The Volkswagen DELA is a 1,498 cc, inline‑three turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2019 and 2024. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing, delivering 110 kW (150 PS) and 250 Nm of torque. The compact three‑cylinder architecture reduces weight and friction while maintaining strong low‑end responsiveness.
Fitted to models such as the Mk8 Golf, T-Cross, and Taigo, the DELA was engineered for urban efficiency with spirited mid‑range performance. Emissions compliance was achieved through a close‑coupled three‑way catalytic converter, precise lambda control, and an Otto Particulate Filter (OPF), meeting Euro 6d-temp and Euro 6d standards depending on model year.
One documented concern is premature wear of the balance shaft drive gear, particularly in high‑mileage or aggressive‑driving conditions. This issue was noted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2021‑09, attributed to material fatigue under sustained high load. From 2022, revised balance shaft components with hardened gear profiles were introduced to improve durability.
Production years 2019–2020 meet Euro 6d-temp standards; 2021–2024 models comply with Euro 6d (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9342).
The Volkswagen DELA is a 1,498 cc inline‑three turbocharged petrol engineered for compact hatchbacks and crossovers (2019–2024). It combines direct injection (TSI) with a single turbocharger to deliver responsive low‑rpm torque and efficient highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6d-temp and Euro 6d emissions standards, it balances urban drivability with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,498 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, min. 95 RON) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑3, DOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 85.9 mm | |
| Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 5,000–6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDP6 high‑pressure direct injection (up to 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d-temp (2019–2020); Euro 6d (2021–2024) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual‑circuit layout | |
| Turbocharger | Single turbo (Honeywell TD025) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, low‑maintenance design) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 0W‑20) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The three-cylinder turbo provides brisk low-end response ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km or annual oil changes using VW 504 00/507 00 (0W‑20) to protect the balance shaft drive and timing chain. High-quality 95+ RON fuel is essential for knock control and injector longevity. Early DELA units (pre-2022) are prone to balance shaft gear wear under aggressive use—symptoms include whining noise and vibration above 2,500 rpm. Post-2022 engines include hardened gears. OPF-equipped models require occasional highway driving to enable passive regeneration and avoid clogging.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 or 507 00 specification (VW TIS 05E‑1008). Not compatible with generic ACEA C5 unless explicitly approved.
Emissions: Euro 6d-temp certification applies to 2019–2020 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9342). Euro 6d compliance mandatory from 2021 onward.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Full 150 PS output requires 98 RON fuel for optimal knock control (VW TIS Doc. 05E‑1030).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 05E‑1002, 05E‑1015, SIB 2021‑09
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9342)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen DELA was used across Volkswagen's Mk8 and MQB A0 platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Golf Mk8 and enhanced cooling in the T-Cross—and from 2021 the introduction of real-driving emissions (RDE) compliance hardware, creating hardware distinctions. Partnerships enabled shared use in Škoda Kamiq and SEAT Arona. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filter housing (VW TIS 05E‑1001). The 4th and 5th digits of the VIN indicate engine family ('EL' for DELA series). Pre-2021 models use a simpler OPF housing and lack dual NOx sensors; post-2021 units feature RDE-compliant emissions hardware with dual lambda and NOx sensors. Critical differentiation from EA211 evo3 (e.g., DPCA): DELA uses a cast-iron block with integrated exhaust manifold and Honeywell TD025 turbo, whereas later variants may differ in emissions calibration. Balance shaft gear wear is common on engines built before 06/2022—verify production date via engine serial number.
The DELA's primary reliability risk is balance shaft drive gear wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or aggressive-driving conditions. Volkswagen internal data from 2022 indicated a notable number of pre-2022 engines required balance shaft replacement before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased vibration-related MOT advisories in modified or poorly maintained examples. Sustained high RPM and low-quality oil accelerate wear, making oil specification and driving style critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2019–2024) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2020–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN DELA.
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