The Volkswagen CRZA 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), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivered 85 kW (115 PS) and 300 Nm of torque, optimized for urban efficiency and light commercial use.
Fitted to models such as the Polo, T-Cross, and Caddy, the CRZA was engineered for low fuel consumption, responsive low‑rpm torque, and compliance with Euro 6 emissions standards. Emissions control was achieved through a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection.
One documented concern is premature AdBlue injector coking, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2017‑05. This issue stems from thermal shock during frequent short trips and incomplete AdBlue decomposition. From 2018, revised injector materials and updated dosing strategies were introduced to reduce coking and crystallization.
All production years 2015–2020 meet Euro 6 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9342).
The Volkswagen CRZA is a 1,968 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact and light commercial vehicles (2015–2020). It combines common‑rail direct injection with a single variable‑geometry turbocharger and AdBlue-based SCR to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and full Euro 6 compliance. Designed for urban and mixed driving, it balances fuel economy with emissions control.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,968 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel (EN 590 compliant) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 81.0 mm × 95.5 mm | |
| Power output | 85 kW (115 PS) @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 1,500–2,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 148 kg |
The CRZA delivers responsive low-end torque and excellent urban fuel economy but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 504 00/507 00 oil to protect the turbocharger and SCR system. Short-trip driving accelerates AdBlue injector coking due to thermal cycling and incomplete urea decomposition. EN 590 ultra-low-sulfur diesel and genuine AdBlue (ISO 22241) are mandatory; off-spec fluids cause crystallization and dosing faults. Post-2018 engines feature improved injector materials per VW STB 2017‑05.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 or 507 00 specification (VW STB 2017‑05). ACEA C3 oils are acceptable only if VW-approved.
Emissions: Euro 6 certification applies to all CRZA engines (2015–2020) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9342).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output assumes EN 590 diesel and ISO 22241 AdBlue (VW TIS Doc. 04L‑2100).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 04L‑1023, 04L‑1045, STB 2017‑05
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9342)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Volkswagen CRZA was used across Volkswagen's Polo, T-Cross, and Caddy platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Caddy and revised AdBlue tank routing in the T-Cross—and from 2020 the facelifted Polo adopted mild-hybrid variants, creating 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 (VW TIS 04L‑1020). The 4th and 5th digits of the engine code on the VIN plate should read “CRZA”. Visual identification: black cam cover with “TDI” logo; Garrett VGT turbo with silver compressor housing; AdBlue tank mounted in rear wheel arch. Critical differentiation from CRZB: CRZA uses Bosch EDC17 ECU and single-stage SCR; CRZB features dual-dosing SCR. Pre-2018 AdBlue injectors (part no. 04L 907 575 A) are prone to coking; post-2018 units (04L 907 575 C) include ceramic-coated tips per VW STB 2017‑05.
The CRZA's primary reliability risk is AdBlue injector coking and crystallization, with elevated incidence in urban stop-start use. VW internal quality data from 2018 indicated a significant share of pre-2018 engines required injector replacement before 80,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased emissions-related MOT failures in city-driven examples. Short-trip driving and off-spec AdBlue accelerate coking, making fluid quality and driving pattern critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2015–2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CRZA.
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