The Volkswagen CUSB 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 110 kW (150 PS) and 250 Nm of torque. Its compact design and turbocharging enable strong low‑rpm response for agile urban and highway driving.
Fitted to models such as the Golf Mk7, Passat B8, and Audi A3 (8V), the CUSB was engineered for responsive performance with everyday practicality. Emissions compliance was achieved through precise direct injection and exhaust aftertreatment, meeting Euro 6 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is high‑pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower wear, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2015‑03. This issue arises from marginal lubrication under repeated high‑load conditions and suboptimal oil quality. From 2016, revised cam follower materials and updated HPFP internals were introduced to enhance durability.
All CUSB production years (2012–2019) meet Euro 6 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9125).
The Volkswagen CUSB is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for compact and mid-size hatchbacks and sedans (2012–2019). It combines direct fuel injection (TSI) with a single turbocharger to deliver brisk low-end torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6 standards, it balances sporty character with urban efficiency and regulatory 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 | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDP5 high-pressure direct injection (up to 120 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
| 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 | 115 kg |
The CUSB’s turbocharged TSI layout delivers strong low-end torque ideal for city driving 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-2016 engines include improved materials per VW STB 2015‑03. 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 6 certification applies to all CUSB production years (2012–2019) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9125).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Full 150 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 2015‑03
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9125)
DIN 70020 Engine Performance Testing Standard
The Volkswagen CUSB was used across Volkswagen's Golf Mk7 and Passat B8 platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group. This engine received platform-specific calibrations—revised cooling in the Passat and updated ECU maps in the Golf—and from 2016 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., “CUSB”) confirm identity. Pre-2016 units use HPFP cam follower part number 04E 127 025 B; post-2016 revisions use 04E 127 025 D with hardened coating. Critical differentiation from CTHC/CAVE: CUSB features unique ECU calibration and VTG turbo actuator map. Service parts for HPFP and cam follower must match production date—mismatched components risk premature wear (VW STB 2015‑03).
The CUSB'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 2017 indicated a notable rate of cam follower replacement before 110,000 km in pre-2016 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 CUSB.
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