The Volkswagen CKTB is a 1,498 cc, inline‑three turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2015 and 2020. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing. In standard form it delivers 110 kW (150 PS) and 250 Nm of torque, with responsive low‑end delivery enabled by its low‑inertia turbocharger.
Fitted to models such as the Mk7 Golf, Mk7.5 Golf, T-Roc, and Audi A3 (8V), the CKTB was engineered for compact efficiency without sacrificing drivability. Emissions compliance was achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a gasoline particulate filter (GPF), and precise stratified injection strategies, meeting Euro 6b and Euro 6d-TEMP 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 Group Service Bulletin 2017‑12. This issue is linked to marginal lubrication under high-load conditions or extended oil change intervals. From 2018, revised cam follower materials and surface treatments were introduced to improve durability.
Production years 2015–2017 meet Euro 6b standards; 2018–2020 models meet Euro 6d-TEMP compliance depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6021).
The Volkswagen CKTB is a 1,498 cc inline‑three turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and SUVs (2015–2020). It combines direct injection with a low-inertia turbocharger to deliver responsive low-end torque and efficient urban driving. Designed to meet Euro 6b and Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standards, it balances everyday usability with reduced emissions.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,498 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min, RON 98 recommended) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑3, DOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 85.9 mm | |
| Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 5,000–6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDP5 high‑pressure direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b (2015–2017); Euro 6d-TEMP (2018–2020) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual‑circuit layout | |
| Turbocharger | Low-inertia IHI VT16 | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The compact three-cylinder layout delivers strong low-RPM torque ideal for urban driving but requires strict adherence to oil change intervals to prevent HPFP cam follower wear. VW 502 00/504 00 (5W‑40) oil is critical due to its high shear stability and cam protection additives. RON 98 fuel is recommended to reduce knock risk under boost. The integrated GPF requires periodic high-load driving to avoid clogging; short urban trips without highway use may trigger regeneration warnings. Post-2018 engines feature improved cam follower materials per VW SIB 2017‑12.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 / 504 00 (5W‑40) specification (VW SIB 2017‑12). Not interchangeable with Longlife‑01 or diesel oils.
Emissions: Euro 6b certification applies to 2015–2017 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6021). Euro 6d-TEMP compliance for 2018–2020 models includes Otto‑GPF and updated ECU calibration.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Full 110 kW output requires RON 98 fuel (VW TIS Doc. 04E‑4015).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 04E‑1012, 04E‑2025, 04E‑3010, SIB 2017‑12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6021)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen CKTB was used across Volkswagen's Mk7 and Mk7.5 platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the T-Roc and updated cooling in the Golf—and from 2018 the facelifted Golf adopted minor ECU and emissions updates, creating minor calibration limits. Partnerships allowed Audi and SEAT to use variants of this engine in compact models. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filter housing (VW TIS 04E‑1020). The 7th VIN digit for Golf is 'G' and for T-Roc is 'R'; engine code 'CKTB' appears in the 4th–7th characters of the engine number. Visual cues: black valve cover with 'TSI' logo, compact three-cylinder layout, GPF housing integrated into exhaust manifold. Critical differentiation from CZDA: CKTB uses Bosch HDP5 HPFP and IHI VT16 turbo; CZDA may use different injectors and lacks GPF in early builds. Cam follower parts require production date verification—pre-2018 units use earlier materials (VW SIB 2017‑12).
The CKTB's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump cam follower wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles using RON 95 fuel or extended oil intervals. Volkswagen internal data from 2018 indicated increased HPFP-related warranty claims for pre-2018 builds, while UK DVSA MOT records show secondary issues related to GPF clogging in low-mileage urban use. Consistent use of premium fuel and correct oil specification is critical to mitigate wear.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2015–2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CKTB.
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