The Volkswagen CTHC 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, delivering 92 kW (125 PS) and 200 Nm of torque. Its compact design and turbocharging enable responsive low‑rpm performance for urban and highway driving.
Fitted to models such as the Polo GTI, Golf Mk7, and SEAT Ibiza FR, the CTHC was engineered for fuel‑efficient performance with everyday usability. Emissions compliance was achieved through precise direct injection and exhaust aftertreatment, meeting Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards depending on model year and market.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high‑pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2014‑11. This issue arises from marginal lubrication under repeated high‑load conditions and suboptimal oil quality. From mid‑2015, revised cam follower materials and updated HPFP designs were introduced to enhance durability.
Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2019 models comply with Euro 6 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8921).
The Volkswagen CTHC is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for compact hatchbacks and superminis (2012–2019). It combines direct fuel injection (TSI) with a single turbocharger to deliver brisk low‑end response and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions standards depending on production year, it balances sporty character with urban efficiency.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,395 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min) | |
| 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 @ 1,400–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDP5 high-pressure direct injection (up to 120 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2012–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2019) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual-circuit layout | |
| Turbocharger | Single VTG turbo (Honeywell/IHI) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The CTHC’s turbocharged TSI layout delivers responsive torque from low revs but demands strict adherence to oil change intervals (every 15,000 km or annually) using VW 502 00/504 00 oil to protect the HPFP cam follower. Use of RON 95+ fuel is mandatory to prevent knock and carbon buildup. The timing chain is generally robust but requires inspection if top-end rattle appears. HPFP cam follower wear—often preceded by hard starts—is linked to oil quality and driving style; post-2015 engines include improved materials per VW STB 2014‑11. Carbon deposits on intake valves (due to direct injection) may require cleaning after 100,000 km.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 or 504 00 (5W‑40) specification (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 04E‑1234).
Emissions: Euro 5 applies to 2012–2014 builds; Euro 6 compliance for 2015–2019 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8921).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Full 125 PS output requires RON 95 fuel; RON 98 enables optimal transient response (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 04E‑2010).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 04E‑1234, 04E‑9001, STB 2014‑11
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8921)
DIN 70020 Engine Performance Testing Standard
The Volkswagen CTHC was used across Volkswagen's Polo Mk5 and Golf Mk7 platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group. This engine received platform-specific calibrations—revised cooling in the Polo GTI and updated ECU maps in the Golf TSI—and from mid‑2015 the HPFP cam follower upgrade improved reliability, creating minor service part distinctions. 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 04E‑1234). The 4th and 5th digits of the engine code on the VIN plate (e.g., “CTHC”) confirm identity. Pre-2015 units use HPFP cam follower part number 04E 127 025 B; post-2015 revisions use 04E 127 025 D with hardened coating. Critical differentiation from CAVE/CAXC: CTHC features variable turbine geometry (VTG) turbo and unique ECU calibration. Service parts for HPFP and cam follower must match production date—mismatched components risk premature wear (VW STB 2014‑11).
The CTHC's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump cam follower wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or aggressive-driving scenarios. Volkswagen internal field data from 2016 indicated a notable rate of cam follower replacement before 100,000 km in pre-2015 builds, while UK DVSA records show no significant emissions-related MOT failures directly tied to this engine. Extended oil intervals and low-quality fuel increase cam lobe stress, making oil specification and change frequency critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2012–2019) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CTHC.
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