The Volkswagen CFJA 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 110 kW (150 PS) and 250 Nm of torque, with strong mid‑range responsiveness ideal for compact and family vehicles.
Fitted to models such as the Mk7 Golf, Mk2 Jetta, and Mk3 Touran—including the 1.4 TSI 150 PS variants—the CFJA was engineered for brisk performance and refined drivability. 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 carbon buildup on intake valves due to the direct-injection architecture, which lacks fuel-wash over the valves. This issue, addressed in Volkswagen Service Bulletin 2016‑03 (Ref. 2016‑03‑TSI‑1395), recommends periodic intake cleaning and updated PCV system components to reduce oil vapor ingestion in high-mileage units.
Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2019 models comply with Euro 6 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6790).
The Volkswagen CFJA 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 mid‑range 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 | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 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 strong mid-range 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 maintain PCV function. The Bosch HDEV5 injectors demand high-quality fuel meeting EN 228 standards to avoid coking. Intake valve carbon accumulation is common after 60,000 km; periodic walnut blasting or chemical cleaning is recommended per SIB 2016‑03‑TSI‑1395. 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 2016‑03‑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/6790). 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 2016‑03‑TSI‑1395
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6790)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Volkswagen CFJA 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 PCV housings and injector seals, creating minor interchange limits. Partnerships enabled SEAT and Škoda to use identical CFJA 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 ('CF' for 1.4 TSI EA211 150 PS). Early CFJA units (pre-2016) use black valve covers with standard PCV housings; post-2016 units feature revised oil separator designs. Critical differentiation from CEXB: CFJA produces 250 Nm torque vs. 200 Nm. Service parts require production date verification—PCV housings for engines before 06/2016 are incompatible with later units due to updated breather routing (Volkswagen SIB 2016‑03‑TSI‑1395).
The CFJA's primary reliability risk is carbon buildup on intake valves, with elevated incidence in high‑mileage or short‑trip urban use. Volkswagen internal data from 2017 indicated up to 20% of CFJA engines required intake cleaning before 80,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT statistics show increased emissions failures linked to EGR and PCV faults in city‑driven vehicles. Extended oil change intervals and low‑quality fuel exacerbate carbon accumulation, making oil specification and service adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2016–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CFJA.
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