The Volkswagen CFFD 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 a single turbocharger with an intercooler. In standard form it delivered 92 kW (125 PS) and 200 Nm of torque, offering responsive performance with improved fuel economy over naturally aspirated predecessors.
Fitted to models such as the Golf Mk7, Polo, and T-Cross, the CFFD was engineered for compact urban mobility with refined low-end torque and efficient cruising. Emissions compliance was achieved through stratified lean-burn combustion, precise electronic throttle control, and secondary air injection, allowing compliance with Euro 6 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves due to the direct-injection design, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2015‑11. This issue stems from the absence of fuel washing over intake ports, leading to progressive airflow restriction. From 2016, revised intake manifold geometry and updated ECU mapping were introduced to mitigate deposit formation.
All production years 2012–2019 meet Euro 6 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8921).
The Volkswagen CFFD is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for compact and subcompact models (2012–2019). It combines gasoline direct injection (TSI) with a single turbocharger and intercooler to deliver responsive low-end torque and efficient highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances urban agility with reduced CO₂ output.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,395 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged with air-to-air intercooler | |
| 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 HDEV5 direct injection (up to 150 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual-circuit thermostat | |
| Turbocharger | Single turbo (Honeywell/ Garrett, low-inertia) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (front-mounted, maintenance-free) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The TSI direct-injection system enables brisk low-end response ideal for city driving but requires high-quality 95 RON (or higher) fuel to minimize carbon buildup on intake valves. VW 502 00/504 00 oil is essential to protect turbo bearings and timing chain longevity. Extended oil change intervals beyond 15,000 km or 12 months may accelerate sludge formation and turbo wear. Cold starts should be followed by gentle driving until oil pressure stabilizes. The front-mounted timing chain is generally robust but relies on consistent oil quality for long-term durability.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 or 504 00 (5W-40) specification (Volkswagen Owner’s Manual). Not compatible with generic ACEA A3/B4 oils unless VW-approved.
Emissions: Euro 6 certification applies to all CFFD production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8921). No Euro 5 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Full 125 PS output requires 95 RON minimum (Volkswagen Group PT‑2017).
Volkswagen Technical Information System: ETKA Docs CZDA‑905, SIB 2015‑11
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8921)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Volkswagen CFFD was used across Volkswagen's Mk5/Mk7 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with SEAT and Škoda under the VAG group strategy. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised cooling ducts in the Golf Mk7 and modified intake routing in the Polo—and from 2016 minor ECU and injector updates were introduced, creating subtle interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filler neck (Volkswagen ETKA CZDA‑905). The 4th and 5th characters of the VIN (e.g., 'AU' for Golf Mk7) indicate platform, while the engine code appears on the V5C logbook and under the boot floor sticker. CFFD units use Bosch HDEV5 injectors and feature a black plastic intake manifold with integrated charge pipe. Critical differentiation from CZDA/CZEA: CFFD has unique camshaft position sensor location and revised PCV routing. ECU part numbers must match production date—verify against SIB 2015‑11 before replacement.
The CFFD's primary reliability risk is carbon buildup on intake valves due to its direct-injection architecture, with elevated incidence in stop-start urban use. VW internal data from 2016 indicated a measurable uptick in intake flow restriction complaints before 80,000 km on early builds, while UK DVSA MOT records show secondary air injection faults as a recurring emissions-related failure. Extended oil intervals and low-octane fuel increase carbon and sludge stress, making fuel quality and maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2012–2019) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CFFD.
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.
