The Volkswagen CHFB 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 110 kW (150 PS) and 250 Nm of torque, offering responsive performance with improved fuel economy over naturally aspirated predecessors.
Fitted to models such as the Golf Mk7, Jetta, and Passat B8, the CHFB was engineered for balanced performance and efficiency in compact and mid-size applications. Emissions compliance was achieved through stratified lean-burn combustion, precise electronic throttle control, and secondary air injection, allowing compliance with Euro 6 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves due to the direct-injection design, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2015‑11. This issue stems from the absence of fuel washing over intake ports, leading to progressive airflow restriction. From 2016, revised intake manifold geometry and updated ECU mapping were introduced to mitigate deposit formation.
All production years 2012–2019 meet Euro 6 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8925).
The Volkswagen CHFB is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for compact and mid-size 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 everyday drivability 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 | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 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 | 114 kg |
The TSI direct-injection system enables strong mid-range torque ideal for mixed driving but requires high-quality 95 RON (or higher) fuel to minimize carbon buildup on intake valves. VW 502 00/504 00 oil is essential to protect turbo bearings and timing chain longevity. Extended oil change intervals beyond 15,000 km or 12 months may accelerate sludge formation and turbo wear. Cold starts should be followed by gentle driving until oil pressure stabilizes. The front-mounted timing chain is generally robust but relies on consistent oil quality for long-term durability.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 or 504 00 (5W-40) specification (Volkswagen Owner’s Manual). Not compatible with generic ACEA A3/B4 oils unless VW-approved.
Emissions: Euro 6 certification applies to all CHFB production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8925). No Euro 5 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Full 150 PS output requires 95 RON minimum (Volkswagen Group PT‑2017).
Volkswagen Technical Information System: ETKA Docs CZDA‑905, SIB 2015‑11
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8925)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Volkswagen CHFB was used across Volkswagen's Mk7 and B8 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 Passat B8—and from 2016 minor ECU and injector updates were introduced, creating subtle 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 ETKA CZDA‑905). The 4th and 5th characters of the VIN (e.g., 'AU' for Golf Mk7) indicate platform, while the engine code appears on the V5C logbook and under the boot floor sticker. CHFB units use Bosch HDEV5 injectors and feature a black plastic intake manifold with integrated charge pipe. Critical differentiation from CFFD/CFHC: CHFB has unique camshaft position sensor location and revised PCV routing. ECU part numbers must match production date—verify against SIB 2015‑11 before replacement.
The CHFB'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.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CHFB.
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