The Volkswagen CRKA 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 85 kW (115 PS) with 250 Nm of torque. The aluminium-silicon alloy block reduces weight while maintaining durability for compact applications.
Fitted to models including the Mk7 Golf, Polo, and T-Cross—specifically the 2.0 TDI 115 variants—the CRKA was engineered for urban efficiency and relaxed motorway cruising. Emissions compliance was achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), meeting Euro 6b standards from launch without requiring AdBlue.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive lobe on the exhaust camshaft, referenced in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2016‑11. This issue arises from marginal lubrication under extended oil change intervals or use of non‑VW 507 00 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/7890).
The Volkswagen CRKA is a 1,968 cc inline‑four turbocharged diesel engineered for compact hatchbacks and SUVs (2015–2020). It combines Bosch CP4.2 common-rail injection with a single variable-geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive low-rpm torque and fuel efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 6b standards from launch without AdBlue, it balances urban agility with highway refinement.
| 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 | 85 kW (115 PS) @ 3,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,500–2,750 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 | 147 kg |
The CRKA’s VGT turbo delivers strong low-end torque ideal for city driving but demands 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 2016‑11 for units with poor maintenance history.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 507 00 specification (VW SIB 2016‑11). ACEA C3 oils are acceptable only if explicitly approved under this VW norm.
Emissions: Euro 6b certification applies to all CRKA production (2015–2020) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890). No AdBlue system fitted; compliance achieved via EGR+DPF only.
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Power output assumes EN 590 diesel fuel quality (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 01‑15‑09).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 01‑15‑02, 01‑15‑06, 01‑15‑09
Volkswagen Service Information Bulletin (SIB) 2016‑11
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 and (EU) 2016/646
The Volkswagen CRKA was used across Volkswagen's Mk7 and A0 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with SEAT and Škoda under the MQB architecture. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the T-Cross and modified cooling ducts in the Polo—and from 2018 the Golf Mk7.5 facelift retained the same CRKA code but with updated ECU calibration for WLTP compliance, creating minor software interchange limits. Partnerships enabled SEAT Ibiza and Škoda Fabia 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 01‑15‑02). The 4th and 5th digits of the VIN indicate engine family ('CR' for this series). All CRKA units feature black plastic valve covers with '2.0 TDI' branding. Critical differentiation from CPTA/CRLB: CRKA lacks AdBlue tank and SCR system. ECU part number 04L 906 017 xx confirms CRKA variant. Software updates post-2018 (WLTP) require matching gateway modules—mechanical parts remain interchangeable.
The CRKA'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 (2017) 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 (2016–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CRKA.
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