The Volkswagen CUUB 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. In standard form it delivered 92 kW (125 PS) and 200 Nm of torque, offering responsive urban performance with strong low‑rpm drivability.
Fitted to models such as the Golf VII (Mk7), Passat B8, and Tiguan Mk2—including the 1.4 TSI 125 variants—the CUUB was engineered for efficiency and everyday usability. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three‑way catalytic converter and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), meeting Euro 6 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the timing chain tensioner, which in rare cases led to chain slack and potential misfires. This issue, highlighted in Volkswagen Group Service Bulletin 2016‑07, was linked to material fatigue in early‑production tensioners. From mid‑2016, revised components were introduced across the EA211 engine family.
All production years (2012–2019) meet Euro 6 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Volkswagen CUUB is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and mid‑size models (2012–2019). It combines direct fuel injection (TSI) with variable valve timing to deliver responsive low‑end torque and smooth high‑rpm power. Designed to meet Euro 6 standards, it balances performance with urban and motorway efficiency.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,395 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 80.0 mm | |
| Power output | 92 kW (125 PS) | |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1,400–3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual‑circuit layout | |
| Turbocharger | Single turbo (Honeywell TD025) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; early tensioner wear reported) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑30 or 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The EA211-based CUUB delivers crisp throttle response and strong mid-range torque but requires adherence to 15,000 km or 12-month oil intervals using VW 502 00/504 00 oil to protect the timing chain and turbo bearings. Early tensioners (pre-mid-2016) are prone to wear; vehicles built before this date should be inspected for rattle on cold start. The direct-injection system demands periodic intake valve cleaning due to carbon buildup. Use of E10 petrol is approved per EU EN 228 standards. Post-2016 engines include updated tensioner hardware per SIB 2016‑07.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 or 504 00 specification (Volkswagen SIB 2016‑07). ACEA A3/B4 oils are acceptable if VW spec is unavailable.
Emissions: Euro 6 certification applies to all CUUB production (2012–2019) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output verified on dynamometer per VW PT‑2020.
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 04E‑A12, 04E‑A15, 04E‑A18, SIB 2016‑07
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen CUUB was used across Volkswagen's MQB platform with transverse mounting and shared with SEAT, Škoda, and Audi under the EA211 Gen 2 family. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Passat B8 and modified exhaust routing in the Tiguan Mk2—and from 2016 received updated timing components, creating minor interchange limits. 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‑A09). The 4th and 5th characters of the engine code on the VIN plate (e.g., 'CU') confirm EA211 family. CUUB-specific: black plastic cam cover with '1.4 TSI' embossing and Bosch ECU with part number 04E 907 551. Differentiate from CTKA/CXSA by production date and ECU calibration; all produce 125 PS but CUUB is typically used in later MQB applications with updated emissions hardware. Pre-2016 units use tensioner part 04E 109 243 A; post-2016 use 04E 109 243 B per SIB 2016‑07.
The CUUB's primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or infrequently serviced vehicles. Volkswagen internal quality data from 2017 indicated a measurable uptick in chain-related warranty claims for pre-mid-2016 engines, while UK DVSA MOT records show low emissions failure rates due to robust Euro 6 compliance. Extended oil intervals and stop-start urban driving accelerate tensioner fatigue, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2015–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CUUB.
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