The Volkswagen CMXA is a 1,395 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2019. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), a single turbocharger with intercooler, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivered 92 kW (125 PS) and 200 Nm of torque, engineered for responsive urban driving and efficient highway cruising.
Fitted to models such as the Mk7 Golf, Mk2 Tiguan, and Škoda Octavia—including the 1.4 TSI 125 variants—the CMX…
Production years 2012–2019 meet Euro 6 standards across all markets (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Volkswagen CMXA is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for compact and mid‑size models (2012–2019). It combines direct fuel injection with a single turbocharger and intercooler to deliver responsive low‑rpm torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6 standards, it balances everyday performance with economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,395 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
Aspiration | Turbocharged with intercooler | |
Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 80.0 mm | |
Power output | 92 kW (125 PS) | |
Torque | 200 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | Single fixed-geometry turbo (Honeywell) | |
Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC (front‑mounted) | |
Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑40) | |
Dry weight | 112 kg |
The Volkswagen CMXA was used across Volkswagen's Mk7/B8 platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Tiguan and modified exhaust routing in the Octavia—and from 2017 the facelifted Golf adopted minor ECU and cooling revisions, creating minor calibration limits. Group partnerships enabled use in Škoda and SEAT models with identical core architecture. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The CMXA's primary reliability risk is carbon buildup on intake valves, with elevated incidence in stop-start urban driving. Volkswagen internal field data (2017) indicated a measurable uptick in intake cleaning requests before 100,000 km under such conditions, while UK DVSA MOT data shows no significant emissions-related failures due to robust three-way catalyst performance. Short-trip driving and infrequent oil changes increase deposit formation, making adherence to VW 502 00/504 00 oil and periodic intake maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2012–2019) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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The CMXA is generally robust when maintained correctly, but is prone to intake valve carbon buildup due to its direct-injection-only design. Early units (2012–2015) show higher incidence of turbo actuator issues. Later revisions improved durability. Adherence to VW 502 00/504 00 oil and periodic intake cleaning is essential for long-term reliability beyond 200,000 km.
Top issues include intake valve carbon buildup, turbo actuator failure, high-pressure fuel pump wear, and cam cover oil leaks. These are documented in Volkswagen service bulletins and correlate with workshop repair trends for 1.4 TSI engines in urban environments.
The CMXA powered the Golf VII, Tiguan II, Škoda Octavia III, and SEAT Leon III from 2012–2019 as the 1.4 TSI 125. It was shared across the Volkswagen Group with identical engine codes and Euro 6 compliance.
Yes. ECU remaps typically yield +15–25 kW (20–35 PS) and +40–60 Nm safely on stock hardware. The turbo and internals can support stage 1 tuning, but higher stages require upgraded intercooler and fueling. Always use VW 502 00/504 00 oil post-tune to manage increased stress.
Good. In a Golf 1.4 TSI 125, expect ~6.2 L/100km (city) and ~4.5 L/100km (highway), or ~52 mpg UK combined. Real-world mixed driving typically returns 45–55 mpg UK, depending on driving style and traffic conditions.
Yes. The CMXA is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails or jumps, piston-to-valve contact can cause catastrophic damage. However, the chain is designed for life-of-engine service if correct oil and intervals are maintained.
Volkswagen mandates VW 502 00 or 504 00 (5W-40) synthetic oil. This specification is critical for protecting the turbocharger, high-pressure fuel pump, and timing chain. Never substitute with 507 00 or generic ACEA A3/B4 oils unless explicitly approved.
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