The Volkswagen CHHB 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 92 kW (125 PS) and 200 Nm of torque, with strong low‑rpm response ideal for urban and motorway driving.
Fitted to models such as the Mk7 Golf, Mk2 Jetta, and Mk3 Touran—including the 1.4 TSI 125 PS variants—the CHHB was engineered for respons…
Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2019 models comply with Euro 6 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679).
The Volkswagen CHHB 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 low‑end 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 | 92 kW (125 PS) @ 5,000 rpm | |
Torque | 200 Nm @ 1,500–4,000 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 CHHB 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 pistons and injectors, creating minor interchange limits. Partnerships enabled SEAT and Škoda to use identical CHHB units in Leon and Octavia. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The CHHB's primary reliability risk is elevated oil consumption in early builds, with elevated incidence in high‑mileage or short‑trip urban use. Volkswagen internal data from 2016 indicated up to 15% of pre‑2016 CHHB engines required piston replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT statistics show increased emissions failures linked to PCV and EGR faults in city‑driven vehicles. Extended oil change intervals and low‑quality fuel exacerbate carbon buildup, making oil specification and service adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2015–2018) 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 CHHB is generally robust but early models (2012–2015) had oil consumption issues due to piston design. Post-2016 revisions improved durability significantly. With proper maintenance—especially using VW 502 00/504 00 oil and timely changes—the engine can reliably exceed 200,000 km.
Top issues include excessive oil consumption (early units), carbon buildup on intake valves, PCV system failure, and turbo wastegate rattle. These are documented in Volkswagen service bulletins, particularly SIB 2015‑07‑TSI‑1395 for oil use.
The CHHB 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 125 PS variants under the EA211 family, meeting Euro 5 or Euro 6 depending on year.
Yes. Stage 1 ECU remaps typically yield +20–25 kW (to ~110–115 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 125 PS, real-world consumption is ~6.5 L/100km (city) and ~4.8 L/100km (highway), or about 48 mpg UK combined. With conservative driving, 50–55 mpg UK is achievable on mixed routes. Fuel quality and service history significantly affect results.
Yes. The CHHB 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.
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