Volkswagen CHZB Engine (2012–2020) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Volkswagen CHZB is a 1,395 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2020. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing. In standard form it delivers 110 kW (150 PS) and 250 Nm of torque, offering responsive performance across the rev range with strong mid — range pull.

Fitted to models such as the Mk7 Golf, Mk2 Touran, and Mk3 Octavia, the CHZB was engineered for dynamic yet efficient driv…

Volkswegon Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2020 models comply with Euro 6 depending on market .

Volkswagen CHZB Technical Specifications

The Volkswagen CHZB is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for compact and family vehicles (2012–2020). It combines direct injection (TSI) with variable valve timing and a twin-scroll turbocharger to deliver brisk acceleration and smooth power delivery. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances performance with urban efficiency.

ParameterValueSource
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
110 kW (150 PS)
Torque
250 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 rpm
Fuel system
Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 200 bar)
Emissions standard
Euro 5 (2012–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2020)
Compression ratio
10.0:1
Cooling system
Water‑cooled
Turbocharger
Single twin‑scroll turbo (BorgWarner KP45)
Timing system
Chain (front‑mounted; low wear design)
Oil type
Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification
Dry weight
115 kg

Volkswagen CHZB Compatible Models

The Volkswagen CHZB was used across Volkswagen's Mk7 and Mk3 platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Touran and modified cooling ducts in the Golf—and from 2017 the Octavia facelift adopted updated HPFP hardware, creating minor interchange limits. Partnerships allowed Škoda and SEAT to use identical CHZB units in their lineups. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Volkswagen
Years:
2012–2020
Models:
Golf VII
Variants:
1.4 TSI 150 PS
View Source
Volkswagen ETKA Doc. CHZB-1395
Make:
Volkswagen
Years:
2015–2020
Models:
Touran II
Variants:
1.4 TSI 150 PS
View Source
Volkswagen ETKA Doc. CHZB-1395
Make:
Škoda
Years:
2013–2020
Models:
Octavia III
Variants:
1.4 TSI 150 PS
View Source
Škoda ETKA #SK-CHZB-2013
Make:
SEAT
Years:
2013–2020
Models:
Leon III
Variants:
1.4 TSI 150 PS
View Source
SEAT ETKA #ST-CHZB-2013

Looking for a replacement Volkswagen engine?

Free to submit · No obligation to buy

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.

Common Reliability Issues - VOLKSWAGEN CHZB Compatible Models

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.

High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear
Symptoms: Hard starts, long crank times, P0087 or P0191 fuel rail pressure fault codes, misfires under load.
Cause: Cam follower degradation due to insufficient lubricity in low-sulfur petrol and marginal oil film strength.
Fix: Replace HPFP and cam follower with latest OEM-specified hardened components per TSB-2016-12; verify fuel meets EN 228 and oil meets VW 502 00.
Intake valve carbon buildup
Symptoms: Rough idle, cold-start misfires, reduced power, increased fuel consumption.
Cause: Lack of fuel wash over intake valves combined with oil vapour from PCV and EGR recirculation.
Fix: Perform walnut-shell or chemical induction cleaning; ensure correct oil spec and consider updated PCV baffle if pre-2016 build.
Turbocharger actuator failure
Symptoms: Loss of boost, limp mode, overboost or underboost DTCs, sluggish acceleration.
Cause: Electrical or mechanical wear in the electronic wastegate actuator under thermal cycling.
Fix: Replace turbo actuator or full turbo unit with OEM part; recalibrate boost control via diagnostics.
Timing chain tensioner rattle (rare)
Symptoms: Brief rattle on cold start (<2 sec), especially below 5°C ambient.
Cause: Minor oil aeration or delayed pressure build-up affecting hydraulic tensioner response.
Fix: Verify oil level and spec; replace tensioner only if rattle persists beyond 2 seconds or DTCs appear.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from manufacturer technical service bulletins and industry workshop records. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

VOLKSWAGEN CHZB FAQ Common Questions Answered

The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works

The CHZB is generally robust with proper maintenance, though early models (2012–2016) are prone to HPFP and cam follower wear. Post-2017 revisions improved durability. Using correct oil (VW 502 00/504 00) and high-quality fuel greatly enhances longevity.

Top issues include HPFP/cam follower wear, intake valve coking, turbo actuator faults, and occasional cold-start timing chain rattle. These are documented in Volkswagen TSB-2016-12 and internal reliability reports.

The CHZB appears in the Golf VII (2012–2020), Touran II (2015–2020), and is shared with Škoda Octavia III and SEAT Leon III (2013–2020) as the 1.4 TSI 150 PS unit. All meet Euro 5 or Euro 6 depending on production year.

Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the CHZB 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 Golf VII, expect ~6.5 L/100km (city) and ~4.6 L/100km (highway), or ~49 mpg UK combined. Real-world mixed driving typically returns 45–52 mpg (UK) with conservative driving.

Yes. The CHZB is an interference design. If the timing chain fails (rare), piston-to-valve contact can cause catastrophic damage. However, the chain is designed for life and rarely fails if oil is maintained.

Volkswagen specifies 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic oil meeting VW 502 00 or 504 00 standards. Always use manufacturer-approved oil and change every 15,000 km or annually to protect the turbo and HPFP.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

Platform Overview

About this reference

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.

Sourcing Policy

Source selection

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.

Evidence and uncertainty

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.

Primary Sources

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.

Regulatory Context

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.

Methodology

Data compilation

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.

Corrections & Submissions

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 & Legal

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

Data Privacy

Privacy and cookies

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.

Data Requests

For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk

Trademarks

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.

Commercial Disclosure

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.

Funding model

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.

Verification and identification note

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.