, it can be dependable beyond 160,000 km. AdBlue system integrity must be maintained to avoid start inhibition.
Top issues include high-pressure fuel pump coupling failure (pre-2020), AdBlue dosing faults, DPF clogging, and minor oil leaks from cam/sump covers. These are documented in Vauxhall service bulletins TIS‑R9M‑21 and TIS‑R9M‑22. Most are manageable with proactive maintenance and quality fuel.
The R9M 452 powered the Astra K (2018–2022), Grandland X (2018–2023), and Crossland (2018–2022) in 1.5 CDTI 130 and 1.5 BlueHDi 130 variants. All models meet Euro 6d TEMP or Euro 6d standards and feature SCR/AdBlue systems.
Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the R9M-452 platform, but increasing boost or altering engine parameters accelerates component wear, impacts emissions compliance, and may void vehicle warranties. Any modifications should be evaluated carefully by a qualified specialist.
In an Astra 1.5 CDTI 130, expect ~4.9 L/100km (highway) and ~6.5 L/100km (city), or about 53 mpg UK combined. Real-world mixed driving typically returns 48–55 mpg (UK), depending on driving style, AdBlue status, and tyre pressure.
Yes. The R9M 452 is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails or jumps, piston-to-valve contact can cause catastrophic damage. However, the front-mounted chain is robust—failures are rare with proper oil maintenance.
Vauxhall specifies GM dexos2 5W-30 synthetic oil. This formulation protects turbo bearings and meets low-SAPS requirements for SCR/AdBlue compatibility. Change every 15,000 km or annually, whichever comes first.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
EngineCode.uk is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. It provides engine-reference information and an optional commercial enquiry service. It is not an official manufacturer website. Check the record's sources and confirm vehicle-specific details before relying on it for parts, repairs or replacement.
Our editorial standard prioritises relevant manufacturer documentation and official regulatory sources. The sources and verification status for a record should be checked alongside the data.
A statement is not verified merely because a source is listed. Where supporting evidence is missing or conflicting, the record should identify that limitation. Please report unsupported or inconsistent information.
Transparency in gaps
A missing or unverified value does not mean the manufacturer has withheld it. We distinguish information not yet verified, information not available to us, and information explicitly not disclosed by the source.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
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.
Records are subject to review and correction. Source links, dates and verification notes should be read with the technical information. Our Editorial and Sourcing Policy explains our standards and review process.
Found an error or missing source? Report a problem with this page. Include the field or statement concerned and a supporting source if available. You can also email corrections@enginecode.uk.
Copyright and permissions
Images and other material may be protected by copyright. Attribution does not by itself grant permission to reuse material. If you believe material on this site infringes your rights, contact copyrights@enginecode.uk with the page URL and details of your claim. We will review the material and take appropriate action.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
Our Privacy Policy explains how Engine Finders UK Ltd uses information from visits, vehicle lookups, enquiries and messages. Our Cookie Policy explains cookies and similar technologies and how to change your choices.
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.
Ownership and commercial services
EngineCode.uk is owned and operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. Alongside our reference content, we offer an optional replacement-engine enquiry service through Engine Finders and may identify relevant services provided by businesses connected with us. These commercial connections are disclosed. Using an enquiry service is not required to read our reference content.
Engine Finders UK Ltd operates this website. Our optional enquiry service has a commercial purpose. Our Ownership and Commercial Disclosure explains the relationship between the reference website and that service. Participating suppliers pay a fee or subscription to participate on the network and receive quote requests.
Use this record as a starting point for identification. Specifications and vehicle applications may contain errors or omissions. Confirm the exact engine variant and compatibility using vehicle-specific documentation and a qualified supplier or technician.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.