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 driv…
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 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.
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.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The CHNA offers strong performance and is generally robust if maintained properly. Early models (2012–2014) are prone to HPFP and cam follower wear, but post-2015 revisions improved reliability. Using RON 98 fuel, VW 502 00 oil, and adhering to service intervals greatly enhances longevity.
Top issues include HPFP failure due to cam follower wear, intake valve carbon buildup (from direct injection), coolant flange leaks, and turbo oil coking. These are documented in VW service bulletins, especially SIB 2014‑09 for HPFP concerns.
The CHNA powered the Golf Mk7, Passat B8, Tiguan Mk2, and was also used by Škoda in the Superb and SEAT in the Leon. All are 1.4 TSI 150 PS applications with transverse mounting.
Yes. The CHNA responds well to ECU remapping, typically gaining +25–35 kW on stage 1 with stock internals. Supporting upgrades (intake, intercooler, downpipe) allow 190+ PS reliably. Always use RON 98 fuel and monitor HPFP health after tuning.
Real-world consumption is ~7.5 L/100km (city) and ~5.2 L/100km (highway), or about 38 mpg UK combined. Aggressive driving reduces this significantly; expect 33–42 mpg (UK) depending on use. RON 98 fuel improves efficiency and engine protection.
Yes. The CHNA 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 generally reliable if oil is changed regularly.
Volkswagen specifies 5W‑40 synthetic oil meeting VW 502 00 or 504 00 standards. Using non-approved oil risks cam follower and HPFP wear. Change every 15,000 km or annually, whichever comes first.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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