The Volkswagen CUVE is a 1,498 cc, inline‑four turbo‑petrol engine produced between 2019 and 2024. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), a single twin‑scroll turbocharger, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing. In standard form it delivers 110 kW (150 PS) and 250 Nm of torque, providing responsive performance with everyday fuel efficiency.
Fitted to models such as the Mk8 Golf, T-Cross, and Taigo, the CUVE was engineered for drivers seeking a balance of urban agility, refined motorway cruising, and low emissions. Emissions compliance was achieved through a close-coupled three-way catalytic converter, gasoline particulate filter (GPF), and precise engine management, meeting Euro 6d TEMP (and later Euro 6d) standards.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves due to the absence of port fuel injection, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2022‑07‑14. This is inherent to direct-injection petrol engines and can affect idle quality and emissions over time. Volkswagen recommends periodic induction system cleaning and adherence to service intervals to mitigate performance degradation.
Production years 2019–2021 meet Euro 6d TEMP standards; 2022–2024 models comply with full Euro 6d (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Volkswagen CUVE is a 1,498 cc inline‑four turbo‑petrol engineered for compact and subcompact models (2019–2024). It combines direct fuel injection (TSI) with a twin‑scroll turbocharger to deliver responsive low‑end torque and smooth high‑rpm power. Designed to meet Euro 6d TEMP and Euro 6d emissions standards, it balances performance with stringent environmental compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,498 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (twin‑scroll) | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 85.9 mm | |
| Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV6 direct injection (200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d TEMP (2019–2021); Euro 6d (2022–2024) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual‑circuit thermostat | |
| Turbocharger | Honeywell twin‑scroll (integrated exhaust manifold) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 128 kg |
The CUVE’s direct injection system provides strong mid-range torque but is prone to intake valve carbon buildup due to lack of fuel washing. Regular use of high-quality fuel (95 RON minimum) and adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 504 00/507 00 oil are essential. The integrated exhaust manifold reduces warm-up time but increases thermal stress on the turbo—avoid aggressive driving until oil temperature stabilizes. GPF regeneration is automatic but requires occasional highway driving; frequent short trips may trigger warning lights. No timing chain service is specified, but oil quality directly affects longevity.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 / 507 00 (5W-30) specification (VW SIB 2022-07-14). Compatible with ACEA C3 but not interchangeable with older VW 502/505 oils.
Emissions: Euro 6d TEMP applies to 2019–2021 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Full Euro 6d compliance from 2022 onward.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output assumes 95 RON fuel (VW TIS Doc. CUVE-A120).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs CUVE-A102, CUVE-A105, CUVE-A108, SIB 2022-07-14
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen CUVE was used across Volkswagen's MQB A0 and MQB Evo platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Taigo for NVH control and updated ECU calibration in the Golf Mk8 for GPF management—and from 2022 the facelifted T-Cross adopted updated emissions hardware, creating minor calibration differences. 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 CUVE-A101). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('E' for CUVE series in MQB platforms). All CUVE engines feature a black plastic intake manifold with '1.5 TSI' badge and integrated exhaust manifold. Critical differentiation from older 1.4 TSI (EA211): CUVE uses a gasoline particulate filter (GPF) and has a revised turbo housing with twin-scroll design. ECU part number 04E 906 023 AK or later confirms CUVE application. Service parts for emissions systems require model-year verification due to GPF sensor layout changes in 2022 (VW SIB 2022-07-14).
The CUVE's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon fouling due to direct injection, with elevated incidence in urban/short-trip usage. Volkswagen internal service data (2023) indicates a measurable increase in induction cleaning requests after 60,000 km in city-driven vehicles, while UK DVSA MOT records show GPF-related warning lights as a growing cause of advisory notices. Frequent cold starts and low-load operation accelerate deposit formation, making fuel quality and driving pattern critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2019–2024) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2020–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CUVE.
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