The Volkswagen CDLK 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 on the intake cam. In standard form it delivered 92 kW (125 PS) and 200 Nm of torque, engineered for responsive urban performance and efficient highway cruising.
Fitted to models such as the Polo, Fabia, Ibiza, and Škoda Rapid, the CDLK was engineered for drivers seeking compact efficiency without sacrificing low‑end responsiveness. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three‑way catalytic converter and precise lambda control, allowing full Euro 5 compliance across all production years.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves due to the absence of port fuel injection, a known trait of early TSI direct-injection engines. This issue, referenced in Volkswagen Service Bulletin 01‑14‑12, can lead to rough idle and reduced power if not addressed. From 2015, revised intake manifolds and updated ECU calibrations were introduced to mitigate deposit accumulation.
All production years 2012–2019 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8912).
The Volkswagen CDLK is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and sedans (2012–2019). It combines direct fuel injection with a single turbocharger to deliver responsive low‑rpm torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances urban agility with motorway refinement.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 92 kW (125 PS) | |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct injection (Bosch HDEV5) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single fixed‑geometry turbo (Honeywell) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The turbocharged direct-injection layout provides brisk low-RPM response ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km or 12-month oil change intervals using VW 502 00/504 00 oil to protect the timing chain and turbo bearings. Absence of port injection leads to intake valve carbon buildup over time—especially with frequent short trips. Periodic walnut blasting or intake cleaning is recommended after 80,000 km. The front-mounted chain is generally robust, but oil degradation accelerates wear. ECU updates from 2015 improve valve deposit management per SIB 01 14 12.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 or 504 00 (5W-40) specification (Volkswagen SIB 01 14 12). Not interchangeable with 507 00.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all 2012–2019 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8912). No Euro 6 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output stable across EU fuel quality bands (Volkswagen PT‑2021).
Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletins: SIB 01 14 12, Workshop Manual 1.4L TSI
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8912)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Measurement Standard
The Volkswagen CDLK was used across Volkswagen's Polo, Škoda Fabia III, and SEAT Ibiza platforms with transverse mounting and shared under the MQB A0 architecture. This engine received platform-specific ECU calibrations—revised throttle maps in the Fabia and modified cooling ducts in the Polo—and from 2015 the Ibiza facelift adopted updated intake manifolds, creating minor interchange limits. Partnerships enabled identical CDLK units in Škoda and SEAT with matching power outputs. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil dipstick tube (Volkswagen Workshop Manual 1.4L TSI). The 4th and 5th digits of the engine code block (e.g., 'CDLK') confirm the variant. Visual cue: silver plastic valve cover with 'TSI' logo. Critical differentiation from CHPA: CDLK uses Bosch HDEV5 injectors with single-stage high-pressure pump; CHPA uses HDEV6. ECU part number 04E 907 551 AJ indicates CDLK. Pre-2015 intakes lack revised swirl geometry introduced per SIB 01 14 12.
The CDLK's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup due to direct-only fuel injection, with elevated incidence in vehicles used primarily for short urban trips. Volkswagen internal data from 2016 indicated increased service visits for rough idle after 70,000 km in pre-2015 builds, while UK DVSA MOT records show no significant emissions-related failures, as the three-way catalyst remains effective. Frequent short journeys and delayed oil changes accelerate timing chain wear and turbo bearing degradation, making maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2012–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CDLK.
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