Vauxhall

Peugeot CMP platform. 1.2L PureTech turbo petrol. 100hp or 130hp variants. 1.5L BlueHDi diesel 102hp. Electric variant available. 50kWh battery Corsa-e. 136hp electric motor. 330km WLTP range. 8-speed automatic option. 6-speed manual standard. FWD front-wheel drive. 4060mm length. 2538mm wheelbase. 1235kg curb weight petrol. Five-door supermini. Modern connectivity features. Advanced driver assistance. PSA Group integration. Stellantis ownership current. Vauxhall heritage maintained. British market focused. Supermini segment competitive. Young buyer appeal. Urban mobility optimized.

1.0L ECOTEC turbo 90hp 115hp. 1.4L turbo 100hp 150hp. 1.3L CDTi diesel 75hp 95hp. 6-speed manual transmission. 6-speed automatic option. FWD front-wheel drive. 4021mm length. 2510mm wheelbase. 1145kg curb weight. Five-door hatchback. Three-door variant available. GM platform final. Efficient powertrains. IntelliLink infotainment. OnStar connectivity. British market popular. Supermini class competitive. VXR performance variant. 207hp 1.6L turbo. Hot hatch credentials. European market success.

EMP2 platform Stellantis. 1.2L PureTech 130hp. 1.6L plug-in hybrid 180hp. 1.6L plug-in hybrid 225hp. 8-speed automatic transmission. FWD front-wheel drive. 4374mm length. 2675mm wheelbase. 1395kg curb weight. Five-door hatchback. Sports Tourer estate variant. Bold Vizor design. Modern styling dramatic. Electric variant planned. Electrification pathway clear. Advanced driver assistance Level 2. Pure Panel digital cockpit. British market emphasis. Family car segment competitive. Peugeot 308 sibling platform.

1.0L turbo 105hp. 1.4L turbo 125hp 150hp. 1.6L turbo 200hp diesel. 6-speed manual transmission. 9-speed automatic option. FWD front-wheel drive. 4370mm length. 2662mm wheelbase. 1260kg curb weight. Five-door hatchback. Sports Tourer estate. 200kg weight reduction versus predecessor. D2XX platform. GM engineering excellence. IntelliLux LED matrix headlights. OnStar connectivity. Apple CarPlay Android Auto. European Car of the Year 2016. British market success. Vauxhall competitive positioning.

2.0L turbo 280hp. 400Nm torque. 6-speed manual only. FWD front-wheel drive. 4419mm length. 2685mm wheelbase. 1475kg curb weight. Five-door hatchback. Performance chassis FlexRide. Brembo brakes. HiPerStrut front suspension. Torque steer reduction. 0-100 km/h 5.9 seconds. 250km/h top speed. Hot hatch competitor. Focus RS rival. Golf R alternative. British performance car. Recaros Sport seats. Performance interior trim. Vauxhall Performance heritage.

E2XX platform GM. 1.5L turbo 165hp. 2.0L turbo 260hp. 2.0L diesel 170hp. 8-speed automatic. 6-speed manual base. FWD standard. AWD available. 4897mm length. 2829mm wheelbase. 1470kg curb weight. Five-door liftback. Grand Sport sedan. Sports Tourer wagon. Premium positioning. IntelliLux LED pixels. FlexRide suspension. Advanced safety features. OnStar connectivity. Apple CarPlay Android Auto. British market flagship. Discontinued 2022.

Epsilon II platform. 1.6L turbo 180hp. 2.0L turbo 220hp. 2.8L V6 turbo 325hp. 6-speed manual. 6-speed automatic. FWD standard. AWD optional. 4830mm length. 2737mm wheelbase. 1570kg curb weight. Five-door hatchback. Sports Tourer wagon. European Car of the Year 2009. FlexRide adaptive damping. AFL headlights advanced. Premium interior design. VXR performance model. 325hp V6 turbo. British executive car.

Delta platform GM. 1.6L 115hp. 1.8L 140hp. 2.0L turbo 200hp. 6-speed manual. 6-speed automatic. FWD front-wheel drive. 4467mm length. 2703mm wheelbase. 1490kg curb weight. Compact MPV design. Flex7 seating system. Seven-passenger capacity. Panoramic roof optional. Family vehicle focus. Tourer model variant. British family car popular. Practical interior layout. Discontinued 2014.

Delta platform original. 1.6L 100hp. 1.8L 115hp. 2.2L 147hp. 5-speed manual. 4-speed automatic. FWD only. 4317mm length. 2694mm wheelbase. 1325kg curb weight. Compact MPV pioneer. Flex7 seating innovative. Seven seats compact. Versatile interior configuration. Family car success. European market popular. British manufacturing. Vauxhall innovation showcase.

CMP platform Stellantis. 1.2L turbo 100hp 130hp. Electric variant Mokka-e. 50kWh battery 136hp. 324km WLTP range. 8-speed automatic. FWD front-wheel drive. 4151mm length. 2561mm wheelbase. 1230kg curb weight. Compact crossover SUV. Bold Vizor design. Pure Panel interior. Advanced driver assistance. Electric version popular. British market success. Urban crossover focus. Stellantis integration. Modern Vauxhall design.

Gamma II platform GM. 1.4L turbo 140hp. 1.6L diesel 110hp. 6-speed manual. 6-speed automatic. FWD standard. AWD optional. 4275mm length. 2555mm wheelbase. 1320kg curb weight. Compact crossover SUV. Early crossover entry. OnStar connectivity. IntelliLink infotainment. British market popular. Urban adventure positioning. Discontinued 2019.

PF1 platform PSA. 1.2L turbo 83hp 110hp 130hp. 1.5L diesel 102hp. 6-speed manual. 6-speed automatic. FWD only. 4212mm length. 2605mm wheelbase. 1255kg curb weight. Compact crossover SUV. MPV-inspired design. Raised ride height. Practical interior space. Vauxhall Griffin design. PSA technology integration. Urban family vehicle. British market focus.

EMP2 platform PSA. 1.2L turbo 130hp. 1.6L plug-in hybrid 300hp. 8-speed automatic. FWD standard. AWD hybrid. 4477mm length. 2675mm wheelbase. 1490kg curb weight. Mid-size crossover SUV. Premium positioning. IntelliLux LED pixels. Advanced safety systems. Plug-in hybrid efficient. Grandland X initial. British market competitor. Family SUV segment.

1.2L 70hp. 1.4L 87hp 100hp. 5-speed manual. 6-speed automatic. FWD only. 3698mm length. 2311mm wheelbase. 1080kg curb weight. Three-door city car. Fashion-focused design. Extensive personalization. Roof colors contrast. Interior customization. IntelliLink infotainment. City car segment. Urban mobility focus. Discontinued 2019.

1.0L 75hp. 5-speed manual. FWD only. 3675mm length. 2385mm wheelbase. 939kg curb weight. Five-door city car. Entry-level positioning. Practical urban car. Low running costs. Chevrolet Spark basis. British market entry. Discontinued 2019.

5.7L LS1 V8 328hp. 6.0L LS2 V8 400hp. 6-speed manual. 4-speed automatic. RWD rear-wheel drive. 4798mm length. 2788mm wheelbase. 1725kg curb weight. Two-door coupe. Australian Holden basis. V8 muscle car. British market limited. VXR performance variant. Cult following. Discontinued 2005.

6.2L LS3 V8 431hp. 6.0L supercharged LSA 577hp. 6-speed manual. 6-speed automatic. RWD rear-wheel drive. 4966mm length. 2915mm wheelbase. 1840kg curb weight. Four-door sedan. Holden Commodore basis. Supercharged performance. British muscle sedan. Limited availability. Bathurst edition. Discontinued 2017.

1.4L turbo 140hp. 1.6L turbo 170hp. 2.0L diesel 165hp. 6-speed manual. 6-speed automatic. FWD only. 4696mm length. 2735mm wheelbase. 1725kg curb weight. Two-door convertible. Four-seat configuration. Electric soft top. Premium interior. European design. British market convertible. Discontinued 2019.

The revolutionary inclined four-cylinder that broke with Vauxhall's traditional pushrod designs and featured one of the first production aluminum blocks. This 2,279cc single overhead cam inline-four featured an aluminum block with cast iron liners inclined at 45° for a lower hood line. The valve train used a chain-driven camshaft operating eight valves through rocker arms with hydraulic adjusters. The carburetion employed twin Zenith-Stromberg 175 CDSE carburetors with automatic chokes, while the ignition used Lucas distributor with points and condenser. With 9.0:1 compression and a 5,200 RPM redline, it produced 122 hp at 5,200 RPM and 133 lb-ft at 3,400 RPM. The engine's innovation was its 'crossflow' cylinder head with hemispherical combustion chambers, providing superior airflow compared to contemporary designs. The cooling system used a downflow radiator with thermostatically controlled viscous fan, while the oil system employed a gear-type pump with full-flow filtration. This engine established Vauxhall's reputation for advanced engineering in the family car segment, though its aluminum construction would prove challenging for British mechanics accustomed to iron blocks.

The robust cam-in-head engine that powered Vauxhall's rear-wheel drive sports coupes and became a tuning favorite. This 1,979cc single overhead cam inline-four featured a cast iron block with an aluminum head and unique 'cam-in-head' design where the camshaft was mounted high in the block rather than in the cylinder head. The valve train used pushrods and rocker arms to operate the valves in the crossflow head. The carburetion used a single Pierburg 2BE dual-barrel carburetor, while later fuel-injected versions used Bosch L-Jetronic. With 9.2:1 compression and a 5,800 RPM redline, it produced 100 hp at 5,200 RPM and 112 lb-ft at 3,800 RPM. The engine's strength was its massive bottom end—the forged steel crankshaft ran in five main bearings and could easily handle 50% power increases. The cooling system used a cross-flow radiator with electric auxiliary fan, while the oil system featured a high-capacity pump with replaceable cartridge filter. This engine became legendary in British motorsport for its durability and tuning potential, forming the basis of many successful rally and touring car campaigns.

The high-revving twin-cam that brought genuine European performance credentials to Vauxhall's hot hatch lineup. This 1,998cc DOHC inline-four featured a cast iron block with aluminum head and 16 valves arranged in a pent-roof combustion chamber. The valve train employed hydraulic lash adjusters and belt-driven dual overhead camshafts. The fuel system used Bosch Motronic engine management with multi-point injection and a hot-wire air flow meter. With 10.5:1 compression and a 7,000 RPM redline, it produced 150 hp at 6,000 RPM and 133 lb-ft at 4,800 RPM. The engine's innovation was its 'big-port' cylinder head with massive intake and exhaust ports that flowed exceptionally well at high RPM. The cooling system used an aluminum cross-flow radiator with twin electric fans, while the oil system featured piston cooling jets and a high-flow pump. This engine powered the legendary Astra GTE and established Vauxhall as a serious competitor in the hot hatch wars, with a specific output that challenged the established German and French competitors.

The evolution of Vauxhall's twin-cam four with variable valve timing and enhanced low-RPM torque. This 1,998cc DOHC inline-four featured a cast iron block with aluminum head and continuous variable valve timing on the intake cam. The valve train employed hydraulic lash adjusters and 16 valves with 38° included angle. The fuel system used sequential multi-point injection with a returnless fuel rail design. With 10.8:1 compression and a 6,500 RPM redline, it produced 136 hp at 5,600 RPM and 140 lb-ft at 4,000 RPM. The engine's innovation was its 'ECOTEC' technology that included roller follower camshafts, fracture-split connecting rods, and a structural oil pan that reduced noise and vibration. The cooling system used a dual-pass radiator with map-controlled electric fan, while the oil system employed a variable-displacement vane pump that reduced parasitic losses. This engine represented Vauxhall's focus on refinement and real-world driveability rather than peak power numbers, making it ideal for the company's mainstream family cars.

The turbocharged four-cylinder that brought serious performance to Vauxhall's executive models and established their VXR brand. This 1,998cc DOHC inline-four featured a reinforced cast iron block with aluminum head and a Garrett GT17 turbocharger with electronic wastegate. The valve train employed continuous variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust cams. The fuel system used direct injection operating at 2,175 psi with solenoid injectors. With 9.0:1 compression and 14.5 psi of boost, it produced 175 hp at 5,500 RPM and 195 lb-ft from 2,500-4,000 RPM. The engine's innovation was its 'twin-scroll' turbocharger housing that separated exhaust pulses from cylinders 1-4 and 2-3 to reduce turbo lag. The intercooling system used an air-to-air unit mounted in front of the radiator, while the oil system featured piston cooling jets for sustained boost. In VXR applications, boost pressure increased to 18.8 psi, producing 240 hp and 236 lb-ft—transforming the sensible Vectra into a genuine sports sedan competitor.

The modern downsized turbocharged engine co-developed with Fiat that brought both efficiency and performance to Vauxhall's compact models. This 1,598cc DOHC inline-four featured an aluminum block with cast iron liners and a Honeywell turbocharger with electronic wastegate. The valve train employed continuous variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust cams with 50° of adjustment range. The fuel system used direct injection operating at 2,900 psi with six-hole solenoid injectors. With 9.5:1 compression and 16.0 psi of boost, it produced 200 hp at 5,500 RPM and 206 lb-ft from 1,700-4,500 RPM. The engine's innovation was its 'integrated exhaust manifold' that reduced turbo lag by 30% compared to conventional designs. The balancing system used a counter-rotating balancer shaft with eccentric weights that cancelled 92% of secondary vibrations. The cooling system employed a dual-thermostat design with separate cooling for cylinder head and block, while the oil system featured a variable-displacement pump with integrated oil cooler.

The common-rail diesel that powered Vauxhall's mainstream models with a focus on refinement and real-world economy. This 1,956cc DOHC inline-four featured a compacted graphite iron block with aluminum head and common-rail injection operating at 29,000 psi. The turbocharger was a variable-geometry BorgWarner unit with electronic actuator and water-cooled bearing housing. The valve train employed 16 valves with roller rockers and 16.5:1 compression ratio. With a Bosch EDC17 engine management system, it produced 170 hp at 3,750 RPM and 258 lb-ft from 1,750-2,500 RPM. The engine's innovation was its 'two-stage turbocharging' system that used a smaller turbo for low-RPM response and a larger turbo for high-RPM power, providing 90% of peak torque from 1,500 to 3,000 RPM. The emissions system included a diesel particulate filter with active regeneration and selective catalytic reduction using AdBlue injection. The oiling system featured a variable-displacement vane pump and piston cooling jets capable of sustaining maximum torque during extended motorway cruising.

The latest evolution of Vauxhall's four-cylinder featuring cylinder deactivation and sophisticated thermal management. This 1,998cc DOHC inline-four features an aluminum block with cast iron liners and a twin-scroll turbocharger with electronic wastegate. The valve train employs continuous variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust cams with 55° of phasing range. The fuel system uses both direct injection (3,500 psi) and port injection for optimal particulate control. With 9.8:1 compression and 21.0 psi of boost, it produces 230 hp at 5,000 RPM and 258 lb-ft from 1,500-4,000 RPM. The engine's innovation is its 'Active Fuel Management' system that can deactivate two cylinders during light-load operation, improving real-world fuel economy by 8%. The thermal management system uses a dual-circuit design with electric water pump for the turbocharger, while the oil system features a variable-displacement pump with integrated oil cooler. This engine represents the current pinnacle of Vauxhall's four-cylinder development—delivering competitive power and torque while meeting increasingly stringent emissions standards through sophisticated management rather than radical architectural changes.

The widely used 5-speed manual transmission found in numerous Vauxhall models throughout the 2000s, known for its light shift action and reasonable durability. This transmission featured single-cone synchronizers on all forward gears with carbon-lined brass rings that provided smooth shifting in daily driving. The shift mechanism used a cable-operated system that reduced vibration transmission to the cabin while maintaining adequate precision for enthusiastic driving. The gear ratios were carefully selected for each application, with sport models receiving closer ratios and higher final drives. The case was aluminum with adequate ribbing for strength, and the clutch used a cable or hydraulic actuation depending on application. While not designed for extreme power, this transmission proved reliable in normal use and could handle moderate power increases with careful treatment. The F17 became the workhorse manual transmission for Vauxhall's volume models, providing acceptable shift quality and good fuel economy across the range.

The 6-speed manual transmission used in Vauxhall's performance models, based on a Fiat design but significantly strengthened for VXR applications. This transmission featured double-cone synchronizers on second and third gears to handle the high rotational inertia during aggressive shifts. The gearset used shot-peened teeth with improved metallurgy to cope with the turbocharged engines' substantial torque outputs. The shift mechanism employed a cable-operated system with reduced friction bushings, providing reasonably precise engagement despite some notchiness when cold. Early versions suffered from bearing issues that caused whining noises, particularly in sixth gear, leading to revised bearing designs in later production. The differential was an open design with electronic traction control managing wheel slip in front-wheel drive applications. The clutch used a hydraulic actuation system with a organic-ceramic disc that provided progressive engagement while handling the VXR models' increased torque. Despite its reliability concerns, the M32 provided the additional gear ratio that helped improve both acceleration and highway fuel economy in performance models.

The modern 6-speed automatic transmission used in Vauxhall's larger models, featuring adaptive shift control and manual mode operation. This transmission used a Lepelletier planetary gearset arrangement with three simple planetary sets and six clutch packs in a compact design. The torque converter incorporated a multi-plate lockup clutch that could slip continuously in higher gears for improved efficiency without compromising smoothness. The transmission control system featured adaptive learning that monitored driving style and adjusted shift patterns accordingly, with Sport mode providing more aggressive shift mapping. The hydraulic system used linear solenoid valves for precise pressure control, and the transmission fluid was cooled through a dedicated heat exchanger. This transmission was notable for its smooth shift quality and good fuel economy, becoming the standard automatic for Vauxhall's family cars and MPVs throughout the 2010s. The unit also featured manual mode control via the shift lever or paddle shifters in sport models.

The robust 5-speed manual transmission used in Vauxhall's larger front-wheel drive models, designed to handle higher torque loads than the F17. This transmission featured wider gear teeth and stronger synchronizers, with double-cone units on second gear in higher torque applications. The shift mechanism used a direct rod-linkage system that provided more positive engagement than cable-operated designs. The case was cast aluminum with additional ribbing around mounting points, and the clutch used hydraulic actuation with a larger diameter organic disc. The gear ratios were selected to provide good acceleration while maintaining relaxed highway cruising, with some versions featuring a very tall fifth gear for improved fuel economy. This transmission proved durable in daily use and could handle the torque outputs of Vauxhall's four-cylinder and V6 engines without issues. The F23 was particularly noted for its smooth shift action and good refinement, making it well-suited to the touring character of models like the Vectra and Omega.

Vauxhall's automated manual transmission system that provided automatic convenience with manual transmission efficiency. This system used the same gearset as the manual F17 transmission but added electro-hydraulic actuators for clutch and shift operation. The transmission control unit offered both fully automatic and manual sequential modes, with the automatic mode sometimes criticized for its slow shift times and jerkiness in urban driving. The system included a creep function for low-speed maneuvering and anti-rollback functionality for hill starts. The clutch was a single dry-plate design with automatic wear compensation, and the shift actuators used electric motors for reduced complexity. While not as smooth as traditional automatics, the Easytronic system provided better fuel economy and lower cost, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers wanting automatic convenience. Later versions improved shift quality through revised software and faster actuators.

The specially selected 5-speed manual transmission used in the VX220, sourced from the Lotus Elise and perfectly matched to the car's lightweight, mid-engine layout. This transmission featured exceptionally precise shift action with a short-throw mechanism that provided rifle-bolt precision. The gear ratios were closely spaced to keep the naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines in their power bands, with a focus on acceleration rather than ultimate top speed. The case was aluminum and extremely lightweight, contributing to the car's overall low weight. The shift mechanism used a direct rod-linkage system with minimal compliance, transmitting every mechanical detail to the driver. The clutch was cable-actuated with a organic-lined disc that provided light pedal effort and progressive engagement. This transmission was perfectly suited to the VX220's sports car character, providing the mechanical purity and direct feedback that driving enthusiasts cherished. The AR5's robust design also proved capable of handling power increases in turbocharged versions.

The durable 4-speed automatic transmission used throughout the 1990s in Vauxhall's volume models, known for its reliability and smooth operation. This transmission used a simple hydraulic control system with three planetary gearsets, offering both comfort and longevity. The torque converter used a lockup clutch in fourth gear for improved highway efficiency, while still providing smooth power delivery at low speeds. The shift pattern included Normal and Power modes, with Power mode holding gears longer during acceleration. The transmission fluid was cooled through the engine's radiator, and the entire assembly was designed for easy serviceability. Despite its simple design and only four speeds, this transmission proved exceptionally reliable and capable, with many examples exceeding 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. The M20's robust construction and straightforward design made it popular for its durability and low repair costs.

The modern 6-speed manual transmission used in later Vauxhall models, representing a significant improvement over the M32 in terms of refinement and reliability. This transmission featured triple-cone synchronizers on second gear and double-cone units on third, with carbon-lined synchronizers on remaining gears. The shift mechanism used a cable-operated system with reduced friction and improved precision, providing smoother shift action than previous designs. The gear ratios were carefully selected for each application, with diesel versions receiving taller ratios for improved fuel economy and petrol versions having closer spacing for better acceleration. The case was high-pressure die-cast aluminum with improved ribbing for reduced noise transmission. The clutch used hydraulic actuation with a organic disc that provided light pedal effort and smooth engagement. This transmission addressed the reliability concerns of the M32 while providing the additional gear ratio that improved both performance and efficiency across Vauxhall's model range.

The continuously variable transmission offered in later Vauxhall models, providing seamless acceleration and improved fuel economy. This transmission used a steel pushbelt running between variable-diameter pulleys, with electronic hydraulic control managing ratio changes. The system included simulated stepped ratios in manual mode for more traditional shift feel, with seven pre-programmed ratios available. The torque converter incorporated a multi-plate lockup clutch for improved efficiency, and the transmission fluid was cooled through a dedicated heat exchanger. The transmission control system adapted to driving style, with Sport mode providing higher RPM operation for more responsive acceleration. While not as engaging as manual transmissions, the CVT provided smooth, effortless operation well-suited to urban driving and commuting. The system was particularly effective in combination with smaller engines, where its ability to keep the engine in its optimal efficiency range maximized fuel economy.

The Getrag-sourced 6-speed manual transmission used before the widespread adoption of the M32, featuring robust construction and smooth shift quality. This transmission used double-cone synchronizers on second and third gears with carbon-lined brass rings that provided light shift effort and positive engagement. The shift mechanism employed a direct rod-linkage system that provided more precise feel than later cable-operated designs. The gear ratios were well-spaced for both acceleration and cruising, with a tall sixth gear that significantly reduced engine RPM at highway speeds. The case was cast aluminum with adequate cooling capacity, and the clutch used hydraulic actuation with a organic disc. This transmission proved more reliable than its M32 successor, with fewer reported issues regarding bearing wear and gear whine. The Getrag unit was particularly well-regarded in turbo diesel applications, where its robust construction could handle the substantial low-end torque without issues.

Founded in 1857 in Vauxhall, London by Alexander Wilson for marine engineering before automobile production began in 1903, Vauxhall was acquired by General Motors in 1925, establishing the iconic Luton factory with the Griffin badge symbol becoming a British market leader. Ellesmere Port manufacturing provided British engineering jobs while Opel twin models rebadged enabled efficient platform sharing alongside Bedford commercial vehicles, with models like the Victor classic saloon, Viva affordable motoring, Cavalier family car icon, Astra compact, and Corsa supermini bestseller defining British motoring. PSA Group's 2017 acquisition and 2021 Stellantis ownership maintained British market commitment with electric future planned while heritage preservation remains important for this brand of national cultural significance representing British automotive tradition. Vauxhall's history demonstrates how British manufacturers maintained domestic identity while operating under foreign ownership—GM's acquisition provided resources and platforms while Vauxhall badge preserved British connection that mattered to domestic buyers, proving badge engineering can succeed when local identity remains authentic despite corporate reality. The brand's survival through multiple ownership changes validates that manufacturers serving specific markets can justify existence within multinational portfolios when cultural significance and market loyalty transcend badge-engineered reality, and that sometimes national pride expressed through automotive choice matters more than whether cars are fundamentally British or rebadged siblings from continental operations sharing platforms and powertrains.