The Volkswagen DKJA is a 1,498 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2019 and 2024. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), a single turbocharger, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivers 110 kW (150 PS) and 250 Nm of torque, engineered for responsive urban driving and efficient highway cruising.
Fitted to models such as the Mk8 Golf, T-Roc, and Taigo—including the 1.5 TSI 150 variants—the DKJA was engineered for compact vehicle applications with an emphasis on fuel economy, drivability, and emissions compliance. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a gasoline particulate filter (GPF), and a three-way catalytic converter, enabling Euro 6d compliance across all production years.
One documented concern is potential low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) under high-load, low-RPM conditions, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2020‑18. This issue stems from combustion chamber deposits interacting with fuel composition under specific operating regimes. Volkswagen updated engine management calibrations in 2021 to adjust ignition timing and reduce LSPI risk.

All production years 2019–2024 meet Euro 6d emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Volkswagen DKJA is a 1,498 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact models (2019–2024). It combines direct fuel injection with a single turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6d standards, it balances everyday performance with economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,498 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 85.9 mm | |
| Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct injection (Bosch HDEV6) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d | |
| Compression ratio | 12.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single turbo (BorgWarner) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 118 kg |
The high-compression turbocharged design enables excellent fuel economy but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 504 00/507 00 oil to protect the timing chain and GPF. The Bosch HDEV6 system demands EN 228-compliant petrol with ≤E10 ethanol. Low-speed pre-ignition risk is mitigated by post-2021 ECU calibrations per SIB 2020‑18; owners should avoid aggressive throttle input at very low RPM under high load. Regular highway driving helps maintain GPF regeneration cycles.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 or 507 00 (5W-30) specification (Volkswagen SIB 2020‑18). ACEA C5 oils meeting VW approval are acceptable.
Emissions: Euro 6d certification applies to all DKJA models (2019–2024) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output assumes EN 228-compliant petrol (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 05E‑1100).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 05E‑1001, 05E‑1025, SIB 2020‑18
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Volkswagen DKJA was used across Volkswagen's Mk8 platform with transverse mounting and shared with Škoda and SEAT under the MQB Evo architecture. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Taigo and modified exhaust routing in the T-Roc—and from 2021 the ECU calibration updates, creating minor interchange limits. Partnerships enabled SEAT and Škoda to use identical DKJA units in their 1.5 TSI 150 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 05E‑1005). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('E' for 05E series). All DKJA units feature a black plastic valve cover with “1.5 TSI” and include a gasoline particulate filter (GPF) in the exhaust manifold. Critical differentiation from other 05E variants: DKJA uses Bosch EDC17U2 ECU and produces 150 PS. Post-2021 engines include updated calibration per SIB 2020‑18; ECU software version must be verified via diagnostics.
The DKJA's primary reliability risk is low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) under aggressive driving at low RPM, with elevated incidence in early builds. Volkswagen internal data from 2021 indicated a measurable uptick in knock sensor-related warranty claims before 60,000 km for pre-2021 units, while UK DVSA MOT data shows GPF-related faults as the second-most common petrol-engine failure. Aggressive throttle use at low engine speeds and poor fuel quality accelerate LSPI risk, making driving style and fuel quality critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2019–2024) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2020–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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