The Volkswagen CAVE – Petrol is a 1,390 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2015. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), a single twin‑scroll turbocharger, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) with variable valve timing. In standard tune it delivered 103 kW (140 PS), offering enhanced performance over the 122 PS CATA variant while maintaining strong low‑end torque.
Fitted to performance — oriented variants of the Mk7 Golf, Jetta, and B…
Production years 2012–2015 meet Euro 5 standards .
The Volkswagen CAVE – Petrol is a 1,390 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for compact hatchbacks and sedans (2012-2015). It combines direct fuel injection with a twin‑scroll turbocharger to deliver enhanced power and responsive low‑rpm torque. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances sportier performance with everyday fuel economy.
| 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 | 103 kW (140 PS) | |
Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 rpm | |
Fuel system | Direct injection (Bosch MED17.5 ECU) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | Single twin‑scroll turbo (IHI or BorgWarner) | |
Timing system | Chain‑driven | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | Approx. 109 kg |
The Volkswagen CAVE – Petrol was used across Volkswagen's Mk7 platform with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced mounts in the Jetta-and from 2014 some models received minor ECU updates for emissions refinement, creating no significant interchange limits. 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.
The CAVE – Petrol's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure, with elevated incidence in vehicles using lower-grade fuel or exceeding service intervals. Volkswagen service data indicates a notable number of failures linked to fuel quality, while timing chain issues are less common but documented in neglected examples. Adherence to specified oil type and change intervals makes chain longevity highly probable.
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 CAVE engine is generally robust when maintained correctly. Its main weakness is the high-pressure fuel pump, which can fail prematurely with poor fuel or infrequent servicing. Using premium fuel and adhering to oil change intervals with the correct VW-spec oil significantly enhances long-term reliability and prevents timing chain issues.
The most frequent issues are high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure, potential timing chain tensioner wear (if oil is neglected), intake manifold runner control (IMRC) actuator faults, and minor oil leaks from gaskets. These are well-documented in Volkswagen service literature and owner reports.
This 1.4 TSI engine was used in higher-trim variants of the seventh-generation Golf (Mk7 GT), sixth-generation Jetta (A6 Highline/Sport), and the R-Line Beetle (A5) from approximately 2012 to 2015. It was specifically the 140 PS variant of the 1.4 TSI family for these models during that production period.
Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the CAVE platform, but increasing boost or altering engine parameters accelerates component wear, impacts emissions compliance, and may void vehicle warranties. Any modifications should be evaluated carefully by a qualified specialist.
Official combined figures are around 5.7 L/100km (50 mpg UK). Real-world consumption typically ranges from 6.8–8.5 L/100km (33–42 mpg UK) depending on driving style and conditions. Highway driving yields the best economy, while spirited city driving increases consumption.
Yes. The Volkswagen CAVE is an interference engine. If the timing chain were to fail or jump significantly, the pistons would collide with the open valves, causing severe internal engine damage. This underscores the importance of using the correct oil and addressing any chain rattle immediately.
Volkswagen mandates oil meeting VW 502 00 or 504 00 specifications, typically SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40. Using the correct oil is critical for protecting the timing chain, turbocharger, and high-pressure fuel pump. Never use generic or non-approved oils, as this can lead to premature wear and failure.
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.