The Volkswagen CFHC 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 110 kW (150 PS) and 250 Nm of torque, offering brisk acceleration with improved fuel economy over naturally aspirated predecessors.
Fitted to models such as the Golf Mk7, Jetta, and Passat B8, the CFHC was enginee…
All production years 2012–2019 meet Euro 6 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8922).
The Volkswagen CFHC is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for compact and mid-size 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 everyday drivability 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 | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 5,000 rpm | |
Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 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 | 114 kg |
The Volkswagen CFHC was used across Volkswagen's Mk7 and B8 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 Passat B8—and from 2016 minor ECU and injector updates were introduced, creating subtle interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The CFHC'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.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The CFHC offers responsive performance and good efficiency, but is prone to intake valve carbon buildup due to its direct-injection design. With proper maintenance—especially using VW 502 00 oil and 95 RON fuel—and periodic intake cleaning, well-cared-for examples can exceed 200,000 km reliably.
Top issues include carbon buildup on intake valves, turbo wastegate rattle, secondary air injection faults, and minor oil leaks. These are documented in VW service bulletins and widely observed in VAG technical networks.
The CFHC powered the Golf Mk7 (2012–2019), Jetta Mk6 (2013–2018), Passat B8 (2015–2019), and was also used in SEAT Leon Mk3 and Škoda Octavia Mk3 under VAG group sharing. All are Euro 6-compliant transverse applications.
Yes. The CFHC responds well to ECU remapping, typically gaining +25–35 kW on stage 1 with stock hardware. The low-inertia turbo and internals support up to ~190 PS reliably. Supporting mods (intercooler, exhaust) are recommended for higher stages to avoid overstressing the turbo or fuel system.
Real-world consumption averages 6.2–7.0 L/100km (40–46 mpg UK) in mixed driving for a Golf Mk7. Highway cruising can drop to ~5.4 L/100km (52 mpg UK), while aggressive driving exceeds 8.5 L/100km. Fuel quality and driving style significantly affect economy.
Yes. The CFHC is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails (rare but possible), piston-to-valve contact can cause catastrophic damage. However, the chain is front-mounted and generally robust with proper oil maintenance.
Volkswagen specifies 5W‑40 synthetic oil meeting VW 502 00 or 504 00 standards. This is critical for turbo and timing chain protection. Change intervals should not exceed 15,000 km or 12 months, especially in stop-start or high-load use.
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.