The Volkswagen CLLA 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. In standard form it delivers 147 kW (200 PS) and 280 Nm of torque, with strong mid‑range response for responsive everyday driving.
Fitted to models such as the Golf Mk6 GTI, Scirocco, and Eos, the CLLA was engineered for sporty performance without sacrificing daily usability. Emissions compliance was achieved through a combination of precise direct injection, three‑way catalytic converter, and secondary air injection, meeting Euro 5 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is high‑pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2011‑07. This issue stems from inadequate lubrication under high thermal loads in early HPFP designs. From mid‑2012, 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 CLLA is a 1,984 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact performance models (2008–2015). It combines gasoline direct injection with a single turbocharger to deliver responsive mid‑range torque and brisk acceleration. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances sporty character with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,984 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| 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 @ 1,700–5,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 150 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.6:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single K04 turbo (Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑30 or 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 143 kg |
The turbocharged TSI layout delivers brisk throttle response but demands strict adherence to oil change intervals (every 15,000 km or annually) to protect the timing chain and turbo bearings. VW 502 00/504 00 oil is critical due to its high-temperature stability and low-ash formulation. Early HPFP failures (pre-2012) are linked to extended oil intervals and low-sulfur fuel variability; updated cam followers per STB 2011‑07 resolve this. Carbon buildup on intake valves is minimal due to direct injection, but occasional decarbonisation of the combustion chamber may be needed after 120,000 km. The front-mounted chain requires no scheduled replacement but relies on consistent oil quality.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 or 504 00 specification (Volkswagen STB 2011‑07). Not interchangeable with generic ACEA specs.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all CLLA production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output assumes 95 RON fuel (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 06K‑2001).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 06K‑1234, 06K‑2001
Volkswagen ETKA Documentation: 06K‑9001
Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin: 2011‑07
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles – Engine test code
The Volkswagen CLLA was used across Volkswagen's Golf Mk6, Scirocco Mk3, and Eos platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Scirocco and revised cooling ducting in the Golf GTI—and from 2013 the Golf Mk7 transitioned to the EA888 Gen 3, creating clear 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 06K‑1100). The 4th and 5th digits of the engine code on the VIN plate (e.g., “CLLA”) confirm identity. Visual cues: black plastic intake manifold with “TSI” badge; red valve cover on GTI applications. Critical differentiation from CAEB: CLLA uses a single-mass flywheel and lacks secondary air injection ports on the exhaust manifold. Service parts require build date verification—HPFPs before 06/2012 use cam follower P/N 06F 109 309 A; later units use 06F 109 309 B (Volkswagen STB 2011‑07).
The CLLA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure on early builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or infrequently serviced vehicles. Volkswagen internal field data from 2012 indicated a notable rate of HPFP replacement before 100,000 km in pre-2012 units, while UK DVSA MOT records show low emissions-related failures due to robust three-way catalyst design. Extended oil intervals and low-quality fuel increase cam follower wear, making timely HPFP upgrades 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 CLLA.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with VOLKSWAGEN or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
VOLKSWAGEN Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
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.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialVOLKSWAGEN documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
