The Volkswagen CMVA 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. In standard form it delivers 92 kW (125 PS) and 200 Nm of torque, optimized for urban efficiency with responsive low‑end pull.
Fitted to models such as the Polo Mk5, Golf Mk7, and Škoda Fabia Mk3, the CMVA was engineered for compact vehicle applications prioritizing fuel economy and drivability in mixed conditions. Emissions compliance was achieved through a combination of precise direct injection, three‑way catalytic converter, and secondary air injection, meeting Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards depending on model year and market.
One documented concern is premature wear of the timing chain tensioner, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2015‑12. This issue stems from marginal oil pressure at cold idle in early tensioner designs. From mid‑2016, revised tensioner materials and updated oil pump relief valves were introduced to enhance durability.
Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2019 models meet Euro 6 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Volkswagen CMVA is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and sedans (2012–2019). It combines gasoline direct injection with a single turbocharger to deliver responsive low‑rpm torque and efficient urban driving. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances everyday usability with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,395 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 80.0 mm | |
| Power output | 92 kW (125 PS) @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1,400–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2012–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2019) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single IHI VF33 turbo (variable geometry) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; tensioner‑prone in early builds) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑30 or 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The turbocharged TSI layout provides brisk urban response but demands strict adherence to oil change intervals (every 15,000 km or annually) to protect the timing chain tensioner and turbo bearings. VW 502 00/504 00 oil is critical due to its high-temperature stability and low-ash formulation. Early CMVA engines (pre-2016) are susceptible to tensioner wear under frequent cold starts; updated tensioners per STB 2015‑12 resolve this. Carbon buildup on intake valves is minimal due to direct injection, but occasional decarbonisation 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 2015‑12). Not interchangeable with generic ACEA specs.
Emissions: Euro 5 applies to 2012–2014 builds; Euro 6 to 2015–2019 (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output assumes 95 RON fuel (Volkswagen TIS Doc. CXSA‑2001).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs CXSA‑1234, CXSA‑2001
Volkswagen ETKA Documentation: CXSA‑9001
Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin: 2015‑12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles – Engine test code
The Volkswagen CMVA was used across Volkswagen's Polo Mk5, Golf Mk7, and Škoda Fabia Mk3 platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Golf and compact exhaust manifolds in the Polo—and from 2018 the Polo Mk6 transitioned to the 1.0 TSI, 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 CXSA‑1100). The 4th and 5th digits of the engine code on the VIN plate (e.g., “CMVA”) confirm identity. Visual cues: black plastic intake manifold with “TSI” badge; silver valve cover. Critical differentiation from CZDA: CMVA uses a variable-geometry turbo (IHI VF33) and lacks secondary air injection ports on the exhaust manifold. Service parts require build date verification—tensioners before 06/2016 use P/N 04E 109 479 A; later units use 04E 109 479 B (Volkswagen STB 2015‑12).
The CMVA's primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or cold-climate vehicles. Volkswagen internal field data from 2016 indicated a notable rate of tensioner replacement before 100,000 km in pre-2016 units, while UK DVSA MOT records show low emissions-related failures due to robust three-way catalyst design. Frequent short trips and extended oil intervals increase tensioner stress, making timely upgrades critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2014–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CMVA.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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