The Volkswagen CUTA 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 on the intake cam. In standard form it delivers 77 kW (105 PS) and 175 Nm of torque, prioritizing urban efficiency with responsive low‑end delivery.
Fitted to models such as the Mk7 Golf, Mk2 Touran, and Mk3 Octavia, the CUTA was engineered for entry‑level TSI performance with low CO₂ emissions. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three‑way catalytic converter and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), enabling Euro 5 and Euro 6 compliance depending on model year and market.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high‑pressure fuel pump (HPFP) plunger assembly, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Bulletin 2015‑07‑09. This issue stems from marginal lubrication under frequent short‑trip driving and ethanol‑blended fuels. From mid‑2016, revised HPFP components with improved surface hardening were introduced to enhance durability.
Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2019 models meet Euro 6 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Volkswagen CUTA is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for compact and family models (2012–2019). It combines direct injection (TSI) with a single fixed‑geometry turbocharger to deliver accessible low‑rpm torque and smooth urban drivability. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances fuel economy with responsive performance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,395 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, min. 95 RON) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 80.0 mm | |
| Power output | 77 kW (105 PS) @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 175 Nm @ 1,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2012–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2019) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single fixed‑geometry turbo (BorgWarner) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; low‑wear design) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑30 or 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 110 kg |
The TSI turbo provides accessible low-end torque ideal for city driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 502 00/504 00 oil to prevent HPFP wear and carbon buildup on intake valves. The Bosch HDEV5 system demands high-quality fuel (min. 95 RON, EN 228 compliant) to avoid injector coking. Short-trip driving accelerates HPFP degradation; extended warm-up cycles help. Post-2016 models include revised HPFP components per VW SIB 2015‑07‑09. The EGR system should be inspected regularly to maintain emissions compliance and prevent rough idle.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 or 504 00 specification (VW SIB 2016‑03‑12). ACEA A3/B4 oils are acceptable if VW-approved.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to 2012–2014 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789). Euro 6 applies to 2015–2019 builds.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output assumes 95 RON fuel (VW TIS Doc. 04E‑3010).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 04E‑1001, 04E‑2005, SIB 2015‑07‑09
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen CUTA was used across Volkswagen's Mk7/Mk3 MQB platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Škoda and SEAT. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Touran and modified cooling routing in the Octavia—and from 2016 the facelifted Golf models adopted updated emissions hardware, creating minor interchange limits. Partnerships enabled Škoda's 1.4 TSI and SEAT's 1.4 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 04E‑1001). The 4th and 5th digits of the engine number (e.g., 'CUTA') confirm the variant. Pre-2016 units use black plastic intake manifolds; post-2016 Euro 6 models feature grey manifolds with integrated EGR coolers. Critical differentiation from CZEA/CZFA: CUTA uses a 6-hole injector layout and unique ECU calibration (Bosch MED17.5.2). Service parts require production date verification—HPFPs for engines before 06/2016 are incompatible with later units due to plunger redesign (VW SIB 2015‑07‑09).
The CUTA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in short-trip urban use. Internal VW quality data from 2016 indicated a measurable share of pre-2016 engines requiring HPFP replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased fuel system-related MOT advisories in high-mileage examples. Frequent cold starts and low-quality fuel increase HPFP stress, making oil/fuel quality and driving pattern critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2014–2019) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CUTA.
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