The Volkswagen CHZB 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 110 kW (150 PS) and 250 Nm of torque, offering responsive performance across the rev range with strong mid — range pull.
Fitted to models such as the Mk7 Golf, Mk2 Touran, and Mk3 Octavia, the CHZB was engineered for dynamic yet efficient driv…

Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2020 models comply with Euro 6 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Volkswagen CHZB 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 and a twin-scroll turbocharger to deliver brisk acceleration and smooth power delivery. 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 | 110 kW (150 PS) | |
Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2012–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2020) | |
Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | Single twin‑scroll turbo (BorgWarner KP45) | |
Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; low wear design) | |
Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑30 or 5W‑40) | |
Dry weight | 115 kg |
The Volkswagen CHZB 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 2017 the Octavia facelift adopted updated HPFP hardware, creating minor interchange limits. Partnerships allowed Škoda and SEAT to use identical CHZB units in their lineups. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The CHZB's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure due to cam follower wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles using marginal-quality fuel or extended oil intervals. Volkswagen internal data (2017) indicated over 25% of pre-2017 CHZB engines required HPFP replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show increased misfire-related emissions failures linked to fuel pressure instability. Frequent short trips and low-RPM driving accelerate wear, making oil spec and fuel quality critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2013–2018) 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 CHZB is generally robust with proper maintenance, though early models (2012–2016) are prone to HPFP and cam follower wear. Post-2017 revisions improved durability. Using correct oil (VW 502 00/504 00) and high-quality fuel greatly enhances longevity.
Top issues include HPFP/cam follower wear, intake valve coking, turbo actuator faults, and occasional cold-start timing chain rattle. These are documented in Volkswagen TSB-2016-12 and internal reliability reports.
The CHZB appears in the Golf VII (2012–2020), Touran II (2015–2020), and is shared with Škoda Octavia III and SEAT Leon III (2013–2020) as the 1.4 TSI 150 PS unit. All meet Euro 5 or Euro 6 depending on production year.
Yes. Stage 1 ECU remaps typically yield +25–30 kW (185–190 PS) safely on stock internals. Supporting mods like intercooler, exhaust, and upgraded HPFP improve reliability. Avoid aggressive tuning without fuel system upgrades due to HPFP limitations.
In a Golf VII, expect ~6.5 L/100km (city) and ~4.6 L/100km (highway), or ~49 mpg UK combined. Real-world mixed driving typically returns 45–52 mpg (UK) with conservative driving.
Yes. The CHZB is an interference design. If the timing chain fails (rare), piston-to-valve contact can cause catastrophic damage. However, the chain is designed for life and rarely fails if oil is maintained.
Volkswagen specifies 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic oil meeting VW 502 00 or 504 00 standards. Always use manufacturer-approved oil and change every 15,000 km or annually to protect the turbo and HPFP.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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