The Volkswagen CFFE 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, delivering 110 kW (150 PS) and 250 Nm of torque. The integrated exhaust manifold enables rapid warm‑up and improved emissions control.
Fitted to models including the Mk7 Golf, Mk2 Touran, and B8 Passat, the CFFE was engineered for responsive urban driving and efficient motorway cruising. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three‑way catalytic converter and precise lambda control, meeting Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards depending on model year and market.
One documented concern is high‑pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear, noted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2015‑07. This issue stems from marginal lubricity in certain fuel batches combined with sustained high rail pressures. From mid‑2016, revised pump internals and updated ECU calibration were introduced to mitigate premature failure.
Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2019 models comply with Euro 6 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679).
The Volkswagen CFFE is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for compact and mid‑size models (2012–2019). It combines direct injection (TSI) with a single turbocharger to deliver responsive low‑end torque and smooth power delivery. 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, RON 95 min) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 80.0 mm | |
| Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDP5 high-pressure direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2012–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2019, market‑dependent) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with integrated exhaust manifold | |
| Turbocharger | Single fixed‑geometry turbo (Honeywell TD025) | |
| Timing system | Chain (maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑30 or 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The turbocharged TSI design provides brisk low-end response ideal for city and motorway use but demands high-quality fuel (RON 95 minimum, EN 228 compliant) to prevent HPFP wear and carbon buildup on intake valves. Oil must meet VW 502 00/504 00 specifications to ensure turbo and chain longevity. Extended oil change intervals beyond 15,000 km or 12 months may accelerate HPFP degradation, especially in stop-start driving. Post-2016 engines include revised HPFP internals per STB 2015‑07; pre-2016 units benefit from updated calibration and pump replacement if symptoms arise. The absence of port injection means intake cleaning may be required after 100,000 km in high-mileage urban use.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 or 504 00 specification (Volkswagen STB 2016‑12). Not interchangeable with older VW 501 01 oils.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to 2012–2014 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679). Euro 6 compliance confirmed for 2015–2019 builds in EU/UK markets.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output assumes RON 95 fuel quality (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 01‑2013‑CFFE).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 01‑2013‑CFFE, STB 2015‑07, STB 2016‑12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5679)
DIN 70020: Motor Vehicle Power Measurement Standard
The Volkswagen CFFE was used across Volkswagen's Mk7/B8 platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised cooling ducts in the Golf and modified engine mounts in the Passat—and from 2016 the updated HPFP and ECU calibration, creating minor service part distinctions. Partnerships enabled use in Škoda and SEAT models under different engine codes. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filter housing (Volkswagen TIS 01‑2013‑CFFE). The 4th and 5th characters of the engine code on the VIN plate (e.g., “CF” in “WVWZZZ...CFFE...”) confirm CFFE. Visual cue: black plastic intake manifold with “1.4 TSI” badge; HPFP mounted on the right cylinder head with Bosch label. Differentiate from CZCA: CFFE uses a single-mass flywheel in manual variants, while CZCA often uses dual-mass. Pre-2016 pumps have part number 04E 130 026 A; post-2016 use 04E 130 026 D per STB 2015‑07.
The CFFE's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles using marginal-quality fuel or operating in hot climates. Volkswagen internal data from 2016 indicated a measurable increase in HPFP warranty claims for pre-2016 builds before 80,000 km, while UK DVSA records show no significant emissions-related MOT failures linked to this engine. Extended oil intervals and low-RON fuel amplify pump stress, making fuel quality and service adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2013–2019) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CFFE.
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