The Volkswagen CUAA is a 1,984 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2008 and 2015. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing, delivering 155 kW (211 PS) and 280 Nm of torque. Its compact design and turbocharging enable strong low‑rpm response for sporty yet practical drivability.
Fitted to models such as the Golf Mk6 GTI, Passat B6, and Škoda Superb, the CUAA was engineered for dynamic performance with daily usability. Emissions compliance was achieved through precise direct injection and exhaust aftertreatment, meeting Euro 5 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is high‑pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear linked to camshaft lobe stress, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2011‑09. This issue stems from marginal lubrication under repeated high‑load conditions and low-sulfur fuel. From 2012, revised HPFP internals and updated camshaft profiles were introduced to improve durability.
All CUAA production years (2008–2015) meet Euro 5 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Volkswagen CUAA is a 1,984 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for performance sedans and hatchbacks (2008–2015). It combines direct fuel injection (TSI) with a single turbocharger to deliver responsive power and strong mid‑range torque. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances sporty character with acceptable fuel economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,984 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 92.8 mm | |
| Power output | 155 kW (211 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 280 Nm @ 1,800–5,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDP5 high-pressure direct injection (up to 120 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.6:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual-circuit layout | |
| Turbocharger | Single K04 turbo (Garrett/BorgWarner) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 145 kg |
The CUAA’s turbocharged TSI layout delivers brisk acceleration but demands strict adherence to oil change intervals (every 15,000 km or annually) using VW 502 00/504 00 oil to protect the high-pressure fuel pump cam lobe. Use of RON 95+ fuel is mandatory to prevent knock and carbon buildup. The timing chain is generally robust but requires inspection if unusual top-end noise appears. HPFP failures—often preceded by hard starts or limp mode—are linked to marginal fuel quality; post-2012 engines include improved pump designs per VW STB 2011‑09. Carbon deposits on intake valves (due to direct injection) may require walnut blasting after 100,000 km.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 or 504 00 (5W‑40) specification (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 06K‑1234).
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all CUAA production years (2008–2015) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Full 211 PS output requires RON 98 fuel for optimal performance (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 06K‑2010).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 06K‑1234, 06K‑9001, STB 2011‑09
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
DIN 70020 Engine Performance Testing Standard
The Volkswagen CUAA was used across Volkswagen's Mk6 and B6 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Škoda under the Volkswagen Group modular strategy. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised cooling in the Passat and reinforced mounts in the Golf GTI—and from 2012 the HPFP and camshaft lobe updates 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 06K‑1234). The 4th and 5th digits of the engine code on the VIN plate (e.g., “CUAA”) confirm identity. Pre-2012 units use HPFP part number 06F 127 025 C; post-2012 revisions use 06F 127 025 F with improved cam follower. Critical differentiation from CAEB/CAXC: CUAA features unique ECU calibration and turbo actuator map. Service parts for HPFP and camshaft must match production date—mismatched components risk premature wear (VW STB 2011‑09).
The CUAA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or high-load usage. Volkswagen internal field data from 2013 indicated a notable rate of HPFP replacement before 120,000 km in pre-2012 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 and HPFP stress, making oil quality and fuel specification critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2010–2015) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CUAA.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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