The Volkswagen CFWA 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 CFWA was engineered for responsive urban driving and effici…
Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2019 models comply with Euro 6 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5681).
The Volkswagen CFWA 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 Volkswagen CFWA 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.
The CFWA'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.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The CFWA is generally robust with proper maintenance. Early units (2012–2015) had HPFP concerns, largely resolved by 2016 updates. Using RON 95+ fuel and VW 502 00/504 00 oil significantly improves longevity. Chain-driven timing means no belt changes, aiding reliability beyond 200,000 km in well-kept examples.
Top issues include high-pressure fuel pump wear (pre-2016), intake valve carbon buildup due to direct injection only, turbo actuator sticking, and minor oil leaks from cam cover/sump. These are documented in Volkswagen service bulletins STB 2015‑07 and STB 2016‑12.
The CFWA powered the Golf Mk7 (1.4 TSI 150 PS), Passat B8, and Touran II from 2012–2019. It also appeared in Škoda Octavia III and SEAT León Mk3 under the CZCA code, sharing core architecture but with minor calibration and mounting differences.
Yes. Stage 1 ECU remaps typically yield +20–25 kW (170–180 PS) safely on stock internals. The turbo and fuel system support modest gains, but HPFP durability should be monitored. Always use RON 98 fuel with tuning and avoid aggressive timing on low-quality petrol.
In a Golf 1.4 TSI 150 PS, expect ~7.2 L/100km (city) and ~4.9 L/100km (highway), or ~48 mpg UK combined. Real-world mixed driving typically returns 44–50 mpg (UK), depending on conditions and maintenance. Efficient at motorway speeds due to low engine load and tall gearing.
Yes. The CFWA is an interference engine. If the timing chain were to fail (rare but possible), piston-to-valve contact would cause catastrophic internal damage. However, the chain is designed as maintenance-free and generally reliable if oil quality is maintained.
Volkswagen specifies SAE 5W‑30 or 5W‑40 synthetic oil meeting VW 502 00 or 504 00 standards. Never use older 501 01 oils. Change every 15,000 km or 12 months to protect the turbo, HPFP, and timing chain from soot and wear.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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