The Volkswagen CLHB 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, delivering 110 kW (150 PS) and 250 Nm of torque. Its compact design and turbocharging provide strong low‑rpm response for everyday drivability.
Fitted to models such as the Golf Mk7, Passat B8, and Tiguan Mk2—including variants like the Golf 1.4 TSI 150 PS and Passat 1.4 TSI ACT—the CLHB was engineered for balanced performance and fuel economy. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a three‑way catalytic converter, allowing adherence to Euro 6 standards from launch.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves due to the port‑fuel‑injection‑less design, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2016‑07. This stems from the absence of fuel washing over the valves, which in high‑mileage units can reduce airflow and cause misfires. Later revisions retained the same architecture but recommended periodic walnut blasting for maintenance.
Production years 2012–2019 meet Euro 6 standards across all EU markets (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Volkswagen CLHB is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for compact and mid‑size models (2012–2019). It combines direct fuel injection (TSI) with variable valve timing to deliver responsive low‑end torque and smooth highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6 emissions from launch, it balances performance with urban efficiency.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,395 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 80.0 mm | |
| Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 5,000–6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual‑circuit thermostat | |
| Turbocharger | Single fixed‑geometry turbo (Honeywell TD025) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; low‑wear design) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑30 or 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The TSI direct-injection system provides brisk throttle response but requires periodic intake valve cleaning due to carbon accumulation from the lack of port injection. Use of VW 502 00/504 00 oil is essential to protect turbo bearings and timing chain longevity. Short-trip driving accelerates carbon buildup; extended highway use helps self-clean the system. The front-mounted timing chain is generally durable but depends on correct oil viscosity and change intervals (every 15,000 km or annually).
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 or 504 00 specification (Volkswagen SIB 2015‑12). ACEA A3/B4 oils are acceptable only if VW-approved.
Emissions: Euro 6 certification applies to all CLHB production years (2012–2019) in EU and UK markets (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Full 150 PS output requires RON 95 fuel or higher (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 03C‑1060).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 03C‑1001, 03C‑1023, 03C‑1040
Volkswagen Service Information Bulletin (SIB) 2016‑07, 2015‑12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
The Volkswagen CLHB was used across Volkswagen's Mk7/B8 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Škoda and Audi under the MQB architecture. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Passat B8 and modified exhaust manifolds in the Tiguan Mk2—and from 2017 the Golf Mk7.5 retained the same code but with updated ECU calibrations for WLTP compliance, creating minor software interchange limits. Partnerships enabled use in Škoda Octavia and Audi A3 with identical mechanical architecture. 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 03C‑1005). The 4th–6th digits of the VIN indicate engine family ('CLH' for this variant). All CLHB units feature a black plastic intake manifold with '1.4 TSI' embossed and a single intercooler pipe on the driver’s side. Differentiate from CZDA: identical internals but CZDA used in Audi/Škoda with different ECU part numbers. Software flash compatibility requires matching OEM calibration IDs—mechanical parts are generally interchangeable across MQB platforms.
The CLHB's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup, with elevated incidence in urban or short-trip driving. Volkswagen internal service data from 2017 noted increased intake cleaning requests after 70,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show no direct emissions failures but indirect issues from misfires. Frequent cold starts and low-load operation accelerate deposit formation, making periodic induction service critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2014–2019) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CLHB.
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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.
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