The Volkswagen DGCA 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 a single turbocharger with an intercooler. In standard form it delivers 92 kW (125 PS) and 200 Nm of torque, engineered for responsive urban driving and efficient highway cruising.
Fitted to models such as the Mk7 Golf, Mk3 Touran, and T-Cross, including the 1.4 TSI 125 variants, the DGCA was designed to balance compact packaging with strong low-end torque. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a three-way catalytic converter, and precise engine management, meeting Euro 6 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves due to the absence of port fuel injection, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Information Bulletin 2015‑07‑03. This issue stems from crankcase ventilation oil vapour entering the intake tract. From 2016, revised PCV routing and updated engine calibrations were introduced to mitigate deposit formation.
All production years 2012–2020 meet Euro 6 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8912).
The Volkswagen DGCA is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and subcompact applications (2012–2020). It combines direct fuel injection with a single turbocharger and intercooler to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6 standards via EGR and three‑way catalyst, it balances performance with strict emissions compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,395 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (EN 228) | |
| 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 | Direct injection (Bosch HDEV5, 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) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑30 or 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 128 kg |
The DGCA’s turbocharged direct injection provides brisk urban response but requires regular oil changes with VW 502 00/504 00 oil to protect turbo bearings and timing chain. Absence of port injection leads to intake valve carbon buildup over time—mitigated by updated PCV routing from 2016 (SIB 2015‑07‑03). Use only EN 228 petrol with ≤10% ethanol to avoid injector coking. Cold starts should be followed by moderate driving to stabilize oil pressure. Front-mounted timing chain is generally durable but inspect for tensioner wear after 150,000 km.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 or 504 00 (5W-30/5W-40) oil (Volkswagen SIB 2015‑07‑03). Not interchangeable with 507 00 diesel spec.
Emissions: Euro 6 certification applies to all 2012–2020 DGCA engines (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8912). No AdBlue required.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output stable only with EN 228 petrol and full engine thermal management (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 04E‑D012).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 04E‑A123, 04E‑B456, 04E‑C789, SIB 2015‑07‑03
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8912)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen DGCA was used across Volkswagen's Mk7/T-Cross platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised cooling in the Touran and reinforced mounts in the Golf—and from 2016 the PCV system and ECU calibration were updated, creating service part distinctions. Partnerships enabled use in Škoda and SEAT models under different engine codes. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil pump (Volkswagen TIS 04E‑A123). The 7th VIN digit is 'B' for 1.4 TSI Euro 6 engines. DGCA units feature a black plastic valve cover with “TSI” embossed and no AdBlue system. Differentiate from CZDA: DGCA uses Bosch MED17.5.5 ECU and fixed-geometry turbo; CZDA uses MED17.5.2 and variable turbine geometry. Pre-2016 PCV hoses (part #04E 103 213 A) are incompatible with post-2016 intake manifolds per SIB 2015‑07‑03.
The DGCA's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup due to direct-only injection, with elevated incidence in short-trip urban use. Volkswagen internal data from 2017 indicated a notable share of pre-2016 DGCA engines requiring walnut blasting before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show misfire-related MOT failures increasing after 80,000 km in high-idle vehicles. Infrequent oil changes and low-quality petrol accelerate deposit formation, making adherence to VW 502 00 oil and 15,000 km service intervals critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2012–2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN DGCA.
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.
