The Volkswagen BAR is a 1,390 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2008 and 2014. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC), four valves per cylinder, and a single turbocharger, delivering a responsive and efficient power profile for its class. Peak output is rated at 90 kW (122 PS) and 200 Nm of torque, providing sprightly performance in lightweight applications.
Fitted primarily to the Polo Mk5 and Ibiza Mk4, the BAR was engineered for urban agi…
Volkswagen
Production years 2008–2014 meet Euro 5 standards .
The Volkswagen BAR is a 1,390 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for supermini applications (2008-2014). It combines direct fuel injection with a single turbocharger to deliver responsive low-end torque and frugal fuel consumption. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it prioritizes urban drivability and emissions compliance.
| 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 kW (122 PS) | |
Torque | 200 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch Motronic MED17.5, direct injection (TSI) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | Single turbo (IHI VF33) | |
Timing system | Chain‑driven camshafts | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | 109 kg |
The Volkswagen BAR was used across Volkswagen's A0 platform with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-minor ECU mapping for the SEAT Ibiza-but no major facelift revisions occurred during its production, ensuring broad parts interchangeability. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.
Diagnostic reminder: If a technician has recommended replacing the engine, you can send an enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. Confirm the diagnosis first: an engine-code record does not diagnose a fault.
Field reports and technical service bulletins highlight component wear patterns under high-load operation. Adherence to manufacturer service intervals and approved fluid specifications is critical for long-term reliability.
Analysis derived from manufacturer technical service bulletins and industry workshop records. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The BAR is generally reliable if maintained meticulously. Its main weakness is the HPFP, which often fails after 80,000 km. With proactive HPFP replacement, use of premium fuel, and regular carbon cleaning, these engines can be very dependable and exceed 200,000 km.
The most frequent issues are HPFP failure (causing misfires), severe intake valve carbon buildup (causing rough idle), and turbo wastegate rattle. Timing chain tensioner wear is also a concern on high-mileage examples. These are well-documented in Volkswagen service information.
The BAR 1.4 TSI was primarily used in the Volkswagen Polo Mk5 (6R) from 2009 to 2014. It was also fitted to the SEAT Ibiza Mk4 (6J) and Córdoba Mk2 (6J) from 2008 to 2014. It was not used in Skoda or Audi models.
Yes, moderately. The BAR responds well to ECU remapping, with safe gains of 20-30 kW (25-40 PS) on stock internals. Popular upgrades include a larger intercooler and downpipe, which can push power towards 150 PS. It's a popular choice for mild tuning.
Excellent for a turbo petrol. In a Polo, expect real-world figures of 6.0-7.0 L/100km (40-47 mpg UK) on a mixed cycle. Highway cruising can return under 5.5 L/100km (50+ mpg UK). Its efficiency is a key selling point.
Yes. The BAR is an interference design. If the timing chain were to fail catastrophically (e.g., tensioner failure leading to chain jump), the pistons would collide with the valves, causing severe engine damage. Regular inspection of the tensioner is advised.
Volkswagen specifies oil meeting the VW 504 00 / 507 00 standard, typically a 5W-30 fully synthetic. Using the correct specification is vital for protecting the turbocharger, timing chain, and fuel system. Change intervals should not exceed 15,000 km or 12 months.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
EngineCode.uk is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. It provides engine-reference information and an optional commercial enquiry service. It is not an official manufacturer website. Check the record's sources and confirm vehicle-specific details before relying on it for parts, repairs or replacement.
Our editorial standard prioritises relevant manufacturer documentation and official regulatory sources. The sources and verification status for a record should be checked alongside the data.
A statement is not verified merely because a source is listed. Where supporting evidence is missing or conflicting, the record should identify that limitation. Please report unsupported or inconsistent information.
Transparency in gaps
A missing or unverified value does not mean the manufacturer has withheld it. We distinguish information not yet verified, information not available to us, and information explicitly not disclosed by the source.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Records are subject to review and correction. Source links, dates and verification notes should be read with the technical information. Our Editorial and Sourcing Policy explains our standards and review process.
Found an error or missing source? Report a problem with this page. Include the field or statement concerned and a supporting source if available. You can also email corrections@enginecode.uk.
Copyright and permissions
Images and other material may be protected by copyright. Attribution does not by itself grant permission to reuse material. If you believe material on this site infringes your rights, contact copyrights@enginecode.uk with the page URL and details of your claim. We will review the material and take appropriate action.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
Our Privacy Policy explains how Engine Finders UK Ltd uses information from visits, vehicle lookups, enquiries and messages. Our Cookie Policy explains cookies and similar technologies and how to change your choices.
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
Ownership and commercial services
EngineCode.uk is owned and operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. Alongside our reference content, we offer an optional replacement-engine enquiry service through Engine Finders and may identify relevant services provided by businesses connected with us. These commercial connections are disclosed. Using an enquiry service is not required to read our reference content.
Engine Finders UK Ltd operates this website. Our optional enquiry service has a commercial purpose. Our Ownership and Commercial Disclosure explains the relationship between the reference website and that service. Participating suppliers pay a fee or subscription to participate on the network and receive quote requests.
Use this record as a starting point for identification. Specifications and vehicle applications may contain errors or omissions. Confirm the exact engine variant and compatibility using vehicle-specific documentation and a qualified supplier or technician.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.