The Volkswagen CFFA is a 1,984 cc, inline‑four turbo‑charged petrol engine produced between 2008 and 2015. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing, delivering 147 kW (200 PS) and 280 Nm of torque. The integrated exhaust manifold within the cylinder head enables rapid warm‑up and consistent turbo response.
Fitted to models such as the Mk5 and Mk6 Golf R, Scirocco R, and Audi S3 (8P), the CFFA was engineered for high‑performance driving with everyday usability. Emissions compliance was achieved through stratified lean‑burn combustion and secondary air injection, meeting Euro 5 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is high‑pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2010‑07. This issue stems from inadequate lubrication under low‑fuel conditions and excessive cam follower wear. From mid‑2012, revised HPFP and follower components were introduced to improve durability.
All production years 2008–2015 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Volkswagen CFFA is a 1,984 cc inline‑four turbo‑charged petrol engine engineered for performance hatchbacks and coupés (2008–2015). It combines direct fuel injection (TSI) with a BorgWarner turbocharger to deliver strong mid‑range torque and responsive acceleration. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances track capability with daily drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,984 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min, RON 98 recommended) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 92.8 mm | |
| Power output | 147 kW (200 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 280 Nm @ 1,800–5,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDP5 high-pressure direct injection (up to 110 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual-circuit layout | |
| Turbocharger | BorgWarner K04 with integrated exhaust manifold | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC (maintenance-free design) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 143 kg |
The CFFA’s turbocharged TSI design delivers brisk acceleration but demands high-quality fuel (RON 98 preferred) and strict oil change intervals (every 15,000 km or annually) to protect the timing chain and HPFP. Use of non-approved oil can accelerate cam follower wear, leading to HPFP failure. The integrated exhaust manifold reduces warm-up time but increases thermal stress on the head gasket—ensure coolant is refreshed per VW schedule. Post-2012 engines include upgraded HPFP components; pre-2012 units should be inspected for cam follower wear per VW SIB 2010‑07.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 / 504 00 (5W‑40) specification (Volkswagen Owner’s Manual). ACEA A3/B4 oils are acceptable only if VW-approved.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all CFFA production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). No Euro 6 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Power output assumes RON 98 fuel and stock ECU calibration (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 03G-910-210).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 03G-910-200, 03G-910-205, SIB 2010‑07
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Volkswagen CFFA was used across Volkswagen's Mk5/Mk6 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Audi for longitudinal applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Golf R and revised cooling in the Scirocco R—and from 2012 the HPFP and cam follower were upgraded, creating service part distinctions. Partnerships enabled Audi's S3 (8P) to use the same engine block with different ECU tuning. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Volkswagen TIS 03G-910-200). The 4th and 5th digits of the VIN indicate engine family ('CF' for CFFA). All CFFA units feature a black plastic intake manifold with '2.0 TSI' badge and BorgWarner K04 turbo. Critical differentiation from CAEB/CAXC: CFFA uses a single-mass flywheel (SMF) in Mk5 Golf R and dual-mass (DMF) in Mk6/Scirocco R. HPFP part number 06F 127 025 E indicates pre-2012; 06F 127 025 G denotes revised post-2012 version (VW SIB 2010‑07).
The CFFA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure linked to cam follower wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles using low-quality fuel or extended oil intervals. VW internal data from 2011 indicated a notable share of pre-2012 engines requiring HPFP replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show no significant emissions-related MOT failures due to robust secondary air injection. Infrequent oil changes and RON 95 fuel use increase cam lobe stress, making oil specification and fuel quality critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2010–2014) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CFFA.
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