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.

Production years 2016–2018 meet Euro 6b standards; 2019–2023 models comply with Euro 6d-TEMP (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9012).
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.
| 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 HDEV6 direct injection (up to 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b (2016–2018); Euro 6d-TEMP (2019–2023) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.6:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual‑circuit layout | |
| Turbocharger | Single IHI VF45 turbo (variable geometry) | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 147 kg |
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.
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).
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
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.
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).
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.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2016–2021) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CXGA.
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