The Volkswagen CTHB is a 1,498 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2016 and 2020. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing. In standard form it delivers 110 kW (150 PS) and 250 Nm of torque, with strong mid‑range response for everyday drivability.
Fitted to models such as the Golf VII (Mk7), Passat B8, and Tiguan II, including the 1.5 TSI variants, the CTHB was engineered for responsive performance and fuel efficiency. Emissions compliance was achieved through a combination of lean‑burn stratified charge, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and a three‑way catalytic converter, meeting Euro 6b standards across all markets.
One documented concern is high‑pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear leading to loss of rail pressure and misfires. This issue, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2042875/2, is often linked to prolonged use of sub‑specification fuel or extended service intervals. In 2018, Volkswagen introduced minor calibration updates to improve injector durability and reduce carbon buildup.
All production years 2016–2020 meet Euro 6b emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Volkswagen CTHB is a 1,498 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for compact and mid‑size models (2016–2020). It combines direct fuel injection (TSI) with variable valve timing to deliver responsive low‑to‑mid range torque and efficient highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6b standards, it balances performance with urban emissions compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,498 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 85.9 mm | |
| Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDP5 high-pressure direct injection (up to 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b | |
| Compression ratio | 12.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual-circuit thermostat | |
| Turbocharger | Single fixed‑geometry turbo (BorgWarner) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; low wear design) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 128 kg |
The CTHB’s turbocharged direct injection provides responsive torque from low revs but requires strict adherence to VW 504 00/507 00 oil specifications to prevent carbon buildup on intake valves and HPFP wear. Extended oil change intervals beyond 15,000 km may accelerate injector coking and reduce fuel rail pressure stability. Use of RON 95 (or higher) unleaded petrol meeting EN 228 standards is mandatory to avoid knock and pre-ignition. Post-2018 models include revised injector spray patterns per STB 2042875/2 to mitigate carbon accumulation. The front-mounted timing chain is robust but still requires verified oil quality to ensure longevity.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 / 507 00 (5W-30) specification (Volkswagen STB 2042875/2). Not interchangeable with older 502/505 specs.
Emissions: Euro 6b certification applies to all CTHB engines (2016–2020) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). No market-specific deviations.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output assumes RON 95 fuel quality (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 01-16-CTHB).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 01-16-CTHB, STB 2042875/2
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen CTHB was used across Volkswagen's Mk7/B8 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 Passat and intake resonance tuning in the Golf—and from 2018 the facelifted Tiguan adopted updated injector calibrations, creating minor ECU interchange limits. Partnerships allowed Škoda Octavia and SEAT Leon to use identical CTHB units. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filler neck (Volkswagen TIS 01-16-CTHB). The 4th and 5th digits of the VIN indicate engine code family ('CT' for this series). All CTHB units feature black plastic cam covers with '1.5 TSI' embossed. Critical differentiation from CZDA/CZEA: CTHB uses Bosch HDP5 HPFP and lacks cylinder deactivation (ACT). ECU part number 04E 906 023 AK or later confirms CTHB variant. Pre-2018 injectors (part 04E 130 081 B) differ from post-2018 (04E 130 081 D) and are not interchangeable per STB 2042875/2.
The CTHB's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) degradation under suboptimal fuel or oil conditions, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or infrequently serviced vehicles. Volkswagen internal field data (2019) indicated HPFP-related faults in a measurable subset of engines exceeding 120,000 km without proper maintenance, while UK DVSA MOT data shows low failure rates for emissions due to robust Euro 6b compliance. Extended oil intervals and low-RON fuel increase injector coking and HPFP wear, making fuel quality and oil specification adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2016–2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CTHB.
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