The Volkswagen CUSA is a 1,395 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 delivers 92 kW (125 PS) and 200 Nm of torque, optimized for urban efficiency and responsive low‑end performance.
Fitted to compact models such as the Polo Mk6, T-Cross, and Škoda Kamiq, the CUSA was engineered for entry‑level TSI performance with strong fuel economy and low CO₂ output. Emissions compliance was achieved through a close‑coupled three‑way catalytic converter and precise lambda control, meeting Euro 6b standards across all markets.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high‑pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2042875/1. This issue is often linked to extended oil change intervals or use of non‑specification lubricants, which reduce cam lobe lubrication. From 2018, revised cam follower materials were introduced to improve durability.
All production years 2015–2020 meet Euro 6b emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5432).
The Volkswagen CUSA is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for compact hatchbacks and SUVs (2015–2020). It combines direct fuel injection (TSI) with a small fixed‑geometry turbo to deliver brisk low‑rpm response and efficient urban driving. Designed to meet Euro 6b standards, it balances affordability with modern emissions compliance.
| 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 @ 2,000–3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDP5 high-pressure direct injection (up to 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual-circuit thermostat | |
| Turbocharger | Single fixed‑geometry turbo (Honeywell) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; low wear design) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The CUSA’s compact turbocharged design delivers strong urban drivability but requires strict adherence to VW 504 00/507 00 oil specifications to prevent HPFP cam follower wear. Extended oil change intervals beyond 15,000 km may accelerate follower degradation and cause rail pressure instability. Use of RON 95 (or higher) unleaded petrol meeting EN 228 standards is mandatory to avoid knock. Post-2018 engines feature updated cam follower materials per STB 2042875/1. The front-mounted timing chain is durable but still requires verified oil quality to ensure longevity.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 / 507 00 (5W-30) specification (Volkswagen STB 2042875/1). Not interchangeable with older 502/505 specs.
Emissions: Euro 6b certification applies to all CUSA engines (2015–2020) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5432). No market-specific deviations.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output assumes RON 95 fuel quality (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 01-15-CUSA).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 01-15-CUSA, STB 2042875/1
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5432)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen CUSA was used across Volkswagen's PQ36/MQB A0 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 T-Cross and intake tuning in the Polo—and from 2018 the Kamiq adopted updated cam follower hardware, creating minor service part interchange limits. Partnerships allowed Škoda Kamiq and SEAT Arona to use identical CUSA 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 01-15-CUSA). The 4th and 5th digits of the VIN indicate engine code family ('CU' for this series). All CUSA units feature black plastic cam covers with '1.4 TSI' embossed. Critical differentiation from CZCA/CZDA: CUSA uses Bosch HDP5 HPFP and lacks cylinder deactivation (ACT). ECU part number 04C 906 023 AM or later confirms CUSA variant. Pre-2018 cam followers (part 04C 130 081 A) differ from post-2018 (04C 130 081 C) and are not interchangeable per STB 2042875/1.
The CUSA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump cam follower wear under suboptimal 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 100,000 km without proper maintenance, while UK DVSA MOT data shows low emissions failure rates due to robust Euro 6b compliance. Extended oil intervals and incorrect oil specs increase cam lobe and follower degradation, making oil specification adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2015–2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CUSA.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with VOLKSWAGEN or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
VOLKSWAGEN Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialVOLKSWAGEN documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
