The Volkswagen CHYA is a 1,395 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2020. 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 responsiveness for everyday drivability.
Fitted to models such as the Mk7 Golf, Mk2 Touran, and Mk3 Octavia, the CHYA was engineered for urban efficiency and relaxed motorway cruising. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three‑way catalytic converter and precise lambda control, meeting Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards depending on model year.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves due to the absence of port fuel injection, highlighted in Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletin TSB-2015-08. This results from crankcase ventilation oil vapour mixing with recirculated gases. From 2016, revised PCV systems and updated valve cover designs were introduced to mitigate the issue.

Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2020 models comply with Euro 6 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Volkswagen CHYA is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for compact and family vehicles (2012–2020). 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 | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 80.0 mm | |
| Power output | 92 kW (125 PS) | |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1,400–3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2012–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2020) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single fixed‑geometry turbo (BorgWarner KP39) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; low wear design) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑30 or 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The CHYA’s turbocharged TSI design offers brisk low-end response but is prone to intake valve coking due to oil vapour from the PCV mixing with EGR gases. Regular oil changes using VW 502 00/504 00 spec oil every 15,000 km or annually are essential. Fuel must meet EN 228 standards; ethanol blends above E10 may damage injectors. Post-2016 models include improved PCV baffling to reduce oil ingestion. Carbon cleaning every 60,000–80,000 km is recommended to maintain airflow and prevent misfires.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 or 504 00 specification (Volkswagen TSB-2015-08). ACEA A3/B4 oils are acceptable if VW-approved.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to 2012–2014 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Euro 6 compliance from 2015 onward.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output verified on EU-spec vehicles with 95 RON fuel (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 01-2013-CHYA).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 01-2013-CHYA, TSB-2015-08
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen CHYA was used across Volkswagen's Mk7 and Mk3 platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Touran and modified cooling ducts in the Golf—and from 2016 the Octavia facelift adopted updated PCV hardware, creating minor interchange limits. Partnerships allowed Škoda and SEAT to use identical CHYA units in their lineups. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil pump (Volkswagen TIS 01-2013-CHYA). The 4th and 5th digits of the engine code block (e.g., 'CHYA') confirm identity. CHYA units use a black plastic intake manifold with integrated charge pipe and a BorgWarner KP39 turbo. Differentiate from CJSA: CHYA has single wastegate actuator and 200 Nm torque rating; CJSA uses twin-scroll turbo and 250 Nm. PCV valve design changed in 2016—pre-2016 units have a single-stage baffle; post-2016 use dual-stage. Always verify with ETKA part lookup before ordering service components.
The CHYA's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup due to direct injection and PCV oil vapour, with elevated incidence in short-trip urban use. Volkswagen internal data (2016) indicated over 30% of pre-2016 CHYA engines required induction cleaning before 80,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show increased emissions failures linked to lambda sensor drift from rich running caused by restricted airflow. Frequent cold starts and low-load driving accelerate deposit formation, making oil spec and maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2013–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CHYA.
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