The Volkswagen DGDA is a 1,395 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2020. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), a single turbocharger, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). 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, Polo, and T-Roc—including the 1.4 TSI 125 variants—the DGDA was engineered for compact vehicle applications with an emphasis on fuel economy and drivability. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a three-way catalytic converter, enabling Euro 6 compliance 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 Technical Bulletin 2016‑09. This issue stems from oil vapour ingress via the crankcase ventilation system under frequent short-trip operation. Volkswagen updated the PCV system design in 2017 to reduce oil carryover and mitigate deposit formation.
All production years 2012–2020 meet Euro 6 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4321).
The Volkswagen DGDA is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact models (2012–2020). It combines direct fuel injection with a single turbocharger to deliver responsive low‑rpm torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6 standards, it balances everyday performance with economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,395 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| 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 @ 1,400–3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct injection (Bosch HDEV5) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single turbo (BorgWarner) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 (SAE 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The turbocharged direct-injection design provides brisk low-end response but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 502 00 oil to protect the timing chain and turbo bearings. The absence of port injection leads to carbon accumulation on intake valves—especially under short-trip driving—making periodic intake cleaning advisable. Post-2017 engines include an updated PCV system per SIB 2016‑09 to reduce oil vapour carryover. Fuel must meet EN 228 standards; ethanol blends above E10 are not approved.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 (5W-40) specification (Volkswagen SIB 2016‑09). Not interchangeable with 504 00 or ACEA A3/B4 without verification.
Emissions: Euro 6 certification applies to all DGDA models (2012–2020) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4321).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output assumes EN 228-compliant petrol (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 04E‑1100).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 04E‑1001, 04E‑1025, SIB 2016‑09
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/4321)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Volkswagen DGDA was used across Volkswagen's Mk5/Mk7 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with SEAT and Škoda under the MQB architecture. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the T-Roc and modified exhaust routing in the Polo—and from 2017 the PCV system upgrade, creating minor interchange limits. Partnerships enabled SEAT and Škoda to use identical DGDA units in their 1.4 TSI 125 variants. 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‑1005). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('E' for 04E series). All DGDA units feature a black plastic valve cover with “1.4 TSI” and lack secondary air injection ports on the exhaust manifold. Critical differentiation from other 04E variants: DGDA uses Bosch EDC17U1 ECU and produces 125 PS. Pre-2017 engines have PCV system P/N 04E 103 243 A; post-2017 use 04E 103 243 B per SIB 2016‑09.
The DGDA's primary reliability risk is carbon buildup on intake valves due to its direct-injection-only design, with elevated incidence in short-trip urban use. Volkswagen internal data from 2018 indicated a measurable uptick in intake cleaning service requests before 80,000 km for pre-2017 builds, while UK DVSA MOT data shows ignition and emissions-related faults as the second-most common petrol-engine failure. Frequent cold starts and infrequent highway driving accelerate deposit formation, making driving pattern and maintenance 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 DGDA.
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