The Volkswagen CVWA is a 1,984 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2018. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing, delivering 162 kW (220 PS) and 350 Nm of torque. Its turbocharged direct injection system enables strong low‑end response with improved fuel economy compared to naturally aspirated alternatives.
Fitted to performance variants such as the Golf Mk7 GTI, Golf R, and Audi S3 (8V), the CVWA was engineered for sporty dynamics with everyday usability. Emissions compliance was achieved through precise injection control, a three‑way catalytic converter, and secondary air injection, meeting Euro 5b and Euro 6 standards depending on production year.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves due to the absence of fuel washing in direct injection systems, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2014‑09. This issue stems from crankcase ventilation oil vapour mixing with EGR soot, forming deposits that restrict airflow. From 2015, revised PCV valve designs and updated engine management strategies were introduced to reduce oil ingestion.
Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5b standards; 2015–2018 models comply with Euro 6 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Volkswagen CVWA is a 1,984 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for hot hatches and compact performance sedans (2012–2018). It combines gasoline direct injection with a single turbocharger to deliver responsive power and strong low‑rpm torque. Designed to meet Euro 5b and Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances sporty performance with regulatory compliance.
| 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 | 162 kW (220 PS) @ 5,100–6,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 350 Nm @ 1,500–4,400 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5b (2012–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2018) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.6:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual‑circuit layout | |
| Turbocharger | Single IHI VF40 turbo (variable geometry) | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑30 or 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 145 kg |
The CVWA’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 turbocharger. The lack of fuel-washed intake valves leads to carbon accumulation; revised PCV systems from 2015 reduce oil ingestion per Volkswagen SIB 2014‑09. Intake cleaning may be required after 80,000 km in high-mileage or short-trip driving conditions.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 or 504 00 specification (Volkswagen SIB 2013‑11). ACEA A3/B4 oils may be used if VW-approved.
Emissions: Euro 5b applies to 2012–2014 models; Euro 6 compliance for 2015–2018 confirmed under VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Full 220 PS output requires RON 98 fuel (Volkswagen TIS Doc. TSI‑2012‑CVWA).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs TSI‑2012‑CVWA, SIB 2014‑09, SIB 2013‑11
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Volkswagen CVWA was used across Volkswagen's Mk7 platform 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 Golf GTI Performance—and from 2016 the Audi S3 facelift adopted the DNUE 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‑2012‑CVWA). The 4th and 5th VIN digits indicate engine family ('CV' for CVWA series). CVWA units feature black valve covers and an IHI VF40 turbo with external wastegate actuator. Critical differentiation from DNUE: CVWA uses Bosch MED17.5.2 ECU with round OBD port; DNUE uses MED17.5.5 with updated boost maps and GPF. PCV valve part number 06K 129 101 B (pre-2015) vs. 06K 129 101 D (post-2015) indicates service bulletin compliance (Volkswagen SIB 2014‑09).
The CVWA's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup on early builds, with elevated incidence in short-trip or urban driving. Volkswagen internal data from 2015 indicated a notable rate of intake cleaning interventions before 100,000 km in pre-2015 units, while UK DVSA records show increased emissions-related MOT advisories in modified or poorly maintained examples. Extended oil change intervals and use of incorrect oil viscosity accelerate deposit formation, making oil specification and service adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2012–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CVWA.
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