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 as the Polo, Ibiza, and Škoda Fabia, the CKMA was engineered for urban efficiency and light-duty driving. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three-way catalytic converter and precise engine management, meeting Euro 5 and later Euro 6 standards depending on model year and market.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Bulletin 2014‑09‑12. This issue arises from marginal lubrication under high-frequency operation, particularly when using non-specified fuel or exceeding recommended oil change intervals. From 2015, revised HPFP components with hardened cam followers were introduced to mitigate early failure.
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 CKMA’s small-displacement turbo provides strong low-end torque ideal for city driving but requires consistent use of 95 RON (or higher) unleaded petrol and strict adherence to 10,000–15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent HPFP cam follower wear. VW 502 00/504 00 oil is essential to protect the turbo bearing and timing chain. Frequent short trips may lead to carbon buildup on intake valves due to lack of fuel-wash effect. Revised HPFP units (from 2015) improve reliability; pre-2015 engines should be monitored for fuel rail pressure faults per VW SIB 2014‑09‑12.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 or 504 00 specification (Volkswagen SIB 2014‑09‑12). ACEA A3/B4 oils are acceptable only if VW-approved.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to 2012–2014 models; Euro 6 applies to 2015–2018 builds (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Full 125 PS output requires 95 RON minimum; 98 RON improves knock margin under load (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 04E‑2010).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 04E‑1001, 04E‑1025, SIB 2014‑09‑12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
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.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filler neck (Volkswagen TIS 04E‑1005). The 4th–6th digits of the VIN indicate engine code (e.g., 'CKM' for CKMA). Visual identification: black plastic valve cover with 'TSI' logo; compact intake manifold with integrated charge pipe. Critical differentiation from CZCA/CZDA: CKMA uses Bosch HDEV5 injectors and a smaller GT1241V turbo. Pre-2015 HPFP units (part no. 04E 127 025 B) are not interchangeable with post-2015 revisions (04E 127 025 D) due to internal cam follower redesign (Volkswagen SIB 2014‑09‑12).
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.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CKMA.
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