The Volkswagen CKMA is a 1,395 cc, inline‑four turbocharged direct — injection petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2018. It features DOHC, 16 valves, and a single turbocharger with integrated intercooler, delivering 92 kW (125 PS) and 200 Nm of torque. This engine employs Volkswagen’s TSI technology, combining direct fuel injection with a small — displacement turbo to provide responsive low — end performance and improved fuel economy.
Fitted to compact models such…
Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2018 models meet Euro 6 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Volkswagen CKMA is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for supermini and entry-level compact models (2012–2018). It combines direct fuel injection with a small single turbocharger to deliver brisk low-RPM response and efficient urban driving. Designed to meet Euro 5 (early) and Euro 6 (later) emissions standards, it balances affordability with modern drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,395 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min) | |
Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
Aspiration | Turbocharged with air-to-air intercooler | |
Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 80.0 mm | |
Power output | 92 kW (125 PS) @ 5,000 rpm | |
Torque | 200 Nm @ 1,400–3,500 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 150 bar) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2012–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2018) | |
Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual-circuit thermostat | |
Turbocharger | Single turbo (Honeywell GT1241V) | |
Timing system | Chain-driven (front-mounted, low wear design) | |
Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑30 or 5W‑40) | |
Dry weight | 112 kg |
The Volkswagen CKMA was used across Volkswagen's Polo, SEAT Ibiza, and Škoda Fabia platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Polo and modified exhaust manifolds in the Fabia—and from 2015 the Ibiza received updated HPFP hardware, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The CKMA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in high-frequency urban use. Volkswagen internal data from 2015 indicated a notable rate of HPFP replacement before 90,000 km in pre-2015 units, while UK DVSA MOT records show minimal emissions-related failures due to robust catalytic converter design. Extended oil intervals and low-octane fuel increase HPFP stress, making fuel quality and maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2012–2016) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). 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 CKMA offers good urban performance and efficiency, but early units (2012–2014) are prone to HPFP cam follower wear. Later revisions (2015 onward) improved pump durability. With proper maintenance—especially using correct fuel (95+ RON) and oil (VW 502 00)—the engine can be very reliable beyond 180,000 km.
Top issues include HPFP cam follower wear, carbon buildup on intake valves (due to direct injection), turbo wastegate sticking, and plastic coolant thermostat housing leaks. These are documented in Volkswagen service bulletins, particularly SIB 2014‑09‑12 for HPFP concerns.
The CKMA was used in the Polo (6R/6C, 2012–2018), SEAT Ibiza (6J, 2012–2017), and Škoda Fabia (NJ, 2014–2018). All are transverse-mounted 1.4 TSI 125 PS variants, with early models Euro 5 and later Euro 6 compliant.
Yes. The CKMA responds well to ECU remapping, typically gaining +15–25 kW on stage 1 with stock hardware. The GT1241V turbo and internals support up to ~150 kW with supporting mods (intake, exhaust). Always use 98 RON fuel and monitor HPFP health post-tune.
In a Polo 1.4 TSI, expect ~6.8 L/100km (city) and ~4.6 L/100km (highway), or about 42 mpg UK combined. Real-world mixed driving typically yields 38–45 mpg (UK), depending on driving style and conditions. Efficiency is competitive for its class and era.
Yes. The CKMA is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails (rare but possible), piston-to-valve contact can cause catastrophic damage. However, the front-mounted chain design is robust and rarely fails if maintained properly.
Volkswagen specifies 5W‑30 or 5W‑40 synthetic oil meeting VW 502 00 or 504 00 standards. Always use a VW-approved oil and change every 10,000–15,000 km to protect the turbo, HPFP, and timing system.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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VOLKSWAGEN Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
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