The Volkswagen CHNA is a 1,395 cc, inline‑four turbo‑charged 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. The compact design with integrated exhaust manifold enables rapid warm‑up and strong low‑end response.
Fitted to models such as the Mk7 Golf, Passat B8, and Tiguan Mk2, the CHNA was engineered for responsive daily driving with efficient highway cruising. Emissions compliance was achieved through stratified lean‑burn combustion and secondary air injection, meeting Euro 6 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high‑pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2014‑09. This issue arises from marginal lubrication under low‑fuel conditions and frequent short trips. From mid‑2015, revised HPFP and cam follower components were introduced to improve durability.
All production years 2012–2018 meet Euro 6 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8915).
The Volkswagen CHNA is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbo‑charged petrol engine engineered for compact and mid‑size applications (2012–2018). It combines direct fuel injection (TSI) with a BorgWarner turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances everyday drivability with fuel economy.
| 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 110 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual-circuit layout | |
| Turbocharger | BorgWarner K03 with integrated exhaust manifold | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC (maintenance-free design) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 115 kg |
The CHNA’s compact TSI design offers brisk low-end torque ideal for urban and motorway use but demands high-quality fuel (RON 98 preferred) and strict oil change intervals (every 15,000 km or annually) to protect the timing chain and HPFP. Use of non-approved oil can accelerate cam follower wear, leading to HPFP failure. The integrated exhaust manifold reduces warm-up time but increases thermal stress on cylinder head components—ensure coolant is refreshed per VW schedule. Post-2015 engines include upgraded HPFP components; pre-2015 units should be inspected for cam follower wear per VW SIB 2014‑09.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 / 504 00 (5W‑40) specification (Volkswagen Owner’s Manual). ACEA A3/B4 oils are acceptable only if VW-approved.
Emissions: Euro 6 certification applies to all CHNA production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8915). No Euro 5 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Power output assumes RON 98 fuel and stock ECU calibration (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 04E-910-220).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 04E-910-210, 04E-910-215, SIB 2014‑09
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8915)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Volkswagen CHNA was used across Volkswagen's Mk7 and B8 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Škoda and SEAT under MQB architecture. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised cooling in the Passat B8 and reinforced mounts in the Tiguan Mk2—and from 2015 the HPFP and cam follower were upgraded, creating service part distinctions. Partnerships enabled Škoda's Superb and SEAT's Leon to use the same engine block with different ECU tuning. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Volkswagen TIS 04E-910-210). The 4th and 5th digits of the VIN indicate engine family ('CH' for CHNA). All CHNA units feature a black plastic intake manifold with '1.4 TSI' badge and BorgWarner K03 turbo. Critical differentiation from CJSA/CZDA: CHNA uses a dual-mass flywheel (DMF) across all applications. HPFP part number 04E 127 025 C indicates pre-2015; 04E 127 025 E denotes revised post-2015 version (VW SIB 2014‑09).
The CHNA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure linked to cam follower wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles using low-quality fuel or extended oil intervals. VW internal data from 2015 indicated a notable share of pre-2015 engines requiring HPFP replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show minimal emissions-related MOT failures due to robust secondary air injection and Euro 6 compliance. Infrequent oil changes and RON 95 fuel use increase cam lobe stress, making oil specification and fuel quality critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2014–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CHNA.
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