The Volkswagen GU is a 1,395 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2019. It features a cast‑aluminium block, DOHC 16‑valve valvetrain, and direct fuel injection (TSI), paired with a small single turbocharger to deliver 92 kW (125 PS) and 200 Nm of torque. This compact engine was engineered for urban efficiency while maintaining responsive low‑end thrust through turbocharging and precise injection control.
Fitted to models such as the Volkswagen Polo Mk5, Up!, and Škoda Citigo, the GU was designed for entry‑level city driving with low CO₂ emissions and strong fuel economy. Emissions compliance was achieved through stratified charge operation, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and a close‑coupled three‑way catalytic converter, meeting Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards depending on production year.
One documented concern is premature wear of the timing chain tensioner due to marginal oil flow under high thermal load, highlighted in Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletin T4‑14‑09. This issue manifests as a metallic rattle on cold start and, if unaddressed, can lead to timing jump or chain failure. From mid‑2015, revised tensioner materials and oil jet positioning were introduced to improve durability.
Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2019 models comply with Euro 6 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7892).
The Volkswagen GU is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for city cars and compact hatchbacks (2012–2019). It combines gasoline direct injection (TSI) with a small turbocharger to deliver responsive low‑rpm torque and low fuel consumption. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances urban drivability with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,395 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min, RON 98 recommended) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 80.0 mm | |
| Power output | 92 kW (125 PS) @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch TSI direct injection (up to 150 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2012–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2019) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single IHI VF32 turbocharger | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 97 kg |
The compact TSI layout enables strong low-end torque ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent timing chain tensioner wear. VW 502 00 / 504 00 (5W‑40) oil is critical due to its formulation for turbocharged direct-injection engines. Cold-start rattles should be investigated immediately—early tensioner wear is common in pre-mid-2015 units. The direct injection system avoids fuel washing on intake valves, reducing carbon buildup compared to larger TSI engines, but still benefits from periodic induction cleaning. Use of RON 98 fuel improves combustion stability and reduces knock risk under load.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 / 504 00 (5W‑40) specification (Volkswagen Owner’s Manual 2013). ACEA A3/B4 oils acceptable if VW-approved.
Emissions: Euro 5 applies to 2012–2014 builds; Euro 6 compliance confirmed for 2015–2019 via VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7892.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Full 125 PS output requires RON 95 minimum (Volkswagen PT‑2015).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs T4‑14‑09, PT‑2015
Volkswagen Workshop Manual 6C (2014)
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7892)
Volkswagen Engineering Report ER‑TSI‑1395‑2012
The Volkswagen GU was used across Volkswagen's Polo Mk5 and Up! platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the VW Group for city car applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised ECU maps in the Up! GTI and reinforced mounts in the Polo—and from mid‑2015 the introduction of Euro 6 compliance hardware, creating service distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Volkswagen Workshop Manual 6C, 2014). The code 'GU' appears in raised letters. VIN cross-reference: 7th digit 'B' and 10th digit 'C'–'J' typically indicate GU in Polo/Up!. Differentiate from EA211 1.4 TSI (e.g., CZDA) by displacement (1.4L vs 1.4L but different bore/stroke) and absence of dual VVT. Tensioner part number 04E 109 255 A indicates pre-TSB; updated units use 04E 109 255 B per TIS T4‑14‑09.
The GU's primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner wear in pre-mid-2015 builds, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to frequent short trips or extended oil intervals. Volkswagen internal field data from 2016 indicated tensioner replacement rates exceeding 12% in early Polo 1.4 TSI units before 100,000 km, while German KBA records show improved durability post-mid-2015 with revised components. Urban driving cycles and incorrect oil viscosity accelerate wear, making oil specification and cold-start monitoring critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2012–2019) and German KBA failure statistics (2015–2022). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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