The Volkswagen CDAA is a 1,390 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2008 and 2015. It features gasoline direct injection (TSI), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing on the intake cam. In standard form it delivered 90 kW (122 PS) and 200 Nm of torque, with responsive low‑end performance ideal for compact vehicles.
Fitted to models such as the Mk6 Golf, Polo, Scirocco, and Škoda Fabia, the CDAA was engineered for urban agility and…
All production years (2008–2015) meet Euro 5 standards .
The Volkswagen CDAA is a 1,390 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and subcompact models (2008–2015). It combines gasoline direct injection (TSI) with a single turbocharger to deliver responsive low‑end torque and efficient urban driving. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances performance with fuel economy and drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,390 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min) | |
Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
Bore × stroke | 76.5 mm × 75.6 mm | |
Power output | 90 kW (122 PS) @ 5,000 rpm | |
Torque | 200 Nm @ 1,500–4,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch TSI direct injection (up to 150 bar) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | Single turbo (Honeywell GT1241V) | |
Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; tensioner‑prone) | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | 102 kg |
The Volkswagen CDAA was used across Volkswagen's PQ25/PQ35 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Škoda and SEAT under the VAG group. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-lightweight mounts in the Polo and revised cooling in the Scirocco-and from 2012 the updated tensioner design created minor interchange limits. Partnerships allowed Škoda's 1.4 TSI and SEAT's 1.4 TSI units to share core architecture. 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 CDAA offers good urban performance and efficiency, but early models (2008–2011) are prone to timing chain tensioner issues. Later revisions (post-2012) improved durability. With strict oil changes (5W-40 VW 502 00) and avoidance of frequent short trips, well-maintained examples can exceed 180,000 km reliably.
Top issues include timing chain tensioner wear (causing rattle), intake valve carbon buildup, PCV valve failure leading to oil leaks, and turbo wastegate rattle. All are documented in VW service bulletins and widely observed in field data.
The CDAA powered the Polo 6R (2009–2014), Golf Mk6 (2009–2012), Scirocco Mk3 (2008–2015), Škoda Fabia Mk2 (2008–2014), and SEAT Ibiza Mk4 (2008–2015). It was part of the VAG 1.4 TSI family used across compact platforms.
Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the CDAA 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.
In a Polo 1.4 TSI (2010), expect ~7.2 L/100km (city), ~4.8 L/100km (highway), or ~47 mpg UK combined. Real-world mixed driving typically yields 42–50 mpg UK. Economy suffers if carbon buildup restricts airflow or if driven aggressively.
Yes. The CDAA is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails or jumps, pistons can contact open valves, causing catastrophic damage. However, the chain is generally robust if oil maintenance is followed.
Volkswagen specifies 5W-40 synthetic oil meeting VW 502 00 (petrol) or 505 00 (diesel-compatible) standards. Never use Longlife or non-approved oils, as incorrect additives accelerate tensioner and chain wear.
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.