The Volkswagen CDLC is a 1,395 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2019. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing, delivering 92 kW (125 PS) and 200 Nm of torque. Its compact turbocharged design enables responsive urban drivability with reduced fuel consumption compared to larger naturally aspirated units.
Fitted to models such as the Mk7 Golf, Polo, and T-Cross, the CDLC was engineered for entry‑level performance with strong low‑rpm torque and emissions efficiency. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three‑way catalytic converter and secondary air injection, meeting Euro 6 standards across all European markets from launch.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high‑pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower, which can lead to hard starts or fuel pressure faults. This issue, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2015‑09, is often linked to extended oil change intervals and use of non‑VW‑approved lubricants. From 2016, revised cam follower materials and HPFP internals were introduced to improve durability.
All production years 2012–2019 meet Euro 6 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9214).
The Volkswagen CDLC is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for compact hatchbacks and SUVs (2012–2019). It combines direct fuel injection (TSI) with a single turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and efficient urban driving. Designed to meet Euro 6 emissions standards from launch, it balances entry‑level performance with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,395 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (EN 228) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 80.0 mm | |
| Power output | 92 kW (125 PS) @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1,400–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDP5 high-pressure direct injection (up to 120 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual‑circuit thermostat | |
| Turbocharger | Single turbo (Honeywell GT12) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; durable design) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 505 00 (SAE 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The compact turbo and direct injection provide brisk low‑end response ideal for city driving but demand strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 502 00/505 00 (5W‑40) oil to prevent HPFP cam follower wear. Extended oil intervals or non‑compliant lubricants accelerate HPFP failure. The Bosch HDP5 pump requires EN 228 petrol with minimum 95 RON; 98 RON is recommended for optimal performance. Post‑2016 engines feature updated cam follower and HPFP internals per SIB 2015‑09. The timing chain is robust but requires correct oil viscosity to maintain tensioner function.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 / 505 00 (5W‑40) specification (Volkswagen SIB 2015‑09). Not compatible with Longlife‑12 FE+ oils.
Emissions: Euro 6 certification applies to all CDLC engines from launch (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9214).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Peak output assumes 95 RON fuel; 98 RON recommended for tuning headroom (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 04E‑210).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 04E‑101, 04E‑102, 04E‑103, SIB 2015‑09
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9214)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Volkswagen CDLC was used across Volkswagen's Mk7/A0 platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group for entry‑level applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Polo and compact intercooler routing in the T-Cross—and from 2016 the Golf received HPFP cam follower updates, creating minor interchange limits. Partnerships enabled Škoda's 1.4 TSI and SEAT's 1.4 TSI to share core architecture. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filter housing (Volkswagen TIS 04E‑105). The 4th and 5th VIN digits identify engine family ('CD' for 04E series). CDLC units feature black valve covers and a Honeywell GT12 turbo with integrated diverter valve. Critical differentiation from CZDA/CZEA: CDLC uses a 200 Nm torque map and unique ECU part number 04E 906 032 AB. HPFP cam follower part number 04E 127 025 C indicates post‑2016 revision. Service parts require ECU and cam follower verification per SIB 2015‑09.
The CDLC's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles using non‑VW‑approved oil or extended service intervals. Volkswagen internal data from 2016 indicated a measurable increase in HPFP replacements before 100,000 km in non‑compliant maintenance cases, while UK DVSA records show no significant emissions-related MOT failures linked to this engine. Infrequent oil changes and sub‑95 RON fuel accelerate cam follower pitting, making oil specification and service adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2012–2019) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CDLC.
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.
