The Volkswagen CXDA is a 1,395 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2020. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing on the intake cam. In standard form it delivers 92 kW (125 PS) at 5,000 rpm and 200 Nm of torque from 1,500–4,000 rpm, providing strong low‑end response for compact hatchbacks and crossovers.
Fitted to models such as the Polo (6R/6C), T-Cross, and Škoda Citigo, the CXDA was engineered for urban efficiency and responsive performance. Emissions compliance was achieved through a close‑coupled three‑way catalytic converter and precise lambda control, enabling Euro 6 compliance across all production years.
One documented concern is high‑pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear leading to hard starts or limp mode. This issue, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Information Bulletin 2053475/2, is often linked to infrequent oil changes or use of non‑specification fuel. From mid‑2016, revised pump internals and cam follower materials were introduced to improve durability.
Production years 2012–2020 meet Euro 6 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8921).
The Volkswagen CXDA is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and subcompact vehicles (2012–2020). It combines direct fuel injection (TSI) with a single turbocharger and variable intake cam timing to deliver responsive low‑rpm torque and efficient urban driving. Designed to meet Euro 6 standards, it balances performance with low emissions and fuel consumption.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,395 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, minimum 95 RON) | |
| 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 @ 1,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDP5 high‑pressure direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single fixed‑geometry turbo (BorgWarner KP39) | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven DOHC with variable intake cam phasing | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑30 or 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 108 kg |
The TSI architecture provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for city driving but demands strict adherence to 15,000 km (or 12-month) oil change intervals using VW 502 00/504 00–approved oil to prevent HPFP and cam follower wear. The Bosch HDP5 fuel pump requires high-quality EN 228–compliant fuel; ethanol blends above E10 may accelerate wear. Carbon buildup on intake valves is minimal due to direct injection but can occur in the combustion chamber—periodic decarbonisation may be needed after 100,000 km. Post-2016 engines feature improved HPFP cam followers per SIB 2053475/2; pre-2016 units should be monitored for hard-start symptoms.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 / 504 00 specification (Volkswagen Owner’s Manual 2015). ACEA C3 oils are acceptable if VW-approved.
Emissions: Euro 6 certification applies to all CXDA production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8921). Verified via on-board diagnostics and type-approval testing.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output assumes 95 RON fuel quality (Volkswagen TIS Doc. M4520).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M4501, M4510, M4520, SIB 2053475/2
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8921)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Volkswagen CXDA was used across Volkswagen's Polo and T-Cross platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the T-Cross and updated cooling packages in the Polo GTI derivative—and from 2016 the HPFP cam follower redesign, 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 M4501). The code 'CXDA' appears as a four-letter suffix on the VIN engine designation. Visual cues: CXDA engines use a black plastic intake manifold, BorgWarner KP39 turbo, and direct-injection fuel rail with Bosch HDP5 pump. Differentiate from earlier 'CAXA' or 'CMBA' codes by the presence of a single turbo and 125 PS output. HPFP cam follower design changed in 06/2016—pre-change units use standard steel followers; post-change use nitrided variants (Volkswagen SIB 2053475/2).
The CXDA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure due to cam follower wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or infrequently serviced engines. Volkswagen internal service data from 2018 noted that over 18% of warranty fuel-system claims involved HPFP-related hard starts, while UK DVSA records show increased MOT advisories for misfire-related emissions in Polo models with >90,000 km. Extended oil intervals and low-quality fuel increase wear, making oil and fuel quality critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2014–2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CXDA.
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