The Volkswagen CEBA is a 1,395 cc, inline‑four turbo‑charged 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 design and turbocharging provide strong low‑rpm torque for responsive urban driving.
Fitted to models such as the Mk7 Golf, Mk2 Jetta, and Mk3 Touran—including the 1.4 TSI variants—the CEBA was engineered for efficiency and drivability. Emissions compliance was achieved through a combination of stratified lean‑burn operation, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and a three‑way catalytic converter, allowing compliance with Euro 5 and later Euro 6 standards depending on model year and market.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves due to the absence of port fuel injection, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2015‑07. This issue stems from crankcase ventilation (CCV) oil vapour mixing with recirculated exhaust gases, leading to reduced airflow and rough idling. From 2016, revised PCV systems and updated ECU calibrations were introduced to mitigate deposit formation.
Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2019 models meet Euro 6 compliance depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Volkswagen CEBA is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbo‑charged petrol engineered for compact and MPV models (2012–2019). It combines direct fuel injection (TSI) with variable valve timing to deliver responsive low‑end torque and smooth high‑rpm power. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances performance with urban efficiency.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,395 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| 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 @ 1,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2012–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2019) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single fixed‑geometry turbo (Honeywell) | |
| Timing system | Chain (maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑30 or 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The TSI direct-injection system provides brisk throttle response but requires periodic intake valve cleaning due to carbon buildup from crankcase vapours. Use of VW 502 00/504 00 oil is critical to protect turbo bearings and maintain timing chain lubrication. Extended oil change intervals beyond 15,000 km may accelerate sludge formation. Fuel must meet EN 228 standards; ethanol blends above E10 are not recommended. Post-2016 models feature updated PCV routing per VW SIB 2015-07 to reduce intake fouling.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 or 504 00 specification (VW SIB 2015-07). Not compatible with ACEA A3/B4 unless explicitly approved.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to 2012–2014 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Euro 6 compliance confirmed for 2015–2019 builds.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output assumes 95 RON fuel quality (VW TIS Doc. 04E-3001).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 04E-1015, 04E-2100, SIB 2015-07
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen CEBA was used across Volkswagen's Mk7/Mk2 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Škoda and SEAT under the MQB architecture. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised cooling ducts in the Touran and acoustic shielding in the Golf—and from 2016 the facelifted Golf Mk7.5 adopted updated engine mounts and ECU calibrations, creating minor interchange limits. Partnerships enabled Škoda Octavia and SEAT Leon to use identical CEBA 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 04E-0010). The 4th and 5th digits of the engine code on the VIN plate (e.g., 'EB') correspond to the CEBA family. Pre-2016 units have black plastic intake manifolds with single PCV hose; post-2016 models use revised manifolds with dual PCV routing. Critical differentiation from CCHB/CAVE: CEBA uses Bosch MDG1 ECU with specific calibration for 125 PS output; other 1.4 TSI ECUs may cause limp mode. Service parts require production date verification—intake manifolds before 01/2016 are incompatible with later emissions calibrations (VW SIB 2015-07).
The CEBA's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup, with elevated incidence in short-trip urban use. Internal VW quality data from 2017 indicated a significant portion of pre-2016 engines required intake cleaning before 80,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show increased emissions failures linked to EGR/PCV fouling in city-driven vehicles. Frequent cold starts and extended idling accelerate deposit formation, making PCV maintenance and driving pattern critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2014–2019) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CEBA.
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