Engine Code

VOLKSWAGEN CXGA engine (2016–2023) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Volkswagen CXGA is a 1,984 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2016 and 2023. 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 Mk7.5 GTI, Golf R, and Audi S3 (8V facelift), the CXGA was engineered for sporty dynamics with everyday usability. Emissions compliance was achieved through precise injection control, a gasoline particulate filter (GPF), and secondary air injection, meeting Euro 6b and Euro 6d-TEMP 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 2017‑12. This issue stems from crankcase ventilation oil vapour mixing with EGR soot, forming deposits that restrict airflow. From 2019, revised PCV valve designs and updated engine management strategies were introduced to reduce oil ingestion.

Volkswegon Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2016–2018 meet Euro 6b standards; 2019–2023 models comply with Euro 6d-TEMP (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9012).

CXGA Technical Specifications

The Volkswagen CXGA is a 1,984 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for hot hatches and compact performance sedans (2016–2023). It combines gasoline direct injection with a single turbocharger and a gasoline particulate filter to deliver responsive power and strong low‑rpm torque. Designed to meet Euro 6b and Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standards, it balances sporty performance with regulatory compliance.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement1,984 cc
Fuel typePetrol (RON 95 min, RON 98 recommended)
ConfigurationInline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve
AspirationTurbocharged
Bore × stroke82.5 mm × 92.8 mm
Power output162 kW (220 PS) @ 5,100–6,500 rpm
Torque350 Nm @ 1,500–4,400 rpm
Fuel systemBosch HDEV6 direct injection (up to 350 bar)
Emissions standardEuro 6b (2016–2018); Euro 6d-TEMP (2019–2023)
Compression ratio9.6:1
Cooling systemWater‑cooled with dual‑circuit layout
TurbochargerSingle IHI VF45 turbo (variable geometry)
Timing systemChain‑driven DOHC
Oil typeVW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W‑30)
Dry weight147 kg
Practical Implications

The CXGA’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 504/507‑approved 5W‑30 oil are essential to protect the timing chain and turbocharger. The addition of a gasoline particulate filter (GPF) requires regular highway driving to enable passive regeneration. Revised PCV systems from 2019 reduce oil ingestion per Volkswagen SIB 2017‑12; intake cleaning may still be required after 80,000 km in short-trip driving conditions.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 or 507 00 specification (Volkswagen SIB 2016‑09). ACEA C3 oils may be used if VW-approved.

Emissions: Euro 6b applies to 2016–2018 models; Euro 6d-TEMP compliance for 2019–2023 confirmed under VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9012.

Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Full 220 PS output requires RON 98 fuel (Volkswagen TIS Doc. TSI‑2016‑CXGA).

Primary Sources

Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs TSI‑2016‑CXGA, SIB 2017‑12, SIB 2016‑09

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9012)

DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard

CXGA Compatible Models

The Volkswagen CXGA was used across Volkswagen's Mk7.5 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 2020 the Audi S3 facelift adopted the DNUE variant with GPF and updated ECU maps, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Volkswagen
Years:
2017–2020
Models:
Golf Mk7.5 GTI
Variants:
2.0 TSI GTI Performance
View Source
Volkswagen Group PT‑2021
Make:
Volkswagen
Years:
2017–2020
Models:
Golf Mk7.5 R
Variants:
2.0 TSI R
View Source
Volkswagen Group PT‑2021
Make:
Audi
Years:
2016–2019
Models:
S3 (8V facelift)
Variants:
2.0 TFSI quattro
View Source
Audi ETKA Doc. A-8305
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filter housing (Volkswagen TIS TSI‑2016‑CXGA). The 4th and 5th VIN digits indicate engine family ('CX' for CXGA series). CXGA units feature black valve covers and an IHI VF45 turbo with external wastegate actuator. Critical differentiation from DNUE: CXGA uses Bosch MED17.5.5 ECU with round OBD port and no GPF; DNUE includes GPF and updated boost maps. PCV valve part number 06K 129 101 E (pre-2019) vs. 06K 129 101 G (post-2019) indicates service bulletin compliance (Volkswagen SIB 2017‑12).

Identification Details

Evidence:

Volkswagen TIS Doc. TSI‑2016‑CXGA

Location:

Stamped on front timing cover near oil filter housing (Volkswagen TIS TSI‑2016‑CXGA).

Visual Cues:

  • Black valve cover
  • IHI VF45 turbo with external wastegate actuator
PCV Upgrade

Issue:

Early CXGA engines (2016–2018) prone to intake valve carbon buildup due to excessive oil ingestion via PCV system.

Evidence:

Volkswagen SIB 2017‑12

Recommendation:

Install updated PCV valve (part 06K 129 101 G) and inspect intake runners per Volkswagen SIB 2017‑12.

Common Reliability Issues - VOLKSWAGEN CXGA

The CXGA'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 2018 indicated a notable rate of intake cleaning interventions before 100,000 km in pre-2019 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.

Intake valve carbon buildup
Symptoms: Rough idle, hesitation, reduced power, increased fuel consumption, misfires under load.
Cause: Direct injection bypasses intake valves, allowing oil vapour from the PCV system and EGR soot to accumulate without fuel washing.
Fix: Perform walnut-shell or chemical intake cleaning; install updated PCV valve per service bulletin and verify EGR function.
Gasoline particulate filter (GPF) clogging
Symptoms: Loss of power, increased fuel consumption, limp mode, DTCs P2002/P2003.
Cause: Insufficient passive regeneration due to frequent short trips prevents soot burn-off in the GPF.
Fix: Perform forced regeneration via VAG diagnostics; ensure regular highway driving. Replace GPF only if permanently blocked per OEM procedure.
Turbocharger wastegate rattle
Symptoms: Whistling or fluttering noise under boost, boost spikes or drops, overboost DTCs (P0299, P2262).
Cause: Wear in the wastegate actuator linkage or carbon buildup on the wastegate arm, exacerbated by heat cycling.
Fix: Replace turbocharger with latest OEM unit or refurbish wastegate mechanism; inspect vacuum lines and boost control solenoid.
Timing chain tensioner wear
Symptoms: Rattle on cold start, cam/crank correlation faults, timing deviation codes.
Cause: Chain tensioner plunger wear allows slack in DOHC chain, particularly with infrequent oil changes or incorrect viscosity.
Fix: Install updated tensioner and guides per OEM procedure; verify timing with VAG diagnostics after repair.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2016–2021) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about VOLKSWAGEN CXGA

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CXGA.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

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