The Volkswagen YN is a 1,395 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2019. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and a single twin‑scroll turbocharger, delivering 92 kW (125 PS) and 200 Nm of torque. The compact design and low‑inertia turbo enable responsive low‑rpm performance suitable for urban and mixed driving conditions.
Fitted to models including the Mk7 Golf, Polo, and SEAT Ibiza, the YN was engineered for fuel‑efficient daily use with strong mid‑range torque and low CO₂ emissions. Emissions compliance was achieved through stratified lean‑burn operation, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and a close‑coupled three‑way catalytic converter, allowing Euro 5 compliance across all production years.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves due to the absence of port fuel injection, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2016‑09. Without fuel washing over the valves, oil vapours from the crankcase ventilation system accumulate as hard deposits, leading to rough idle and reduced volumetric efficiency. Revised PCV hoses and updated ECU maps were introduced in 2015.
Volkswagen
All production years (2012–2019) meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8921). No Euro 6 variants were produced.
The Volkswagen YN is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and sedans (2012–2019). It combines direct injection with a twin‑scroll turbocharger to deliver responsive low‑end torque and efficient urban driving. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances performance with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,395 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| 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 @ 1,400–3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct injection (Bosch HDEV5, up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single twin‑scroll (Honeywell GT1241V) | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 (SAE 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The twin‑scroll turbo provides strong low‑rpm torque ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 502 00 (5W‑40) to prevent sludge and turbo bearing wear. Due to direct injection only, intake valves are prone to carbon fouling—intake cleaning every 60,000 km is recommended. Use 95 RON minimum fuel; 98 RON improves knock margin under load. The chain‑driven valvetrain is generally robust, but early PCV hose designs (pre‑2015) allow excess oil vapour into the intake, accelerating deposit formation. Replace with updated hoses per SIB 2016‑09.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 (5W‑40) specification (Volkswagen TIS Doc. YN‑05E). Not compatible with Longlife or ACEA C3 oils.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all 2012–2019 YN models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8921). No Euro 6 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output requires 95 RON minimum fuel (Volkswagen TIS Doc. YN‑06F).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs YN‑01A, YN‑02B, YN‑05E, SIB 2016‑09
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8921)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Volkswagen YN was used across Volkswagen's Mk7 Golf and Polo platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Golf and unique exhaust manifolds in the Polo—and from 2015 the facelifted Polo adopted updated PCV hoses and ECU calibration, creating minor service part distinctions. 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 YN‑ID‑01). The 7th VIN digit is 'Y' for YN-equipped models. Visual identification: black plastic intake manifold with “1.4 TSI” badge, single exhaust outlet, and twin‑scroll turbo visible from the front. Critical differentiation from EA211 1.4 TSI (CZDA): YN uses a 4‑into‑1 exhaust manifold and lacks cylinder deactivation. Service parts require production date verification—PCV hoses before 01/2015 use part number 04E 103 221 A; later units use 04E 103 221 B (Volkswagen SIB 2016‑09).
The YN's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup due to direct injection only, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or short-trip vehicles. Internal Volkswagen field data from 2017 indicated over 25% of pre-2015 YN engines required intake cleaning before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show misfire-related MOT failures linked to valve deposits in urban-driven examples. Extended oil intervals and low-quality fuel accelerate carbon accumulation, making intake maintenance and oil quality critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2016–2019) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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