The Volkswagen CHZL 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 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 CHZL was engineered for balanced performance and fuel economy. Emissions compliance was achieved through a combination of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a three‑way catalytic converter, allowing Euro 5 compliance for early builds and Euro 6 for post‑2015 units.
One documented concern is high‑pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear, particularly in vehicles with extended oil change intervals. This issue, referenced in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2016‑07, is linked to insufficient lubrication from degraded oil and thermal stress. From 2016 onward, revised HPFP components and updated engine control software were introduced to mitigate premature failure.
Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2019 models comply with Euro 6 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Volkswagen CHZL is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for compact and MPV applications (2012–2019). It combines direct injection (TSI) with a single turbocharger to deliver responsive low‑end torque and smooth highway performance. Designed to meet Euro 5 (early) and Euro 6 (later) standards, it balances efficiency with everyday drivability.
| 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 @ 1,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDP5 high-pressure 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 | |
| Turbocharger | Single fixed‑geometry turbo (Honeywell TD025) | |
| 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 CHZL’s turbocharged TSI design offers brisk acceleration and good fuel economy but demands adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 502 00/504 00 oil to protect the high-pressure fuel pump and timing chain. Extended intervals or incorrect oil can accelerate HPFP wear and carbon buildup on intake valves. The engine requires RON 95 petrol minimum; RON 98 is recommended for optimal performance and longevity. Post-2016 models include updated HPFP components per STB 2016‑07, reducing failure risk. Carbon cleaning may be needed after 100,000 km in stop-start urban use.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 or 504 00 specification (Volkswagen STB 2016‑07). ACEA A3/B4 oils are acceptable only if VW-approved.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to 2012–2014 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Euro 6 compliance confirmed for 2015–2019 builds.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output assumes RON 95 fuel (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 01‑2013‑CHZL).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 01‑2013‑CHZL, STB 2016‑07
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen CHZL was used across Volkswagen's Mk7/Mk2 platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Touran and updated cooling ducting in the Golf—and from 2016 the Golf Mk7.5 facelift adopted updated emissions hardware, creating minor ECU and sensor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filler neck (Volkswagen TIS 01‑2013‑CHZL). The 4th and 5th characters of the engine code on the VIN plate (e.g., “CH”) confirm TSI family, while the full code “CHZL” appears on the service label in the boot or on the timing cover. Pre-2016 models use Bosch HDP5 HPFP with silver housing; post-2016 units have black housing and updated cam follower. ECU part number 04E 906 021 BD (pre-2016) vs. 04E 906 021 CJ (post-2016) indicates emissions hardware differences. Swapping ECUs requires matching exhaust and sensor configurations per STB 2016‑07.
The CHZL's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to extended oil change intervals or frequent short trips. Volkswagen internal field data (2016) indicated a notable increase in HPFP replacements before 80,000 km in non‑compliant service regimes, while UK DVSA MOT data shows low emissions failure rates overall. Thermal cycling and oil degradation accelerate cam follower wear, making correct oil specification and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2013–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CHZL.
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