The Volkswagen CGPA 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 92 kW (125 PS) and 200 Nm of torque, offering responsive urban performance with improved fuel economy over naturally aspirated predecessors.
Fitted to models such as the Golf Mk7, Polo, and T — Cross, the CGPA was e…
All production years 2012–2019 meet Euro 6 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8924).
The Volkswagen CGPA is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for compact and subcompact 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 urban agility 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 | 92 kW (125 PS) @ 5,000 rpm | |
Torque | 200 Nm @ 1,400–4,000 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 | 112 kg |
The Volkswagen CGPA was used across Volkswagen's Mk5/Mk7 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 Polo—and from 2016 minor ECU and injector updates were introduced, creating subtle interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The CGPA'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 CGPA 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 CGPA powered the Golf Mk7 (2012–2019), Polo Mk5 (2014–2017), T-Cross (2018–2019), and was also used in SEAT Ibiza Mk5 and Škoda Fabia Mk3 under VAG group sharing. All are Euro 6-compliant transverse applications.
Yes. The CGPA responds well to ECU remapping, typically gaining +20–30 kW on stage 1 with stock hardware. The low-inertia turbo and internals support up to ~160 PS reliably. Supporting mods (intercooler, exhaust) are recommended for higher stages to avoid overstressing the turbo or fuel system.
Real-world consumption averages 6.0–6.8 L/100km (42–47 mpg UK) in mixed driving for a Golf Mk7. Highway cruising can drop to ~5.2 L/100km (54 mpg UK), while aggressive driving exceeds 8.0 L/100km. Fuel quality and driving style significantly affect economy.
Yes. The CGPA 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
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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