The Volkswagen CTHD is a 1,984 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2016 and 2023. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust. In standard form it delivers 140 kW (190 PS) and 320 Nm of torque, with a broad powerband optimized for responsive performance and efficiency.
Fitted to models such as the Mk7.5 Golf GTI, Mk3 Octavia RS, and Mk2 Tiguan, the CTHD was engineered for sporty yet refined driving, balancing track capability with daily usability. Emissions compliance was achieved through a gasoline particulate filter (GPF), three‑way catalytic converter, and cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), enabling full Euro 6d‑TEMP and Euro 6d compliance.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves due to the absence of port injection, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Bulletin 2018‑09‑12. This issue arises from oil vapour accumulation in the crankcase ventilation system over time. From 2020, revised PCV routing and updated valve stem seals were introduced to mitigate deposit formation.
All production years (2016–2023) meet Euro 6d-TEMP or Euro 6d standards depending on model year and market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8921).
The Volkswagen CTHD is a 1,984 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for performance-oriented compact and SUV models (2016–2023). It combines direct injection (TSI) with a twin-scroll turbocharger to deliver strong mid-range torque and linear power delivery. Designed to meet Euro 6d-TEMP and Euro 6d emissions standards, it integrates a gasoline particulate filter for urban compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,984 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, min. 95 RON) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 92.8 mm | |
| Power output | 140 kW (190 PS) @ 4,200–6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1,500–4,100 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV6 direct injection (up to 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d-TEMP (2016–2019); Euro 6d (2020–2023) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Twin‑scroll turbo (Honeywell/ Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The twin-scroll turbo provides linear power delivery and strong mid-range torque but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 504 00/507 00 oil to prevent sludge and turbo bearing wear. The Bosch HDEV6 system demands high-quality fuel (min. 95 RON, EN 228 compliant) to avoid injector coking. Direct injection leads to intake valve carbon buildup over time; regular inspection of the PCV system and intake cleaning every 80,000 km is recommended. Post-2020 models include revised PCV routing per VW SIB 2018‑09‑12. The GPF requires occasional highway driving to enable passive regeneration and avoid backpressure issues.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 or 507 00 specification (VW SIB 2019‑04‑15). ACEA C3 oils are acceptable only if VW-approved.
Emissions: Euro 6d-TEMP applies to 2016–2019 models; Euro 6d applies to 2020–2023 builds (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8921).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output assumes 95 RON fuel (VW TIS Doc. 06K‑3010).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 06K‑1001, 06K‑2005, SIB 2018‑09‑12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8921)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen CTHD was used across Volkswagen's Mk7.5/Mk3 MQB platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Škoda and SEAT. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Tiguan and modified exhaust manifolds in the Octavia RS—and from 2020 the facelifted Golf models adopted updated GPF hardware, creating minor interchange limits. Partnerships enabled Škoda's 2.0 TSI and SEAT's 2.0 EcoTSI variants to share core architecture. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filter housing (VW TIS 06K‑1001). The 4th and 5th digits of the engine number (e.g., 'CTHD') confirm the variant. All CTHD units feature a black plastic intake manifold and a visible gasoline particulate filter (GPF) in the exhaust downpipe. Critical differentiation from CXDB/CXCA: CTHD uses a specific Bosch MED17.5.25 ECU calibration and unique camshaft phasing maps. Service parts require production date verification—PCV systems for engines before 01/2020 are incompatible with later units due to routing changes (VW SIB 2018‑09‑12).
The CTHD's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup due to direct injection, with elevated incidence in urban short-trip use. Internal VW quality data from 2021 indicated a measurable share of pre-2020 engines requiring intake cleaning before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased GPF-related advisories in low-mileage, city-driven examples. Frequent cold starts and lack of highway driving accelerate carbon and soot accumulation, making driving pattern and maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2018–2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2019–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CTHD.
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