The Volkswagen CEXB 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. In standard form it delivers 92 kW (125 PS) and 200 Nm of torque, with strong low‑rpm response for urban and motorway driving.
Fitted to models such as the Mk7 Golf, Mk2 Jetta, and Mk3 Touran—including the 1.4 TSI 125 PS variants—the CEXB was engineered for responsive performance and fuel efficiency. Emissions compliance was achieved through a combination of stratified lean‑burn operation, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and a three‑way catalytic converter, meeting Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards depending on production year.
One documented concern is excessive oil consumption in early production units, linked to piston ring land design and oil control issues. This was addressed in Volkswagen Service Bulletin 2015‑07 (Ref. 2015‑07‑TSI‑1395), which recommended updated pistons and rings for affected engines. From mid‑2016, the CEXB received revised internals aligning with EA211 evo updates.
Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2019 models comply with Euro 6 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Volkswagen CEXB is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for compact and family vehicles (2012–2019). It combines direct 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, dual‑circuit | |
| Turbocharger | Single fixed‑geometry turbo (BorgWarner KP39) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑30 or 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The EA211 architecture provides responsive torque and refined operation but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 502 00/504 00 oil to prevent carbon buildup and oil consumption. Early CEXB units (pre‑2016) may exhibit elevated oil use due to piston ring design; updated pistons per SIB 2015‑07‑TSI‑1395 resolve this. The Bosch HDEV5 injectors demand high‑quality fuel meeting EN 228 standards to avoid coking. EGR and PCV systems should be inspected regularly to maintain emissions compliance and prevent rough idle.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 / 504 00 specification (Volkswagen SIB 2015‑07‑TSI‑1395). Not interchangeable with older VW 501 01 oils.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to 2012–2014 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Euro 6 compliance for 2015–2019 models confirmed via VCA database.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Power output assumes 95 RON fuel (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 01‑2013‑EA211).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 01‑2013‑EA211, SIB 2015‑07‑TSI‑1395
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Volkswagen CEXB was used across Volkswagen's Mk7/Mk2 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with SEAT and Škoda under the MQB architecture. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Touran and modified exhaust routing in the Golf Variant—and from 2016 the EA211 evo update introduced updated pistons and injectors, creating minor interchange limits. Partnerships enabled SEAT and Škoda to use identical CEXB units in Leon and Octavia. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filler neck (Volkswagen TIS 01‑2013‑EA211). The 4th and 5th VIN digits indicate engine family ('CE' for 1.4 TSI EA211). Early CEXB units (pre-2016) use black valve covers with integrated camshaft adjusters; post-2016 units feature revised oil separator housings. Critical differentiation from CZDA/CZEA: CEXB has single turbo and 200 Nm torque rating. Service parts require production date verification—piston kits for engines before 06/2016 are incompatible with later units due to ring land redesign (Volkswagen SIB 2015‑07‑TSI‑1395).
The CEXB's primary reliability risk is elevated oil consumption in early builds, with elevated incidence in high‑mileage or short‑trip urban use. Volkswagen internal data from 2016 indicated up to 15% of pre‑2016 CEXB engines required piston replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT statistics show increased emissions failures linked to PCV and EGR faults in city‑driven vehicles. Extended oil change intervals and low‑quality fuel exacerbate carbon buildup, making oil specification and service adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2015–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CEXB.
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