The Volkswagen CVCA 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, with strong low‑rpm response for everyday drivability.
Fitted to models such as the Mk7 Golf, Mk2 Jetta, and B8 Passat, the CVCA was engineered for responsive urban performance and efficient motorway cruising. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three‑way catalytic converter and precise lambda control, meeting Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards depending on production date and market.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves due to the absence of port fuel injection, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2015‑07. This results from oil vapour accumulation via the crankcase ventilation system. Later revisions incorporated updated PCV routing and revised intake manifolds to mitigate the issue.
Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2019 models comply with Euro 6 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Volkswagen CVCA is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol 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 efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances performance with fuel economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,395 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 80.0 mm | |
| Power output | 92 kW (125 PS) @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1,400–3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2012–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2019) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single turbo (Honeywell TD025) | |
| Timing system | Chain (maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑30 or 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The CVCA’s turbocharged direct injection provides brisk low-RPM response but is prone to intake valve coking due to lack of fuel-wash effect. Use of VW 502 00/504 00 oil and adherence to 15,000 km service intervals are essential to maintain chain and turbo longevity. The engine requires 95 RON minimum fuel; lower octane may cause knock and ECU derating. Carbon buildup typically appears after 60,000 km in stop-start driving—intake cleaning or walnut blasting may be required. Revised PCV systems introduced in 2016 (per SIB 2015‑07) reduce—but do not eliminate—this risk.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 or 504 00 specification (Volkswagen TIS 04E‑102). Not interchangeable with older VW 501 01 oils.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to 2012–2014 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Euro 6 compliance for 2015–2019 models confirmed via VCA database.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output assumes 95 RON fuel and ambient conditions per EU regulation (EC) No 715/2007.
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 04E‑101, 04E‑102, 04E‑105, SIB 2015‑07
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen CVCA was used across Volkswagen's Mk7/B8 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Škoda and SEAT under the MQB architecture. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Passat B8 and modified exhaust manifolds in the Golf Mk7—and from 2016 the updated CVKA variant introduced minor ECU and emissions tweaks, 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‑102). The 4th and 5th digits of the VIN indicate engine code (e.g., 'CV' for CVCA family). Visual identification: black plastic intake manifold with integrated charge air cooler; Bosch MED17.5.5 ECU mounted on the left strut tower. Critical differentiation from CUVC/CZDA: CVCA uses a single-mass flywheel and lacks cylinder deactivation. Service parts for pre-2016 and post-2016 units differ in PCV hose routing—verify production date via ETKA before ordering.
The CVCA's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup due to direct injection, with elevated incidence in urban stop-start use. Internal Volkswagen data from 2016 indicated a significant share of engines required intake cleaning before 80,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased MOT failures linked to misfires and lambda sensor faults in high-mileage examples. Short trips and infrequent oil changes accelerate deposit formation, making service discipline and fuel quality critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2014–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CVCA.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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