The Volkswagen CPTA is a 1,968 cc, inline‑four turbocharged diesel engine produced between 2015 and 2020. It features common-rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and delivers 110 kW (150 PS) with 340 Nm of torque. The aluminium-silicon alloy block reduces weight while maintaining durability for compact and mid-size applications.
Fitted to models including the Mk7 Golf, Passat B8, and Tiguan II—specifically the 2.0 TDI 150 variants—the CPTA was engineered for responsive low-end torque and long-distance efficiency. Emissions compliance was achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), diesel particulate filter (DPF), and urea-based selective catalytic reduction (SCR), meeting Euro 6b standards from launch.
One documented concern is premature failure of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive mechanism, referenced in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2017‑09. This issue stems from inadequate lubrication of the camshaft lobe driving the pump under extended oil change intervals or use of non-spec oil. Later production units incorporated revised camshaft profiles and pump materials to mitigate wear.
All production years 2015–2020 meet Euro 6b emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7891).
The Volkswagen CPTA is a 1,968 cc inline‑four turbocharged diesel engineered for compact and mid-size models (2015–2020). It combines Bosch CP4.2 common-rail injection with a single variable-geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low-rpm torque and highway efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 6b standards from launch, it integrates SCR aftertreatment for NOx control while balancing drivability and economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,968 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel (EN 590) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 81.0 mm × 95.5 mm | |
| Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 3,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 340 Nm @ 1,750–3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common-rail (up to 2,500 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b | |
| Compression ratio | 16.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual‑circuit thermal management | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Garrett VNT17) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | VW 507 00 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 149 kg |
The CPTA’s VGT turbo and SCR system deliver strong low-end torque ideal for mixed driving but demand strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 507 00 oil to protect the HPFP cam lobe. EN 590-compliant ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) is essential to prevent CP4.2 pump seizure. Extended idling or short-trip driving accelerates carbon buildup in EGR and intake systems. The front-mounted timing chain is robust, but oil degradation can affect tensioner performance. HPFP failures are documented in SIB 2017‑09 for units with poor maintenance history.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 507 00 specification (VW SIB 2017‑09). ACEA C3 oils are acceptable only if explicitly approved under this VW norm.
Emissions: Euro 6b certification applies to all CPTA production (2015–2020) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7891). No market variants fall below this standard.
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Power output assumes EN 590 diesel fuel quality (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 01‑15‑10).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 01‑15‑03, 01‑15‑07, 01‑15‑10
Volkswagen Service Information Bulletin (SIB) 2017‑09
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7891)
EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 and (EU) 2016/646
The Volkswagen CPTA was used across Volkswagen's Mk7 and B8 platforms with transverse and longitudinal mounting and shared with SEAT and Škoda under the MQB/MLB architecture. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Tiguan II and modified SCR tank routing in the Passat B8—and from 2018 the Golf Mk7.5 facelift retained the same CPTA code but with updated ECU calibration for WLTP compliance, creating minor software interchange limits. Partnerships enabled SEAT Ateca and Škoda Kodiaq to use identical powertrains. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filter housing (Volkswagen TIS 01‑15‑03). The 4th and 5th digits of the VIN indicate engine family ('CP' for this series). All CPTA units feature black plastic valve covers with '2.0 TDI' branding. Critical differentiation from earlier CRKB/CRLB: CPTA uses a Bosch CP4.2 high-pressure pump and SCR aftertreatment (AdBlue tank present). ECU part number 04L 906 018 xx confirms CPTA variant. Software updates post-2018 (WLTP) require matching gateway modules—mechanical parts remain interchangeable.
The CPTA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure due to camshaft lobe wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles using non-approved oils or low-quality fuel. Volkswagen internal field data (2018) indicated a measurable uptick in HPFP replacements beyond 100,000 km under poor maintenance conditions, while UK DVSA MOT records show minimal emissions-related failures thanks to robust Euro 6b compliance. Short-trip driving and infrequent oil changes accelerate wear, making oil specification and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2015–2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2017–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CPTA.
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