The Volkswagen CDLF is a 1,498 cc, inline‑four turbo‑charged petrol engine produced between 2019 and 2024. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing, delivering 110 kW (150 PS) and 250 Nm of torque. Its compact design and turbocharging provide strong low‑rpm torque for responsive urban and motorway driving.
Fitted to models such as the Mk8 Golf, Mk3 T-Roc, and Mk2 Taos—including the 1.5 TSI Evo variants—the CDLF was engineered for refined efficiency and performance. Emissions compliance was achieved through a combination of Miller-cycle combustion, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and a gasoline particulate filter (GPF), allowing compliance with Euro 6d-TEMP and Euro 6d standards depending on model year and market.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear under extended high-load conditions, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2021‑09. This issue stems from marginal lubricity in low-quality fuel interacting with cam-follower wear, leading to pressure deviations and hard starts. From 2022, revised cam-follower materials and updated ECU calibrations were introduced to improve HPFP durability.
Production years 2019–2021 meet Euro 6d-TEMP standards; 2022–2024 models meet Euro 6d compliance depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9012).
The Volkswagen CDLF is a 1,498 cc inline‑four turbo‑charged petrol engineered for compact and crossover models (2019–2024). It combines Miller-cycle combustion with a single fixed‑geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive low‑end torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6d-TEMP and Euro 6d emissions standards, it balances performance with urban particulate control.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,498 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 85.9 mm | |
| Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDP6 high-pressure pump with direct injection (up to 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d-TEMP (2019–2021); Euro 6d (2022–2024) | |
| Compression ratio | 12.5:1 (effective via Miller cycle) | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single fixed‑geometry turbo (BorgWarner) | |
| Timing system | Chain (maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | VW 508 00 / 509 00 (SAE 0W‑20) | |
| Dry weight | 118 kg |
The Miller-cycle combustion and high-pressure direct injection provide excellent fuel economy but place high demands on fuel quality and oil specification. Use of VW 508 00/509 00 0W-20 oil is mandatory to protect the turbo, timing chain, and GPF. Extended oil change intervals beyond 15,000 km may accelerate HPFP wear. Fuel must meet EN 228 standards with ≤E10 ethanol; higher blends risk injector and pump damage. Post-2022 models feature updated cam followers per VW SIB 2021-09 to reduce HPFP failure rates.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 508 00 or 509 00 specification (VW SIB 2021-09). Not compatible with older VW 502/504 oils due to low-SAPS requirements for GPF protection.
Emissions: Euro 6d-TEMP certification applies to 2019–2021 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9012). Euro 6d compliance confirmed for 2022–2024 builds.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output assumes 95 RON fuel quality (VW TIS Doc. 05E-3001).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 05E-1015, 05E-2100, SIB 2021-09
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9012)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen CDLF was used across Volkswagen's Mk8/Mk3 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Škoda and SEAT under the MQB Evo architecture. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised cooling ducts in the Taos and acoustic shielding in the Golf—and from 2022 the updated T-Roc adopted revised HPFP cam followers and ECU calibrations, creating minor interchange limits. Partnerships enabled Škoda Octavia IV and SEAT Leon Mk4 to use identical CDLF units. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filler neck (VW TIS 05E-0010). The 4th and 5th digits of the engine code on the VIN plate (e.g., 'DL') correspond to the CDLF family. Pre-2022 units use black plastic intake manifolds with single PCV hose; post-2022 models feature updated HPFP cam followers and revised ECU maps. Critical differentiation from DPCA/DPBE: CDLF uses Bosch MDG2 ECU with GPF monitoring and Miller-cycle calibration, while earlier 1.5 TSI variants lack Miller cycle. Service parts require production date verification—HPFP and cam followers before 01/2022 are incompatible with later durability standards (VW SIB 2021-09).
The CDLF's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear, with elevated incidence in high-load or hot-climate use. Internal VW quality data from 2022 indicated a notable portion of pre-2022 engines required HPFP replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show increased emissions deviations linked to GPF clogging in short-trip urban vehicles. Extended highway driving and fuel quality directly impact HPFP longevity, making maintenance and fuel selection critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2019–2024) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2020–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CDLF.
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