The Volkswagen DKLA is a 1,984 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2019 and 2023. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing, delivering 206 kW (280 PS) and 390 Nm of torque. Its twin‑scroll turbocharger enables strong low‑rpm torque for responsive everyday drivability.
Fitted to high-performance models such as the Mk8 Golf R, Mk3 Scirocco R (final editions), and Audi S3 (8Y), the DKLA was engineered for track-capable performance with daily usability. Emissions compliance was achieved through stratified lean‑burn strategies, a high‑efficiency Otto particulate filter (Otto‑PF), and precise exhaust gas recirculation, meeting Euro 6d standards across all production years.
One documented concern is high‑pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive cam wear, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2021‑03. This stems from marginal surface hardening on early cam lobes, particularly under sustained high load or with delayed oil changes. From mid-2021, revised camshaft and HPFP materials were introduced to mitigate premature failure.
All production years 2019–2023 meet Euro 6d emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9456).
The Volkswagen DKLA is a 1,984 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for high‑performance hatchbacks and coupes (2019–2023). It combines direct fuel injection (TSI) with a twin‑scroll turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and high‑rev responsiveness. Designed to meet Euro 6d standards, it balances track‑capable output with compliant emissions.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,984 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (ULP 98 RON min for full output) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (twin‑scroll) | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 92.8 mm | |
| Power output | 206 kW (280 PS) @ 5,000–6,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 390 Nm @ 2,100–5,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV6 direct injection (up to 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d | |
| Compression ratio | 9.3:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual‑circuit thermostat | |
| Turbocharger | IHI VF52 twin‑scroll (integrated exhaust manifold) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 148 kg |
The twin-scroll turbo delivers immediate throttle response and flat torque across the rev range, ideal for spirited driving. However, strict adherence to 15,000 km or 12-month oil intervals using VW 504 00/507 00 oil is essential to protect the HPFP drive cam. Extended intervals or incorrect oil accelerate cam lobe wear, risking HPFP failure. The Otto particulate filter requires occasional highway driving to regenerate; frequent short trips may trigger warning lights. Post-mid-2021 engines feature hardened camshafts per STB 2021‑03—pre-mid-2021 units benefit from proactive HPFP monitoring.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 / 507 00 (5W-30) specification (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 06K-1001).
Emissions: Euro 6d certification applies to all DKLA production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9456).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Full 280 PS output requires 98 RON minimum fuel (Volkswagen Group PT-2022).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 06K-1001, 06K-1022
Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin (STB) 2021-03
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9456)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen DKLA was used across Volkswagen's Mk8 platform with transverse mounting and shared with Audi under the Volkswagen Group modular strategy. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Golf R and revised cooling in the Scirocco R Final Edition—and from mid-2021 the updated Golf R adopted hardened camshaft materials, creating minor service part distinctions. Partnerships enabled Audi S3 (8Y) and SEAT León Cupra R to use identical long blocks. 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 06K-1001). The 7th VIN digit for Golf R is 'G', for Scirocco R is 'S'. DKLA is visually distinguished by its black plastic intake manifold and integrated exhaust manifold in the cylinder head. Critical differentiation from DJGA: DKLA uses a higher-flow IHI VF52 turbo with dual wastegates and Bosch HDEV6 injectors operating at 350 bar. Pre-mid-2021 engines have silver camshaft caps; post-mid-2021 units use black caps indicating hardened lobes. HPFP part numbers must match production date—early pumps (06K 127 025 E) are not interchangeable with later revisions (06K 127 025 F) per STB 2021-03.
The DKLA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure due to camshaft lobe wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to frequent high-load driving or extended oil intervals. Volkswagen internal quality data from 2022 indicated a measurable uptick in HPFP-related warranty claims for pre-mid-2021 builds before 80,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show low emissions failure rates thanks to robust Otto-PF design. Aggressive driving and delayed oil changes accelerate cam wear, making correct oil specification and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2019–2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2020–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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