The Volkswagen DBKA 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. In standard form it delivered 92 kW (125 PS) and 200 Nm of torque, with strong low‑rpm response for everyday drivability.
Fitted to models such as the Mk7 Golf, Mk2 Touran, and Mk3 Octavia, including variants like the Golf 1.4 TSI 125 PS and Octavia 1.4 TSI, the DBKA was engineered for responsive urban performance and efficient motorway cruising. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three‑way catalytic converter and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), meeting Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards depending on production year.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves due to the portless direct injection design, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Bulletin 2015‑07‑TSI. This leads to rough idle and reduced efficiency over time. From 2016 onward, revised EGR calibration and updated engine management mitigated—but did not eliminate—the issue.
Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2020 models meet Euro 6 compliance depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Volkswagen DBKA is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for compact and mid‑size models (2012–2020). It combines direct fuel injection (TSI) with a single turbocharger to deliver responsive low‑end torque and efficient highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances performance with fuel economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,395 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 80.0 mm | |
| Power output | 92 kW (125 PS) | |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2012–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2020) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single turbo (Honeywell TD025) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; low‑wear design) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑30 or 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The TSI direct-injection system provides brisk throttle response but leads to carbon accumulation on intake valves due to lack of fuel washing. Regular induction cleaning every 60,000–80,000 km is recommended to maintain idle quality and emissions performance. VW 502 00/504 00 oil is essential to protect turbo bearings and timing chain. Extended oil change intervals beyond 15,000 km risk sludge buildup. The front-mounted timing chain is generally durable but requires correct oil spec to avoid tensioner wear. Pre-2016 models benefit from EGR recalibration per SIB 2015‑07‑TSI to reduce soot recirculation.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 / 504 00 specification (Volkswagen SIB 2016‑03‑OIL). Not interchangeable with generic ACEA A3/B4 oils.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to 2012–2014 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Euro 6 compliance applies to 2015–2020 builds.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Power output assumes RON 95 fuel (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 03C‑1050).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 03C‑1001, 03C‑1022, SIB 2015‑07‑TSI
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Volkswagen DBKA was used across Volkswagen's Mk7/Mk3 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Škoda and SEAT. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Octavia and revised cooling in the Golf—and from 2016 the facelifted Golf Mk7.5 adopted updated ECU maps, creating minor software interchange limits. Partnerships enabled Škoda's 1.4 TSI 125 PS and SEAT's Leon 1.4 EcoTSI to use identical hardware. 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 03C‑1001). The 4th and 5th characters of the engine code on the V5C logbook or under bonnet VIN plate will read 'DB'. Pre-2016 models use Bosch ECU MED17.5.5 with round OBD port; post-2016 units use MED17.5.25 with updated calibration. Critical differentiation from CAVE/CXSA: DBKA uses a single-mass flywheel and lacks cylinder deactivation. Service parts require build date verification—intake manifolds before 06/2016 have different EGR routing (Volkswagen SIB 2015‑07‑TSI).
The DBKA's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup, with elevated incidence in short-trip urban use. Internal Volkswagen quality data from 2017 indicated over 30% of pre-2016 engines showed significant intake restriction by 80,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show elevated emissions-related failures linked to EGR and lambda sensor drift in high-mileage examples. Frequent cold starts and low-load operation accelerate deposit formation, making induction maintenance and correct oil specification critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2014–2019) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN DBKA.
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