The Volkswagen CJXE 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 110 kW (150 PS) and 250 Nm of torque, providing responsive mid‑range performance and smooth high‑rpm delivery.
Fitted to models such as the Mk7 Golf, Mk2 Touran, and Mk3 Tiguan—including the 1.4 TSI 150 PS variants—the CJXE was engineered for sportier driving dynamics without sacrificing everyday efficiency. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a three‑way catalytic converter, and secondary air injection, enabling all units to meet Euro 5 standards initially, with later builds complying with Euro 6 under VCA type approval.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower wear, highlighted in Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletin 2014‑12. This results from insufficient lubrication under high-load conditions and extended oil change intervals. From 2015, revised cam follower materials and updated oil specifications were introduced to mitigate premature wear.
Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2019 models meet Euro 6 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679).
The Volkswagen CJXE 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 brisk mid-range torque and refined high-rpm power. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances sporty 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 | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 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 spirited driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 502 00/504 00 oil to prevent high-pressure fuel pump cam follower wear. Direct injection leads to intake valve coking over time, though less critical than in lower-output variants due to higher exhaust gas temperatures aiding self-cleaning. Use of RON 95 (minimum) fuel is mandatory; RON 98 improves knock resistance under load. Turbocharger and HPFP longevity are closely tied to oil quality and post-drive cooldown practices.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 or 504 00 specification (Volkswagen SIB 2014-12). Not interchangeable with ACEA A3/B4 without verification.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to 2012–2014 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679). 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-CJXE).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 01-2013-CJXE, SIB 2014-12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5679)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen CJXE 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—reinforced engine mounts in the Tiguan and modified exhaust manifolds in the Golf—and from 2016 the facelifted Touran adopted updated cam follower materials, 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-CJXE). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('C' for 1.4 TSI EA211 series). CJXE units feature a black plastic intake manifold with integrated charge air cooler and Bosch ECU with rectangular diagnostic port. Critical differentiation from CJKA: CJXE produces 150 PS vs 125 PS and uses a reinforced cam follower for the HPFP. Service parts require production date verification—cam followers for pre-2015 engines differ due to updated metallurgy (Volkswagen SIB 2014-12).
The CJXE's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump cam follower wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to frequent high-load driving or extended oil intervals. Volkswagen internal quality data (2015) noted increased HPFP-related repairs in performance-oriented usage profiles, while UK DVSA MOT records show higher emissions-related failures linked to misfires from fuel delivery faults in high-mileage examples. Aggressive driving and infrequent oil changes accelerate wear, making oil specification and interval adherence 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 CJXE.
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