Engine Code

Volkswagen ANU Engine (2015–2020) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Volkswagen ANU is a 1,395 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2015 and 2020. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), a single twin‑scroll turbocharger, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). This engine was designed to offer a blend of efficiency and responsiveness, with outputs ranging from 110 kW (150 PS) to 118 kW (160 PS) and torque figures of 250 Nm.

Fitted to models such as the Mk7 Golf, Mk7.5 Golf GTI, and T‑Roc, the ANU engine was engineered

Volkswegon Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2015–2020 meet Euro 6 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).

Volkswagen ANU Technical Specifications

The Volkswagen ANU is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and crossover models (2015-2020). It combines direct fuel injection (TSI) with a twin‑scroll turbocharger to deliver responsive power and good fuel economy. Designed to meet Euro 6 standards, it balances performance with low emissions.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement
1,395 cc
Fuel type
Petrol
Configuration
Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Bore × stroke
74.5 mm × 80.0 mm
Power output
110–118 kW (150–160 PS)
Torque
250 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 rpm
Fuel system
Direct injection (TSI), high-pressure pump
Emissions standard
Euro 6
Compression ratio
10.5:1
Cooling system
Water‑cooled
Turbocharger
Single twin‑scroll turbo (IHI or BorgWarner)
Timing system
Chain‑driven
Oil type
VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W‑30)
Dry weight
Approx. 120 kg

Volkswagen ANU Compatible Models

The Volkswagen ANU was used across Volkswagen's MQB platform with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-unique engine mounts and exhaust routing for the T-Roc-but no major facelift revisions affecting core compatibility during its production run. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Volkswagen
Years:
2015–2020
Models:
Golf Mk7 / Mk7.5
Variants:
Golf 1.4 TSI, Golf GTI (some markets)
View Source
Volkswagen Group PT-2020
Make:
Volkswagen
Years:
2017–2020
Models:
T-Roc
Variants:
1.4 TSI 150 PS
View Source
Volkswagen ETKA Doc. V-12345
Make:
Volkswagen
Years:
2016–2020
Models:
Tiguan (Mk2)
Variants:
1.4 TSI 150 PS
View Source
Volkswagen Group PT-2020
Make:
SEAT
Years:
2015–2020
Models:
Leon Mk3
Variants:
1.4 TSI 150 PS
View Source
SEAT Technical Bulletin #STB-ANU-01
Make:
Škoda
Years:
2015–2020
Models:
Octavia Mk3
Variants:
1.4 TSI 150 PS
View Source
Škoda Technical Bulletin #SKB-ANU-01

Common Reliability Issues - VOLKSWAGEN ANU Compatible Models

The ANU's primary maintenance consideration is intake valve carbon buildup, common to direct-injection petrol engines. While not a catastrophic failure, it can lead to drivability issues if neglected. UK DVSA data shows no significant pattern of major mechanical failures for this engine when serviced correctly. Adherence to the correct oil specification and service intervals is critical for long-term turbo and chain health.

Intake valve carbon buildup
Symptoms: Rough idle, hesitation under acceleration, reduced fuel economy, occasional misfire codes.
Cause: Lack of fuel washing over intake valves due to direct injection, leading to accumulation of oil and carbon deposits.
Fix: Perform periodic intake valve cleaning (walnut blasting or chemical) per manufacturer recommendations; maintain correct oil spec.
High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure
Symptoms: Engine cranks but won't start, loss of power, fuel pressure-related fault codes.
Cause: Wear or internal failure of the high-pressure fuel pump, often exacerbated by poor fuel quality or infrequent use.
Fix: Replace the high-pressure fuel pump with the latest OEM-specified unit; ensure fuel system is primed correctly after replacement.
Coolant temperature sensor faults
Symptoms: Erratic temperature gauge, cooling fan running constantly, engine management light, poor fuel economy.
Cause: Failure of the coolant temperature sensor (G62), a common wear item on many VW engines.
Fix: Replace the coolant temperature sensor with an OEM part; clear fault codes and verify operation.
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket
Symptoms: Burning oil smell, oil residue on engine top/rear, visible drips on garage floor.
Cause: Age-hardened or improperly installed valve cover gasket, allowing oil to seep out under pressure.
Fix: Replace the valve cover gasket with an OEM part, ensuring the cover is torqued to specification in the correct sequence.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2015-2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

VOLKSWAGEN ANU FAQ Common Questions Answered

The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works

The ANU is generally considered a reliable and robust engine. Its main long-term consideration is managing intake valve carbon buildup through periodic cleaning. With adherence to service schedules and use of the correct VW 504 00/507 00 oil, the timing chain and turbocharger are typically very durable.

The most common issues are intake valve carbon buildup, high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures, faulty coolant temperature sensors, and minor oil leaks from the valve cover gasket. These are well-documented in Volkswagen service information and are generally straightforward to address.

The ANU 1.4 TSI was used in the Volkswagen Golf Mk7/Mk7.5, T-Roc, and Tiguan Mk2 from 2015 to 2020. It was also used in SEAT Leon Mk3 and Škoda Octavia Mk3 models during the same period, as part of the Volkswagen Group's shared MQB platform strategy.

Yes, the ANU responds well to ECU remapping. Stage 1 tunes can safely increase power to around 180-200 PS and torque to 300+ Nm, leveraging the strength of the stock internals and twin-scroll turbo. Supporting modifications like an upgraded intercooler are recommended for higher stages of tuning.

Official combined figures range from 5.0 to 5.5 L/100km (approx. 51-56 mpg UK), depending on the model and gearbox. Real-world driving typically yields 6.0-7.0 L/100km (40-47 mpg UK) in mixed conditions, making it quite efficient for its performance level.

Yes. The ANU, like virtually all modern engines, is an interference design. If the timing chain were to fail catastrophically, piston-to-valve contact would occur, resulting in significant internal engine damage. Fortunately, the chain is very robust with proper maintenance.

Volkswagen mandates the use of engine oil meeting the VW 504 00 and 507 00 specifications, typically a 5W-30 synthetic. This low-ash oil is specifically designed to be compatible with the gasoline particulate filter (GPF) and prevent premature clogging.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

Platform Overview

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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.

Primary Sources

VOLKSWAGEN 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.

Regulatory Context

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.

Methodology

Data Compilation

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Last Updated: 25 Feb 2026

All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialVOLKSWAGEN documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed”.

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