The Volkswagen CAAE is a 1,390 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2008 and 2015. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), a single turbocharger, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). This engine was part of VW's strategy to downsize while maintaining performance, delivering outputs from 90 kW (122 PS) to 125 kW (170 PS) and torque figures between 200-240 Nm.
Fitted to models such as the Mk5 and Mk6 Golf, Jetta, and Scirocco, the CAAE was engineered for responsive performance and improved fuel efficiency. Emissions compliance was achieved through precise fuel metering and catalytic conversion, meeting Euro 5 standards across its production run.
One documented concern is excessive oil consumption, particularly in higher-output variants, often linked to piston ring design. This issue, referenced in Volkswagen Group Service Technical Bulletin 2044677/1, can lead to low oil levels and potential engine damage if not monitored. Later production runs incorporated revised piston rings to mitigate this problem.
Production years 2008–2015 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Volkswagen CAAE is a 1,390 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for compact hatchbacks and sedans (2008-2015). It combines gasoline direct injection (TSI) with a single turbocharger to deliver responsive power and good fuel economy. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances performance with efficiency for everyday driving.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,390 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 76.5 mm × 75.6 mm | |
| Power output | 90–125 kW (122–170 PS) | |
| Torque | 200–240 Nm @ 1,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct Injection (TSI), Bosch MED17.5 ECU | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single turbocharger (IHI or Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑30 or 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | Approx. 120 kg |
The turbocharged TSI design provides strong mid-range pull but requires strict adherence to oil change intervals (every 15,000 km or annually) using VW 502/504 specification oil to prevent sludge and turbo damage. The timing chain is generally robust but relies on clean oil; neglect can lead to tensioner failure. High-pressure fuel injectors and pumps demand high-quality fuel to prevent clogging. Vehicles exhibiting high oil consumption should have piston rings inspected per STB 2044677/1. The chain-driven valvetrain eliminates belt replacement costs.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 or 504 00 specification (Volkswagen Owner's Manual). ACEA A3/B4 is the minimum acceptable standard.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all CAAE engines (2008-2015) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output varies by model application and ECU mapping (Volkswagen Group PT-2018).
Volkswagen Self-Study Programme (SSP): 424
Volkswagen Group Technical Publications (PT-2018)
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
The Volkswagen CAAE was used across Volkswagen's A5 platform with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-different intake manifolds and ECU mappings for the Golf, Jetta, and Scirocco-creating minor software interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the flat machined surface at the front of the cylinder block, below the exhaust manifold (Volkswagen SSP 424). The 8th VIN digit often corresponds to the engine code. Visually, the CAAE features a plastic intake manifold with 'TSI' branding and a single turbocharger. Critical differentiation from similar engines (e.g., CAVE, CAXA): The CAAE uses a specific ECU software map and may have different boost pressure settings. Always verify the engine code stamp for part compatibility, as software and minor hardware revisions exist across model years.
The CAAE's primary reliability risk is excessive oil consumption, with elevated incidence in engines produced before 2012. Volkswagen internal service data indicated a notable number of cases requiring piston ring replacement, while owner reports frequently cite this as a maintenance concern. High engine loads and infrequent oil checks can exacerbate wear, making regular monitoring and adherence to oil specifications critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2010-2016) and owner-reported data aggregated from manufacturer service networks (2015-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CAAE.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with VOLKSWAGEN or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
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.
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.
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.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
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.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialVOLKSWAGEN documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
