The Volkswagen CSNA 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, with strong low‑rpm response for everyday drivability.
Fitted to models such as the Mk7 Golf, Mk2 Touran, and Mk3 Octavia, the CSNA was engineered for urban efficiency and motorway refinement. Emissions…
Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2019 models meet Euro 6 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Volkswagen CSNA is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for compact and family models (2012–2019). It combines direct injection (TSI) with a single turbocharger to deliver responsive low‑end torque and smooth highway performance. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances efficiency with drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,395 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, min. 95 RON) | |
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 @ 1,500–4,000 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 fixed‑geometry turbo (BorgWarner) | |
Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; low‑wear design) | |
Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑30 or 5W‑40) | |
Dry weight | 112 kg |
The Volkswagen CSNA was used across Volkswagen's Mk7/Mk3 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Škoda and SEAT under the MQB architecture. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Touran and modified cooling routing in the Octavia—and from 2016 the facelifted Golf models adopted updated emissions hardware, creating minor interchange limits. Partnerships enabled Škoda's 1.4 TSI and SEAT's 1.4 EcoTSI variants to share core architecture. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The CSNA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in short-trip urban use. Internal VW quality data from 2016 indicated a measurable share of pre-2016 engines requiring HPFP replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased fuel system-related MOT advisories in high-mileage examples. Frequent cold starts and low-quality fuel increase HPFP stress, making oil/fuel quality and driving pattern critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2014–2019) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The CSNA offers good performance and efficiency, but early models (2012–2015) had HPFP reliability concerns. Later revisions (post-2016) improved fuel system durability. With regular servicing, high-quality fuel (95 RON), and longer driving cycles, well-maintained examples can exceed 200,000 km reliably.
Top issues include high-pressure fuel pump wear, intake valve carbon buildup (due to direct injection), turbo actuator faults, and coolant flange leaks. These are documented in VW service bulletins and commonly observed in high-mileage vehicles with short-trip usage patterns.
The CSNA 1.4 TSI 125 PS was used in the Golf VII (2012–2019), Touran II (2015–2019), and shared with Škoda Octavia III (as CZCA) and SEAT Leon III (as CZDA). All are MQB-platform vehicles with transverse engine mounting and Euro 5/Euro 6 emissions compliance.
Yes. Stage 1 ECU remaps typically yield +20–25 kW (150–160 PS) safely using stock internals. The turbo and fuel system support moderate gains, but HPFP reliability must be confirmed first. Supporting mods like an upgraded intercooler and exhaust improve results and longevity.
In a Golf VII 1.4 TSI 125 PS, typical consumption is ~6.8 L/100km (city) and ~4.6 L/100km (highway), or about 48 mpg UK combined. Real-world figures range from 42–52 mpg (UK) depending on driving style, with motorway cruising delivering best efficiency.
Yes. The CSNA is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails (rare but possible), piston-to-valve contact can cause catastrophic internal damage. However, the front-mounted chain is generally robust with proper oil maintenance.
Volkswagen specifies 5W‑30 or 5W‑40 synthetic oil meeting VW 502 00 or 504 00 standards. Always use manufacturer-approved oil and change every 15,000 km or annually to protect the turbo, HPFP, and timing components.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with VOLKSWAGEN or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
VOLKSWAGEN Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialVOLKSWAGEN documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed”.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.