The Volkswagen CLCA is a 1,968 cc, inline‑four turbocharged diesel engine produced between 2010 and 2015. It features common-rail direct injection, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT). In standard form it delivered 103 kW (140 PS) and 320 Nm of torque, offering strong low-end responsiveness with fuel-efficient cruising.
Fitted to models such as the Golf Mk6, Passat B6/B7, and Tiguan, the CLCA was engineered for everyday drivability with emphasis on torque delivery and emissions control. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), meeting Euro 5 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is timing chain tensioner wear, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2012‑04. This issue stems from marginal oil flow to the upper chain guide during cold starts in early-design tensioners. Revised tensioner and guide components were introduced from mid‑2012 onward.
All production years 2010–2015 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6743).
The Volkswagen CLCA is a 1,968 cc inline‑four turbocharged diesel engineered for compact and mid‑size models (2010–2015). It combines common-rail direct injection with a variable geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low-end torque and efficient highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances everyday usability with diesel efficiency.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,968 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel (EN 590 compliant) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 81.0 mm × 95.5 mm | |
| Power output | 103 kW (140 PS) @ 4,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1,750–2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP3.4 common-rail (up to 1,800 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual-circuit layout | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable geometry turbo (BorgWarner/Volkswagen) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | VW 507 00 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 155 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for urban and motorway driving but demands strict adherence to oil change intervals (every 15,000 km or annually) using VW 507 00 oil to protect the timing chain and turbo. The Bosch CP3.4 high-pressure fuel pump requires EN 590 ultra-low-sulfur diesel to prevent premature wear. Carbon buildup in the EGR and intake system may occur after 80,000–100,000 km. Early CLCA units (pre-mid-2012) should be inspected for timing chain tensioner wear per VW STB 2012‑04.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 507 00 specification (Volkswagen Owner’s Manual CLCA). ACEA C3 oils are acceptable only if VW-approved.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all CLCA production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6743).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output assumes EN 590 diesel fuel (Volkswagen Group PT‑2011).
Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletins: STB 2012‑04, Diesel Engine Handbook 2010
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6743)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen CLCA was used across Volkswagen's A5/B6/5N platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Škoda and SEAT under the VAG group. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised EGR routing in the Passat B7 and enhanced cooling in the Tiguan—and from 2012 the updated Golf Mk6 facelift retained the CLCA while later models transitioned to EA288. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filter housing (Volkswagen ETKA 03L‑901). The 4th and 5th characters of the engine code on the VIN plate (e.g., “CLCA”) confirm identity. Visual cues: black cam cover with “TDI” logo, integrated EGR cooler with DPF. Differentiate from CAYC by power output (140 PS vs. 170 PS) and absence of twin-dosing SCR. Pre-mid-2012 timing chains are prone to tensioner wear; verify replacement status via service history or STB 2012‑04 inspection.
The CLCA's primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or cold-climate use. Volkswagen internal field data from 2013 indicated a notable rate of timing-related repairs before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA records show secondary issues with DPF regeneration faults in short-trip urban use. Extended oil intervals and poor-quality diesel accelerate wear, making oil/fuel quality and service adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2010–2015) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CLCA.
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EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
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VCA Certification Portal
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