The Volkswagen CHFA is a 1,395 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2018. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing, delivering 110 kW (150 PS) and 250 Nm of torque. Its compact design and strong low-end torque made it a responsive and efficient option in VW’s compact and mid-size lineup.
Fitted to models including the Mk7 Golf, Passat B8, and Škoda Superb III, the CHFA was engineered for strong urban performance and relaxed highway cruising. Emissions compliance was achieved through stratified lean-burn operation and a close-coupled three-way catalytic converter, meeting Euro 6 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the timing chain tensioner, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2014‑12. The issue stems from marginal lubrication under frequent short-trip driving conditions, leading to chain rattle and potential misalignment. Volkswagen updated the tensioner design in late 2015 to improve durability.
All production years 2012–2018 meet Euro 6 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8912).
The Volkswagen CHFA is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and mid-size hatchbacks/sedans (2012–2018). It combines direct injection (TSI) with a small single turbocharger to deliver strong low-end torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances responsive performance with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,395 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min, RON 98 recommended) | |
| 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 120 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual-circuit layout | |
| Turbocharger | Single turbocharger (Honeywell TD025) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The CHFA’s compact turbocharged design provides brisk low-RPM response ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 10,000 km oil change intervals using VW 502 00/504 00 oil to protect the timing chain and turbo. Frequent short trips accelerate timing chain tensioner wear due to incomplete oil circulation; engines built before 10/2015 are especially susceptible. RON 98 fuel is recommended for optimal combustion stability under boost. Post-2015 engines feature a revised tensioner per VW STB 2014‑12. Carbon buildup on intake valves is minimal due to direct injection but may occur after 120,000 km.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 or 504 00 (5W‑40) specification (Volkswagen Owner’s Manual). Not interchangeable with 507 00 diesel oils.
Emissions: Euro 6 certification applies to all CHFA production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8912).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Full 150 PS output requires RON 95 minimum (Volkswagen Workshop Manual 1725).
Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletins: STB 2014‑12, Workshop Manual 1725
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8912)
Volkswagen ETKA Documentation (04E engine family)
The Volkswagen CHFA was used across Volkswagen's Mk7 and B8 platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group. This engine received platform-specific calibrations—revised cooling in the Golf and modified mounts in the Passat—and from late 2015 the timing tensioner was updated, creating minor service part distinctions. Partnerships enabled Škoda and SEAT to use identical long blocks. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filler neck (Volkswagen Workshop Manual 1725). The 4th–6th VIN digits indicate engine family ('CHF' for CHFA). Visual identification: black plastic cam cover with 'TSI' logo; compact Honeywell TD025 turbo with integrated exhaust manifold. Critical differentiation from CGGB/CZDA: CHFA uses identical hardware but is calibrated for specific platform software and emissions tuning. Timing tensioners for engines before 10/2015 (part 04E 109 467 A) are not interchangeable with post-STB 2014‑12 units (04E 109 467 C) due to material and preload changes.
The CHFA's primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner wear, with elevated incidence in frequent short-trip urban use. VW internal data from 2015 indicated a notable share of pre-late-2015 engines developing chain rattle before 60,000 km, while UK DVSA records show minimal emissions-related failures due to robust catalyst design. Cold starts and infrequent oil changes increase chain guide stress, making oil quality and driving pattern critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2012–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CHFA.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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