The Volkswagen CLJA is a 1,984 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2008 and 2015. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing, delivering 147 kW (200 PS) and 280 Nm of torque. Its turbocharged direct injection system enables strong low‑rpm torque for responsive everyday drivability.
Fitted to models such as the Mk5 and Mk6 Golf R, Scirocco R, and Audi S3 (8P), the CLJA was engineered for high performance with daily usability. Emissions compliance was achieved through a combination of three‑way catalytic converter and precise engine management, meeting Euro 5 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is high‑pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2010‑07. This issue stems from inadequate lubrication under high thermal loads in early HPFP designs. From mid‑2011, revised pump internals and updated cam follower materials were introduced to mitigate premature wear.
All production years 2008–2015 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Volkswagen CLJA is a 1,984 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for performance hatchbacks and coupés (2008–2015). It combines gasoline direct injection (TSI) with a single turbocharger to deliver strong mid‑range pull and high‑rev responsiveness. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances sporty performance with acceptable fuel economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,984 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min, RON 98 recommended) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 92.8 mm | |
| Power output | 147 kW (200 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 280 Nm @ 1,800–5,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDP5 high-pressure direct injection (up to 110 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual-circuit layout | |
| Turbocharger | Single K04 turbo (Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 505 00 (SAE 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 149 kg |
The CLJA delivers brisk acceleration and a broad torque curve but demands high-quality fuel (RON 98 recommended) and strict adherence to oil change intervals (every 15,000 km or annually). VW 502 00/505 00 oil is critical to protect the turbocharger bearings and timing chain. Early high-pressure fuel pumps (pre-06/2011) are prone to cam follower wear—replace with updated OEM parts per STB 2010‑07. Carbon buildup on intake valves is minimal due to direct injection, but occasional induction service is advised for long-term airflow stability.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 / 505 00 (5W-40) specification (Volkswagen Owner's Manual). Not interchangeable with Longlife specs.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all CLJA production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Full 200 PS output requires RON 98 fuel (Volkswagen Group PT‑2013).
Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletins: STB 2010‑07, TSI Engine Bulletin 2009‑12
Volkswagen ETKA Documentation: 06K-900-001
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
The Volkswagen CLJA was used across Volkswagen's Mk5/Mk6 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Audi under the Volkswagen Group modular strategy. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Golf R and revised cooling in the Scirocco R—and from 2011 minor HPFP updates were implemented, creating service part distinctions. 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 01-2009). The 4th–6th characters of the engine code on the V5C logbook or under-bonnet sticker will read 'CLJA'. Visual cue: black plastic intake manifold with 'TSI' badge and K04 turbo with integrated wastegate. Critical differentiation from CAEB/CAXC: CLJA uses a forged crankshaft and higher-flow injectors. HPFP cam follower must be inspected—pre-06/2011 units use older metallurgy (Volkswagen STB 2010‑07).
The CLJA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure linked to cam follower wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles using RON 95 fuel or extended oil intervals. Volkswagen internal data from 2011 indicated a notable rate of HPFP replacement before 80,000 km in early builds, while UK DVSA records show no systemic emissions defects. Aggressive driving and low-quality fuel accelerate wear, making fuel grade and maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2009–2014) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CLJA.
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GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
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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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