The Volkswagen CULC is a 1,498 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2015 and 2020. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing. In standard form it delivered 110 kW (150 PS) and 250 Nm of torque, with responsive mid‑range performance ideal for compact and crossover applications.
Fitted to models such as the Mk7.5 Golf, T-Roc, and Tiguan Mk2, including the 1.5 TSI variants, the CULC was engineered for improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions compared to its 1.4 TSI predecessor. Emissions compliance was achieved through a gasoline particulate filter (GPF), precise engine management, and cylinder deactivation (ACT), meeting Euro 6b and Euro 6d-TEMP standards depending on model year and market.
One documented concern is premature wear of the camshaft phaser solenoids, which can trigger limp mode and irregular valve timing. This issue, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Information Bulletin 2018‑12, is often linked to thermal cycling stress and marginal oil flow at high mileage. From late 2018, revised solenoid materials and updated ECU calibration were introduced to improve durability.
Production years 2015–2017 meet Euro 6b standards; 2018–2020 models comply with Euro 6d-TEMP depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8912).
The Volkswagen CULC is a 1,498 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for compact and SUV platforms (2015–2020). It combines direct fuel injection with cylinder deactivation (ACT) and a gasoline particulate filter to deliver smooth mid‑range torque and reduced CO₂ emissions. Designed to meet Euro 6b and Euro 6d-TEMP standards, it balances performance with urban compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,498 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 85.9 mm | |
| Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV6 direct injection (up to 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b (2015–2017); Euro 6d-TEMP (2018–2020) | |
| Compression ratio | 12.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Honeywell) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; low‑wear design) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 0W‑20 or 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 118 kg |
The high-compression, ACT-enabled CULC delivers excellent fuel economy but requires strict adherence to VW 504 00/507 00 oil specifications to protect the variable-geometry turbo and cam phasers. Extended oil intervals beyond 15,000 km may accelerate solenoid wear and GPF clogging. Use of RON 95 minimum (RON 98 preferred) ensures stable combustion under cylinder deactivation. Post-2018 models benefit from updated cam phaser solenoids per SIB 2018‑12, reducing limp-mode incidents.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 or 507 00 specification (Volkswagen SIB 2018‑12). ACEA C2/C5 oils are acceptable if VW-approved.
Emissions: Euro 6b certification applies to 2015–2017 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8912). Euro 6d-TEMP compliance for 2018–2020 models varies by trim and market.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output assumes RON 95 fuel quality (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 01‑2016‑CULC).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 01‑2016‑CULC, SIB 2018‑12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8912)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen CULC was used across Volkswagen's Mk7.5/Mk2 platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised cooling ducts in the Golf and modified exhaust manifolds in the Tiguan—and from late 2018 the facelifted T-Roc adopted updated cam phasers and ECU calibrations, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front cam cover near the timing chain cover (Volkswagen TIS 01‑2016‑CULC). The 4th and 5th digits of the engine number indicate displacement and aspiration ('CULC' = 1.5L TSI). Pre-2018 models use black plastic cam covers with standard phaser solenoids; post-2018 units feature revised solenoids with green O-rings. Critical differentiation from EA211 DADA: CULC includes cylinder deactivation (ACT) and GPF. Service parts require VIN verification—cam phasers and ECU software differ between pre- and post-2018 builds (Volkswagen SIB 2018‑12).
The CULC's primary reliability risk is camshaft phaser solenoid failure, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or thermally stressed applications. Volkswagen internal quality reports from 2019 noted increased service visits for P0016/P0017 codes in pre-2018 builds, while UK DVSA MOT records show higher emissions-related failures in vehicles with neglected oil changes. Frequent short trips and extended oil intervals accelerate solenoid carbon buildup and GPF saturation, making oil quality and service discipline 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 CULC.
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