The Volkswagen DFFA is a 1,498 cc, inline‑three turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2020 and 2024. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing, delivering 96 kW (130 PS) and 200 Nm of torque. The compact three‑cylinder architecture reduces weight and internal friction while maintaining responsive low‑end performance.
Fitted to models such as the Mk8 Golf, T-Cross, Taigo, and ID. Buzz Cargo (range extender variant), the DFFA was engineered for urban efficiency with sufficient mid‑range flexibility for motorway use. Emissions compliance was achieved through a close‑coupled three‑way catalytic converter, precise lambda control, and an Otto Particulate Filter (OPF), meeting Euro 6d standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the balance shaft drive gear under sustained high-load conditions, particularly in stop-start urban driving with frequent cold starts. This issue was noted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2022‑05, attributed to marginal lubrication of the balance shaft gear teeth during thermal transients. From late 2022, revised balance shaft components with improved surface hardening were introduced.
All production years (2020–2024) meet Euro 6d standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9517).
The Volkswagen DFFA is a 1,498 cc inline‑three turbocharged petrol engineered for compact hatchbacks and crossovers (2020–2024). It combines direct injection (TSI) with a single turbocharger to deliver brisk low‑rpm response and efficient cruising. Designed to meet 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 | 96 kW (130 PS) @ 5,000–6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1,400–3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDP6 high‑pressure direct injection (up to 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d | |
| 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 | 110 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 DFFA units (pre-late 2022) are prone to balance shaft gear wear under aggressive urban use—symptoms include whining noise above 2,000 rpm. Post-late 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 certification applies to all model years (2020–2024) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9517).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Full 130 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 2022‑05
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9517)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen DFFA 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 was also adapted as a range extender in the ID. Buzz Cargo. 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 ('FF' for DFFA series). All DFFA units feature Euro 6d hardware including dual lambda sensors and OPF. Critical differentiation from DELA: DFFA is the 130 PS variant with lower boost pressure and revised ECU calibration, though sharing the same block and turbo. Balance shaft gear wear is common on engines built before 10/2022—verify production date via engine serial number.
The DFFA's primary reliability risk is balance shaft drive gear wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in high-frequency stop-start urban driving. Volkswagen internal data from 2023 indicated a measurable number of pre-late-2022 engines required balance shaft replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased vibration-related MOT advisories in fleet or delivery vehicles. Frequent cold starts and non-spec oil accelerate wear, making oil specification and driving pattern critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2020–2024) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2021–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN DFFA.
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