The Volkswagen CJKA 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 delivered 92 kW (125 PS) and 200 Nm of torque, enabling brisk low‑rpm response and efficient urban driving.
Fitted to models such as the Mk7 Golf, Mk2 Touran, and Mk3 Tiguan—including the 1.4 TSI variants—the CJKA was engineered for responsive performance with everyday fuel economy. Emissions compliance was achieved through a combination of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a three‑way catalytic converter, allowing all units to meet Euro 5 standards, with later builds complying with Euro 6 under VCA type approval.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves due to the absence of port fuel injection, highlighted in Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletin 2015‑08. This results from crankcase vapour (via the PCV system) depositing oil residues on hot intake surfaces. From 2016, revised PCV routing and updated valve cover designs were introduced in certain markets to mitigate the issue.
Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2019 models meet Euro 6 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Volkswagen CJKA is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for compact and crossover models (2012–2019). It combines direct fuel 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 (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 80.0 mm | |
| Power output | 92 kW (125 PS) @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (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; maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑30 or 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The turbocharged TSI design delivers strong mid-range torque ideal for city and motorway use but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 502 00/504 00 oil to prevent sludge and timing chain tensioner wear. Absence of port injection leads to intake valve coking, necessitating periodic walnut blasting or updated PCV hardware per SIB 2015-08. Use of RON 95 (minimum) fuel is mandatory; RON 98 improves performance and reduces knock risk under load. Turbocharger lifespan is closely tied to post-drive cooldown and oil quality.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 or 504 00 specification (Volkswagen SIB 2015-08). Not interchangeable with ACEA A3/B4 without verification.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to 2012–2014 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). All 2015–2019 units meet Euro 6.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output assumes RON 95 fuel (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 01-2013-CJKA).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 01-2013-CJKA, SIB 2015-08
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen CJKA was used across Volkswagen's Mk7/Mk2 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with SEAT and Škoda under the MQB architecture. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Tiguan and modified cooling ducts in the Golf—and from 2016 the facelifted Touran adopted updated PCV routing, creating minor interchange limits. Partnerships enabled SEAT Leon and Škoda Octavia to use near-identical variants. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the alternator mount (Volkswagen TIS 01-2013-CJKA). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('C' for 1.4 TSI EA211 series). CJKA units feature a black plastic intake manifold with integrated charge air cooler and Bosch ECU with rectangular diagnostic port. Critical differentiation from CZDA: CJKA uses a single-mass flywheel in manual variants; CZDA often uses dual-mass. Service parts require production date verification—PCV kits for pre-2016 engines differ due to updated breather routing (Volkswagen SIB 2015-08).
The CJKA's primary reliability risk is intake valve coking due to direct-only injection, with elevated incidence in short-trip urban use. Volkswagen internal quality data (2016) noted increased intake service demand in vehicles under 15,000 km/year, while UK DVSA MOT records show higher emissions-related failures linked to EGR/PCV faults in high-mileage examples. Frequent cold starts and extended idling accelerate deposit formation, making PCV maintenance and driving pattern critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2013–2019) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CJKA.
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