The Volkswagen CBRA is a 1,390 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2010 and 2014. It features gasoline direct injection (TSI), a single turbocharger, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). This compact engine was designed for efficiency and responsiveness in smaller platforms, delivering peak power of 90 kW (122 PS) and 200 Nm of torque.
Fitted primarily to the Polo Mk5 GTI and certain Ibiza Cupra models, the CBRA was engineered to offer sporty perf…
Production years 2010–2014 meet Euro 5 standards .
The Volkswagen CBRA is a 1,390 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for subcompact hot hatches (2010-2014). It combines gasoline direct injection with a single turbocharger to deliver responsive low-end torque and efficient performance. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances sporty character 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 kW (122 PS) | |
Torque | 200 Nm @ 1,500–4,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Gasoline direct injection (Bosch MED 17.5) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | Single turbo (Garrett GT1446V) | |
Timing system | Chain-driven (maintenance-free design) | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | Approx. 105 kg |
The Volkswagen CBRA was used across Volkswagen's Mk5 platform with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific ECU calibrations for the Polo GTI, creating minor software 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.
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 CBRA is generally robust. Its main long-term concern is the timing chain tensioner, which is manageable with preventative maintenance and strict oil change intervals. Other common issues like the HPFP, PCV, and water pump are known and have well-documented fixes. With proactive care, it can be very reliable.
The top issues are timing chain tensioner failure leading to noise or chain jump, high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure, PCV system leaks causing oil consumption or boost issues, and coolant leaks from the plastic thermostat housing/water pump assembly. These are all well-documented in Volkswagen service information.
The CBRA was primarily used in the performance variants of the Polo Mk5 platform. This includes the Volkswagen Polo Mk5 GTI (2010-2014) and the SEAT Ibiza Cupra (2010-2014) of the same generation.
Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the CBRA 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.
Fuel economy is good for a hot hatch. In a Polo GTI, expect around 7.0-8.0 L/100km (35-40 mpg UK) in mixed driving. Highway cruising can yield 5.5-6.0 L/100km (47-51 mpg UK). Aggressive driving or tuning will significantly reduce these figures.
Yes. The CBRA 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 requiring a rebuild or replacement.
Volkswagen mandates oil meeting the VW 502 00 or 504 00 specification, typically a 5W-30 or 5W-40 full synthetic. Using the correct oil is crucial for protecting the turbocharger, timing chain, and tensioner. Change intervals should not exceed 15,000 km or 1 year.
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.