The Volkswagen CUVA is a 1,390 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 delivers 90 kW (122 PS) and 200 Nm of torque, optimized for responsive urban driving and fuel efficiency.
Fitted to compact models such as the Polo Mk5, Škoda Fabia III, and SEAT Ibiza Mk5, the CUVA was engineered as an entry‑level TSI unit balancing performance with low CO₂ output. Emissions compliance was achieved through a close‑coupled three‑way catalytic converter and precise lambda control, meeting Euro 5 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 2015, revised cam follower materials were introduced to improve durability.
All production years 2012–2019 meet Euro 5 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4871).
The Volkswagen CUVA is a 1,390 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for compact hatchbacks (2012–2019). 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 5 standards, it balances affordability with emissions compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,390 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 79.5 mm | |
| Power output | 90 kW (122 PS) @ 4,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDP5 high-pressure direct injection (up to 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| 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 502 00 / 505 00 (SAE 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 110 kg |
The CUVA’s compact turbocharged design delivers strong urban drivability but requires strict adherence to VW 502 00/505 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-2015 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 502 00 / 505 00 (5W-40) specification (Volkswagen STB 2042875/1). Not interchangeable with 504/507 specs.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all CUVA engines (2012–2019) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4871). No market-specific deviations.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output assumes RON 95 fuel quality (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 01-12-CUVA).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 01-12-CUVA, STB 2042875/1
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/4871)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen CUVA was used across Volkswagen's PQ25/PQ26 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Škoda and SEAT under the PQ architecture. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Fabia and intake tuning in the Polo—and from 2015 the Ibiza adopted updated cam follower hardware, creating minor service part interchange limits. Partnerships allowed Škoda Fabia III and SEAT Ibiza Mk5 to use identical CUVA 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 01-12-CUVA). The 4th and 5th digits of the VIN indicate engine code family ('CU' for this series). All CUVA units feature black plastic cam covers with '1.4 TSI' embossed. Critical differentiation from CAVF/CAXC: CUVA uses Bosch HDP5 HPFP and lacks cylinder deactivation (ACT). ECU part number 04C 906 023 AJ or later confirms CUVA variant. Pre-2015 cam followers (part 04C 130 081 A) differ from post-2015 (04C 130 081 C) and are not interchangeable per STB 2042875/1.
The CUVA'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 (2016) 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 5 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 (2012–2019) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CUVA.
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