The Volkswagen CDAA is a 1,390 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2008 and 2015. It features gasoline direct injection (TSI), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing on the intake cam. In standard form it delivered 90 kW (122 PS) and 200 Nm of torque, with responsive low‑end performance ideal for compact vehicles.
Fitted to models such as the Mk6 Golf, Polo, Scirocco, and Škoda Fabia, the CDAA was engineered for urban agility and fuel‑efficient commuting. Emissions compliance was achieved through precise TSI combustion control, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and a three‑way catalytic converter, allowing Euro 5 compliance across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the timing chain tensioner, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 01‑12‑09. This issue stems from inadequate lubrication under frequent short‑trip driving conditions, leading to chain rattle and potential misalignment. From 2012, revised tensioner materials and updated guides were introduced.
All production years (2008–2015) meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Volkswagen CDAA is a 1,390 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and subcompact models (2008–2015). It combines gasoline direct injection (TSI) with a single turbocharger to deliver responsive low‑end torque and efficient urban driving. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances performance with fuel economy and drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,390 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 76.5 mm × 75.6 mm | |
| Power output | 90 kW (122 PS) @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch TSI direct injection (up to 150 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single turbo (Honeywell GT1241V) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; tensioner‑prone) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 505 00 (SAE 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 102 kg |
The TSI system provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 10,000–15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 502 00/505 00 oil to prevent timing chain tensioner wear. Short-trip driving accelerates tensioner degradation due to moisture accumulation and oil dilution. Cold starts should be followed by gentle driving to allow oil pressure to build. Carbon buildup on intake valves is less severe than in FSI-only engines but still occurs over time. Revised tensioners (from 2012) significantly reduce rattle risk per VW SIB 01‑12‑09.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 / 505 00 (5W-40) specification (VW SIB 01-12-09). Not interchangeable with Longlife oils unless specified.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all model years (2008–2015) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Full 122 PS output requires RON 95+ fuel (VW TIS Doc. 01-2009-CDAA).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 01-2009-CDAA, 01-2010-Turbo, SIB 01-12-09
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Volkswagen CDAA was used across Volkswagen's PQ25/PQ35 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Škoda and SEAT under the VAG group. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-lightweight mounts in the Polo and revised cooling in the Scirocco-and from 2012 the updated tensioner design created minor interchange limits. Partnerships allowed Škoda's 1.4 TSI and SEAT's 1.4 TSI units to share core architecture. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front of the cylinder block near the timing cover (VW TIS 01-2009-CDAA). The 4th–6th VIN digits often indicate engine family ('CDA' for CDAA). Early CDAA units (pre-2012) use black plastic cam covers with silver intake manifolds; post-2012 may feature updated tensioners (part number ending in 'B'). Critical differentiation from CAVF/CAVE: CDAA uses lower-output turbo (GT1241V) and lacks twin-charging. Timing chain tensioner part number 03C 109 243 A/B indicates generation. Service parts require production date verification—tensioners before 06/2012 are prone to wear (VW SIB 01-12-09).
The CDAA's primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or short-trip urban use. VW internal data from 2011 indicated a notable share of pre-2012 engines requiring tensioner replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased timing-related MOT advisories in 1.4 TSI engines. Extended oil intervals and cold-start cycles accelerate wear, making oil specification and change frequency critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2009–2014) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CDAA.
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