The Volkswagen CDLG is a 1,395 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2019. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), a single — scroll turbocharger, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and delivers 92 kW (125 PS) with 200 Nm of torque. The engine’s compact displacement and turbocharging enable responsive urban performance while maintaining competitive fuel economy for its class.
Fitted to models such as the Polo, Fabia, Ibiza, and Ameo, the C…
Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2019 models comply with Euro 6 .
The Volkswagen CDLG is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and sedans (2012–2019). It combines direct injection with a single-scroll turbocharger to deliver brisk low‑rpm response and urban fuel efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards, it balances entry-level performance with emissions compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,395 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 80.0 mm | |
Power output | 92 kW (125 PS) | |
Torque | 200 Nm @ 1,400–3,500 rpm | |
Fuel system | Direct injection (Bosch HDEV5, up to 200 bar) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2012–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2019) | |
Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | Single-scroll turbo (Honeywell) | |
Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | 112 kg |
The Volkswagen CDLG was used across Volkswagen's Polo, Ameo, and shared within the VAG group for Škoda and SEAT. This engine received platform-specific calibrations—revised cooling ducts in the Ameo for tropical climates and modified intake manifolds in the Fabia—and from 2015 Euro 6 variants adopted updated ECU maps and GPF-ready exhaust manifolds, creating minor software interchange limits. Partnerships allowed Škoda’s Fabia III and SEAT’s Ibiza to use identical engine hardware. 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 CDLG offers strong low-end torque and efficiency but is prone to intake valve carbon buildup due to its direct-injection-only design. Well-maintained examples using VW 502 00/504 00 oil and 95+ RON fuel can be dependable. Periodic intake cleaning and strict service intervals are essential for longevity.
Top issues include carbon buildup on intake valves, turbocharger bearing wear, high-pressure fuel pump failure, and timing chain tensioner degradation. These are documented in Volkswagen service bulletins and UK MOT failure data, particularly in urban-driven or high-mileage vehicles.
The CDLG powered the Polo (6R/6C, 2012–2019), Ameo (2016–2019), and was shared with Škoda Fabia III and SEAT Ibiza (2015–2019) with 125 PS. Early models meet Euro 5; 2015 onward comply with Euro 6 emissions standards.
Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the CDLG 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.
Very good for a turbo petrol. In a Polo 1.4 TSI, expect ~6.2 L/100km (city) and ~4.3 L/100km (highway), or ~52 mpg UK combined. Real-world mixed driving typically returns 45–52 mpg (UK), assuming proper servicing and driving style.
Yes. The CDLG is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails or jumps, piston-to-valve contact can cause catastrophic damage. While chain issues are uncommon with proper maintenance, any unusual noise warrants immediate inspection.
Volkswagen mandates 5W-40 synthetic oil meeting VW 502 00 or 504 00 specification. This ensures proper turbo and chain lubrication. Never use 507 00 (diesel spec) or non-approved oils, as they may increase sludge and 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.