The Volkswagen T Petrol is a 1,390 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2008 and 2015. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), a single turbocharger, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivered 90 kW (122 PS), with higher-output versions reaching 118 kW (160 PS) and torque figures between 200–240 Nm.
Fitted to models such as the Mk6 Golf, Mk5 Jetta, and T5 Transporter, the T Petrol was engineered for responsive performance and urban efficiency. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and catalytic conversion, allowing most units to meet Euro 5 standards.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear, which can cause hard starts or misfires. This issue, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Bulletin 2011‑07‑01, is often linked to insufficient lubricity in low-sulfur fuels. From 2012, revised HPFP internals and updated camshaft lobe profiles were introduced to mitigate premature wear.
Volkswagen
Production years 2008–2015 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Volkswagen T Petrol is a 1,390 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for compact and light commercial vehicles (2008–2015). It combines gasoline direct injection with a single turbocharger to deliver responsive low-end torque and brisk acceleration. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances performance with urban efficiency.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,390 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 76.5 mm × 75.6 mm | |
| Power output | 90–118 kW (122–160 PS) | |
| Torque | 200–240 Nm @ 1,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDP5 high-pressure direct injection (up to 150 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single fixed-geometry turbo (Honeywell/ Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; durable design) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑30 or 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 128 kg |
The turbocharged TSI layout provides brisk throttle response and strong mid-range torque but demands strict adherence to 10,000–15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 502 00/504 00 oil to protect the high-pressure fuel pump cam lobe. Extended oil intervals or incorrect viscosity can accelerate HPFP wear, leading to starting issues. The direct-injection system is prone to intake valve coking; periodic walnut blasting or fuel additive use may be required. Post-2012 models feature updated HPFP components per Volkswagen SIB 2011‑07‑01.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 or 504 00 specification (Volkswagen SIB 2011‑07‑01). Not interchangeable with ACEA A3/B4 alone.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all 2008–2015 T Petrol engines (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. 118 kW output requires RON 95+ fuel (Volkswagen TIS Doc. V-7801).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V-7712, V-7715, SIB 2011‑07‑01
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Measurement Standard
The Volkswagen T Petrol was used across Volkswagen's Mk5/Mk6 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Škoda and SEAT under the MQB precursor strategy. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the T5 Transporter and revised cooling in the Golf—and from 2012 the facelifted Jetta adopted updated HPFP internals, creating minor interchange limits. Partnerships enabled Škoda’s Octavia and SEAT’s Leon to use identical TSI units. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filler neck (Volkswagen TIS V-7720). The 4th and 5th characters of the engine code (e.g., 'CAVE', 'CAXA') indicate displacement and output. Pre-2012 units use HPFP part number 03C 130 206 A; post-2012 use 03C 130 206 D with hardened internals. Critical differentiation from 1.2 TSI: T Petrol has a visible intercooler pipe and dual camshaft sensors. Service parts require production date verification—HPFP kits for engines before 06/2012 are incompatible with later units due to camshaft lobe redesign (Volkswagen SIB 2011‑07‑01).
The T Petrol's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or infrequently driven vehicles. Volkswagen internal data from 2013 indicated a notable share of pre-2012 engines requiring HPFP replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show elevated misfire-related MOT advisories in city-driven examples. Extended oil change intervals and low-quality fuel increase cam lobe stress, making oil specification and fuel quality critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2010–2016) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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