The Volkswagen DCZA is a 1,395 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2019. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), a single turbocharger with intercooler, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivers 92 kW (125 PS) and 200 Nm of torque, engineered for responsive urban performance and efficient motorway cruising.
Fitted to models such as the Mk7 Golf, Polo, and SEAT Ibiza—including the 1.4 TSI 125 variants—the DCZA was engineered for drivers prioritising compact dimensions, fuel efficiency, and accessible low-end torque. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), three-way catalytic converter, and precise engine management, enabling Euro 6 compliance across its production run.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive lobe on the camshaft, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Bulletin 2016087/2. Insufficient lubrication under high thermal loads can lead to camshaft scoring and HPFP failure. From mid‑2015, revised camshafts with hardened lobes and updated HPFP units were introduced across affected platforms.
Production years 2012–2019 meet Euro 6 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Volkswagen DCZA is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and subcompact models (2012–2019). It combines direct injection with a single turbocharger and intercooler to deliver responsive low‑rpm torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6 standards, it balances urban agility with motorway refinement.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,395 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged with intercooler | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 80.0 mm | |
| Power output | 92 kW (125 PS) | |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1,400–3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single fixed-geometry turbo (Honeywell) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; low‑wear design) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 (SAE 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The Honeywell turbo provides responsive low-RPM torque ideal for city driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 502 00 oil to prevent camshaft lobe wear and turbo bearing degradation. The Bosch HDEV5 direct injection system is sensitive to carbon buildup on intake valves—periodic walnut blasting or intake cleaning may be required after 80,000 km. Camshaft scoring at the HPFP drive lobe is a known risk in pre-mid-2015 units per VW SIB 2016087/2; updated camshafts should be installed during HPFP replacement. Use only EN 228-compliant premium unleaded (95 RON minimum).
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 (5W-40) specification (VW SIB 2016087/2). Not interchangeable with 504 00 or ACEA A3/B4 without verification.
Emissions: Euro 6 certification applies to all 2012–2019 DCZA models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output assumes 95 RON fuel quality (VW TIS Doc. 02-2012-DCZA).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 02-2012-DCZA, SIB 2016087/2
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen DCZA was used across Volkswagen's Mk5/Mk7 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with SEAT and Škoda under the MQB and PQ25 architectures. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Polo and modified exhaust manifolds in the Golf—and from 2016 minor ECU updates improved cold-start emissions, creating minor software interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crankshaft pulley (VW TIS 02-2012-DCZA). The 7th VIN digit for VW models is 'E' for DCZA-equipped vehicles. Visual identification: black plastic cam cover with 'TSI' logo and absence of secondary air injection pump (present on earlier EA111 variants). Critical differentiation from CZDA: DCZA uses Bosch MED17.5.5 ECU and lacks cylinder deactivation. Camshaft part number 04E 109 021 AB (pre-2015) vs. 04E 109 021 AD (post-2015) indicates revision status per VW SIB 2016087/2.
The DCZA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive lobe wear on the camshaft, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or stop-start urban use. VW internal field reports from 2016 noted a measurable uptick in camshaft scoring cases before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA data shows emissions-related faults as a common MOT failure for 2013–2017 Golfs. Extended idling and short-trip driving accelerate carbon buildup and thermal stress, making oil quality and fuel specification critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2012–2019) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN DCZA.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with VOLKSWAGEN or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
VOLKSWAGEN Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialVOLKSWAGEN documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
