The Volkswagen CGRA 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 CGRA was engineered…
Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2019 models comply with Euro 6 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6791).
The Volkswagen CGRA 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 Volkswagen CGRA 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 CGRA units in Leon and Octavia. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The CGRA'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 CGRA 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.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The CGRA is generally robust with strong mid-range torque. Its main concern is intake carbon buildup due to direct injection. With proper maintenance—especially using VW 502 00/504 00 oil, timely oil changes, and periodic intake cleaning—the engine can reliably exceed 200,000 km.
Top issues include carbon buildup on intake valves, PCV system failure, minor oil consumption in high-mileage units, and turbo wastegate rattle. These are documented in Volkswagen service bulletins, particularly SIB 2016‑03‑TSI‑1395 for intake and PCV concerns.
The CGRA powered the Golf VII, Jetta Mk2, Touran II, and was also used by SEAT (León Mk3) and Škoda (Octavia III) from 2012–2019. All are 1.4 TSI 150 PS variants under the EA211 family, meeting Euro 5 or Euro 6 depending on year.
Yes. Stage 1 ECU remaps typically yield +25–30 kW (to ~135–140 kW) safely, as the stock internals handle moderate torque increases. Further tuning requires upgraded intercooler and fuel system. Always use 98 RON fuel and monitor oil consumption post-tune.
In a Golf VII 1.4 TSI 150 PS, real-world consumption is ~6.8 L/100km (city) and ~5.0 L/100km (highway), or about 46 mpg UK combined. With conservative driving, 48–52 mpg UK is achievable on mixed routes. Fuel quality and service history significantly affect results.
Yes. The CGRA is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails (rare but possible), piston-to-valve contact can cause catastrophic damage. However, the chain is designed as maintenance-free and typically lasts the engine’s lifetime if oil is changed correctly.
Volkswagen specifies 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 annually to protect pistons, turbo, and timing components.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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