The Volkswagen CG is a 1,984 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2006 and 2013. It features port fuel injection, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable intake timing. In standard form it delivers 118 kW (160 PS) and 200 Nm of torque, with smooth power delivery suited for refined cruising and responsive highway performance.
Fitted to models such as the Mk5 Golf GT, Mk6 Golf, and Mk2 Scirocco—including the 2.0 FSI 160 PS variants—the CG was engineered for balance between performance and drivability. Emissions compliance was achieved through stratified lean‑burn operation in certain modes, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and a three‑way catalytic converter, meeting Euro 4 and Euro 5 standards depending on production year.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves and combustion chambers due to the FSI (Fuel Stratified Injection) architecture, which lacks fuel-wash over the valves. This issue, addressed in Volkswagen Service Bulletin 2010‑12 (Ref. 2010‑12‑FSI‑1984), recommends periodic intake cleaning and updated PCV system components to reduce oil vapor ingestion in high-mileage units.
Production years 2006–2008 meet Euro 4 standards; 2009–2013 models comply with Euro 5 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Volkswagen CG is a 1,984 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engineered for compact performance and mid‑size vehicles (2006–2013). It combines port and direct fuel injection (FSI) with variable intake timing to deliver smooth power and refined operation. Designed to meet Euro 4 and Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances performance with urban efficiency.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,984 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 92.8 mm | |
| Power output | 118 kW (160 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Combined port and direct injection (FSI, Bosch MED9.5.10) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 (2006–2008); Euro 5 (2009–2013) | |
| Compression ratio | 11.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 132 kg |
The FSI architecture provides smooth power and high specific output 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 dual-injection system demands high-quality fuel meeting EN 228 standards to avoid coking. Intake valve carbon accumulation is common after 70,000 km; periodic walnut blasting or chemical cleaning is recommended per SIB 2010‑12‑FSI‑1984. 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 2010‑12‑FSI‑1984). Not interchangeable with older VW 501 01 oils.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to 2006–2008 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890). Euro 5 compliance for 2009–2013 models confirmed via VCA database.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Power output assumes 95 RON fuel (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 01‑2006‑FSI).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 01‑2006‑FSI, SIB 2010‑12‑FSI‑1984
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Volkswagen CG was used across Volkswagen's Mk5/Mk6 platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Scirocco and modified exhaust manifolds in the Golf GT—and from 2009 the facelifted Golf VI models adopted updated ECU calibrations, creating minor 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 TIS 01‑2006‑FSI). The 4th and 5th VIN digits indicate engine family ('CG' for 2.0 FSI 160 PS). Early CG units (pre-2009) use silver valve covers with integrated cam adjusters; post-2009 units feature black valve covers and updated PCV housings. Critical differentiation from BLR/BVX: CG uses combined port/direct injection and produces 200 Nm torque. Service parts require production date verification—intake manifolds for engines before 09/2009 are incompatible with later units due to revised runner geometry (Volkswagen SIB 2010‑12‑FSI‑1984).
The CG's primary reliability risk is carbon buildup in the intake and combustion chambers, with elevated incidence in high‑mileage or short‑trip urban use. Volkswagen internal data from 2011 indicated up to 18% of CG 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 (2010–2013) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CG.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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