The Volkswagen CUWA is a 1,984 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2008 and 2015. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing, delivering 155 kW (211 PS) and 280 Nm of torque. Its turbocharged direct injection system enables strong mid-range pull with improved fuel efficiency compared to larger naturally aspirated units.
Fitted to models such as the Golf Mk6 R, Scirocco R, and Audi S3 (8P), the CUWA was engineered for high-performance driving with everyday usability. Emissions compliance was achieved through precise injection control and a three-way catalytic converter, meeting Euro 5 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2011‑07. This issue stems from inadequate lubrication in the cam-driven HPFP mechanism under certain operating conditions. From 2012, revised pump internals and updated cam follower designs were introduced to mitigate premature wear.
All production years 2008–2015 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Volkswagen CUWA is a 1,984 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for performance hatchbacks and coupés (2008–2015). It combines gasoline direct injection with a single turbocharger to deliver responsive power and strong mid-range torque. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances sporty performance with acceptable fuel economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,984 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min, RON 98 recommended) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 92.8 mm | |
| Power output | 155 kW (211 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 280 Nm @ 1,800–5,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 120 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual-circuit layout | |
| Turbocharger | Single K04 turbo (BorgWarner) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑30 or 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 143 kg |
The CUWA’s turbocharged direct injection delivers brisk acceleration but demands high-quality fuel (RON 98 recommended) to prevent knock and carbon buildup on intake valves. Oil changes every 10,000–15,000 km with VW 502/504‑approved oil are essential to protect the timing chain and high-pressure fuel pump. The cam-driven HPFP relies on proper lubrication; extended oil intervals or incorrect viscosity increase wear risk. Carbon cleaning may be required after 80,000 km due to lack of fuel-washed intake valves. Revised HPFP components from 2012 onward improve longevity per Volkswagen SIB 2011‑07.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 or 504 00 specification (Volkswagen SIB 2010‑12). ACEA A3/B4 oils may be used if VW-approved.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all CUWA production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Full 211 PS output requires RON 98 fuel (Volkswagen TIS Doc. TSI‑2008‑CUWA).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs TSI‑2008‑CUWA, SIB 2011‑07, SIB 2010‑12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Volkswagen CUWA was used across Volkswagen's Mk6 and Scirocco platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Audi for longitudinal applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Golf R and revised cooling in the Scirocco R—and from 2013 the Audi S3 facelift adopted the CAEB variant, creating 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 TSI‑2008‑CUWA). The 4th and 5th VIN digits indicate engine family ('CU' for CUWA series). CUWA units feature red valve covers and a K04 turbo with integrated bypass valve. Critical differentiation from CAEB: CUWA uses Bosch MED17.5 ECU with round OBD port; CAEB uses MED17.5.5 with updated boost maps. High-pressure fuel pump part number 06F 127 025 F (pre-2012) vs. 06F 127 025 J (post-2012) indicates service bulletin compliance (Volkswagen SIB 2011‑07).
The CUWA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure on early builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or infrequently driven vehicles. Volkswagen internal data from 2012 indicated a notable rate of HPFP replacements before 100,000 km in pre-2012 units, while UK DVSA records show increased fuel system-related MOT advisories in modified examples. Extended oil change intervals and use of low-viscosity oils increase cam follower wear, making oil specification and service adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2010–2015) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CUWA.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with VOLKSWAGEN or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
VOLKSWAGEN Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialVOLKSWAGEN documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
