The Volkswagen DADA is a 1,498 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2019. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing. In standard form it delivers 110 kW (150 PS) and 250 Nm of torque, offering responsive mid‑range performance with improved fuel economy over earlier MPI units.
Fitted to models such as the Mk7 Golf, Mk2 Touran, and B8 Passat, the DADA was engineered for everyday drivab…
Volkswagen
Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2019 models comply with Euro 6 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Volkswagen DADA is a 1,498 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and mid‑size models (2012–2019). It combines direct fuel injection (TSI) with variable valve timing to deliver responsive low‑end torque and efficient highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances performance with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,498 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min.) | |
Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 85.9 mm | |
Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 5,000 rpm | |
Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (200 bar) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2012–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2019) | |
Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual‑circuit layout | |
Turbocharger | Single turbo (Honeywell TD025) | |
Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, maintenance‑free design) | |
Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑30 or 5W‑40) | |
Dry weight | 112 kg |
The Volkswagen DADA was used across Volkswagen's Mk7/B8 platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Passat and modified intake routing in the Touran—and from 2015 the updated EA211 evo variants introduced minor ECU and emissions hardware changes, creating minor interchange limits. Partnerships enabled use in Škoda and SEAT models with identical core architecture. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The DADA's primary reliability risk is elevated oil consumption in early builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or short-trip urban use. Volkswagen internal data from 2016 indicated a subset of pre-2015 engines exceeding 1.0 L/1,000 km consumption, while UK DVSA records show minimal emissions-related MOT failures due to robust catalytic converter design. Frequent cold starts and extended oil intervals increase piston ring coking, making oil quality and level monitoring critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2014–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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The DADA is generally reliable when properly maintained, though early models (2012–2014) may suffer from oil consumption due to piston ring design. Post-2015 revisions significantly improved durability. Regular oil changes with VW 502/504 oil and monitoring oil levels every 1,000 km are essential for longevity.
Key issues include excessive oil consumption (pre-2015), intake valve carbon buildup (less severe than pure DI engines but still present), PCV/breather failures, and occasional turbo actuator faults. These are documented in Volkswagen service bulletins WSC-01-15-03 and TIS 01-2014-EA211.
The DADA powered the Golf Mk7, Passat B8, and Touran II from 2012–2019. It was also used in Škoda Octavia III and SEAT León III under the same engine code. All are 1.5 TSI 150 PS variants within the EA211 engine family.
Yes. The DADA responds well to ECU remapping, typically gaining +25–35 kW on stage 1 while retaining stock hardware. The turbo and internals are robust, but supporting upgrades (intercooler, exhaust) are recommended for higher stages. Always use 98 RON fuel post-tune.
In a Golf 1.5 TSI 150 PS, real-world consumption is ~6.5 L/100km (city) and ~4.7 L/100km (highway), or about 49 mpg UK combined. Efficient driving can achieve 50–55 mpg UK on mixed routes. Economy benefits from cylinder deactivation (ACT) in mid-load cruising.
Yes. The DADA is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails (rare but possible under extreme neglect), piston-to-valve contact can cause catastrophic damage. However, the chain is designed as maintenance-free and generally reliable with proper oil care.
Volkswagen specifies 5W‑30 or 5W‑40 synthetic oil meeting VW 502 00 or 504 00 standards. Never use generic oils—correct specification is critical for turbo protection, carbon control, and piston ring function. Change every 15,000 km or annually.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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