The Volkswagen CECA is a 1,395 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2019. It features gasoline direct 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, with responsive low‑end performance ideal for compact urban vehicles.
Fitted to models such as the Mk7 Golf, Polo, Škoda Fabia Mk3, and SEAT Ibiza Mk5, the CECA was engineered for fuel‑efficient commuting and agile city driving. Emissions compliance was achieved through precise TSI combustion control, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and a three‑way catalytic converter, allowing full Euro 6 compliance across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 01‑15‑13. This issue stems from insufficient lubrication under frequent short‑trip driving or extended oil intervals, leading to HPFP seizure. From 2015, revised cam follower materials and updated HPFP units were introduced.
All production years (2012–2019) meet Euro 6 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9023).
The Volkswagen CECA is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and subcompact models (2012–2019). It combines gasoline direct injection (TSI) with a single turbocharger to deliver responsive low‑end torque and efficient urban driving. Designed to meet Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances performance with fuel economy and drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,395 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min) | |
| 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 TSI direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single turbo (Honeywell GT1241V) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; low‑wear design) | |
| 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 cam follower and HPFP wear. Short-trip driving or use of non-approved oils accelerates HPFP degradation. 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 cam followers (from 2015) significantly reduce HPFP failure risk per VW SIB 01‑15‑13.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 / 505 00 (5W-40) specification (VW SIB 01-15-13). Not interchangeable with Longlife oils unless specified.
Emissions: Euro 6 certification applies to all model years (2012–2019) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9023).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Full 125 PS output requires RON 95+ fuel (VW TIS Doc. 01-2013-CECA).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 01-2013-CECA, 01-2014-Turbo, SIB 01-15-13
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9023)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Volkswagen CECA was used across Volkswagen's MQB and PQ25 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 Golf-and from 2015 the updated cam follower 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 01-2013-CECA). The 4th–6th VIN digits often indicate engine family ('CEC' for CECA). Early CECA units (pre-2015) use black plastic cam covers with silver intake manifolds; post-2015 may feature updated cam followers (part number ending in 'B'). Critical differentiation from CDGA/CDGB: CECA uses lower-output turbo (GT1241V) and lacks ACT (cylinder deactivation). HPFP cam follower part number 06K 109 309 A/B indicates generation. Service parts require production date verification—cam followers before 06/2015 are prone to wear (VW SIB 01-15-13).
The CECA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or short-trip urban use. VW internal data from 2016 indicated a notable share of pre-2015 engines requiring HPFP replacement before 110,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased fuel system-related MOT advisories in TSI engines. Extended oil intervals and low-quality fuel accelerate wear, making oil specification and change frequency critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2012–2017) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CECA.
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.
