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 w…
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 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.
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.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The CXDA is generally reliable when maintained properly. Early units (2014–2016) are more prone to HPFP cam follower wear, while post-2016 engines show improved durability. Regular oil changes with VW 502 00/504 00 oil and use of quality fuel are essential for longevity beyond 150,000 km.
Top issues include HPFP cam follower wear causing hard starts, turbo actuator failures, combustion chamber carbon buildup, and occasional timing chain tensioner rattle. These are documented in Volkswagen service bulletins SIB 2053475/2 and TIS updates from 2015 onward.
The CXDA powered the Polo (6R/6C, 2014–2020), T-Cross (2018–2020), and Škoda Citigo (2019–2020, rebadged version). It was used exclusively in transverse front-wheel-drive applications within the Volkswagen Group MQB A0 platform family.
Yes. Stage 1 ECU remaps typically yield 140–150 PS safely, as the stock internals handle moderate torque increases. Supporting upgrades like a high-flow air filter and performance intercooler are recommended. Aggressive tuning may accelerate HPFP wear, so fuel system health must be monitored.
Real-world consumption is ~6.2 L/100km (city) and ~4.5 L/100km (highway), or about 42–48 mpg UK combined. In the Polo 1.4 TSI, official WLTP figures range from 5.0–5.8 L/100km depending on trim. Economy depends heavily on driving style and oil/fuel quality.
Yes. The CXDA is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails or jumps, pistons can contact open valves, causing severe internal damage. This underscores the importance of timely chain system inspections and oil maintenance.
Volkswagen specifies VW 502 00 or 504 00 (SAE 5W‑30 or 5W‑40) synthetic oil. Change every 15,000 km or 12 months to protect the HPFP cam follower and timing components. Non-approved oils increase wear risk significantly.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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