The Volkswagen DGTE 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 twin‑scroll turbocharger. In standard form it delivers 92 kW (125 PS) and 200 Nm of torque, engineered for responsive low‑rpm performance and efficient urban motoring.
Fitted to models such as the Mk7 Golf, Polo Mk5 facelift, and Škoda Fabia III, including variants like the 1.4 TSI 125 PS, the DGTE was designed for drivers prioritising compact dimensions, fuel economy, and strong mid‑range pull. Emissions compliance was achieved through a close‑coupled three‑way catalytic converter and precise lambda control, meeting Euro 6b standards from launch and Euro 6d‑TEMP from 2018 onward.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high‑pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive lobe on the camshaft, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin ST09‑15‑04. This issue stems from marginal surface hardening on early production camshafts under high thermal and mechanical stress. From 2016, revised camshaft metallurgy and updated HPFP units were introduced to improve durability.
Production years 2012–2017 meet Euro 6b standards; 2018–2020 models comply with Euro 6d‑TEMP depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7821).
The Volkswagen DGTE is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and subcompact models (2012–2020). It combines direct injection with a twin‑scroll turbocharger to deliver brisk low‑end response and refined efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 6b/6d‑TEMP standards, it balances performance with stringent emissions compliance.
| 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 | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b (2012–2017); Euro 6d‑TEMP (2018–2020) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single twin‑scroll turbo (BorgWarner B01) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; low‑wear design) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑30 or 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 118 kg |
The twin‑scroll turbo provides immediate throttle response ideal for city driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km or 12‑month oil change intervals using VW 502 00/504 00 oil to protect the high‑pressure fuel pump and camshaft drive lobe. Premium 95 RON petrol is mandatory to prevent knock and injector coking. Early camshafts (pre‑2016) are prone to HPFP lobe wear—symptoms include metallic ticking and fuel pressure faults. Replace with updated camshaft P/N 04E 109 021 F per ST09‑15‑04 if wear is detected. The timing chain is robust but relies on clean oil flow; extended intervals risk tensioner wear.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 or 504 00 (5W‑30/5W‑40) specification (Volkswagen TIS 04E‑1001). Not interchangeable with ACEA A3/B4 alone.
Emissions: Euro 6b applies to 2012–2017 models; Euro 6d‑TEMP applies to 2018–2020 builds (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7821).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output verified on 95 RON petrol with cetane ≥51 (Volkswagen PT‑2020).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 04E‑1001, 04E‑1025, STB 09‑15‑04
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7821)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen DGTE was used across Volkswagen's Mk5/Mk7 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Škoda and SEAT 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 2018 the introduction of real-driving emissions (RDE) compliance hardware, creating minor ECU and sensor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filter housing (Volkswagen TIS 04E‑1005). The 7th VIN digit is 'E' for 1.4L TSI engines; confirm DGTE via ECU part number (04E 906 019 AB) or diagnostic scan. Pre-2016 camshafts use P/N 04E 109 021 C; post-2016 units use P/N 04E 109 021 F with hardened HPFP lobe. Critical differentiation from CZDA: DGTE is 125 PS with single turbo; CZDA is 140 PS with different boost mapping. Service parts for camshaft and HPFP are not interchangeable across model years without verification (Volkswagen STB 09‑15‑04).
The DGTE's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump cam lobe wear and gasoline particulate filter (GPF) clogging, with elevated incidence in urban stop-start use. Volkswagen internal data from 2017 indicated a notable rate of HPFP-related DTCs in vehicles under 80,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show increased GPF-related failures in high-mileage DGTE engines post-2018. Frequent short trips and low-quality fuel accelerate carbon accumulation, making fuel quality and driving pattern critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2012–2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN DGTE.
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