Volkswagen’s 1.6-liter 16-valve 1.6 CFNA engine, which was manufactured between 2010 and 2016, is best known for its well-liked Polo Sedan and Rapid models. A significant recall campaign to replace the piston group was associated with this power unit.
ABU, AEE, AUS, AZD, BCB, BTS, CFNA, and CFNB are all part of the EA111-1.6 series.
This power unit, which dates back to the 1990s of the previous century, is essentially an upgraded version of the well-known BTS engine, which is based on the vintage 16-valve engines of the EA111 family. Additionally, the block configuration remains unchanged.
The DOHC cylinder head for 16 valves with hydraulic compensators and the cylinder block are both made of aluminum with cast-iron liners. The timing drive is chain, and the Magneti Marelli 7GV ECU controls the motor. The lack of an intake phase regulator makes it simpler than its predecessor.
Specifications
| Production years | 2010-2016 |
| Displacement, cc | 1598 |
| Fuel system | injector |
| Power output, hp | 105 |
| Torque output, Nm | 153 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 76.5 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 86.9 |
| Compression ratio | 10.5 |
| Features | DOHC |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30, 5W-40 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 3.6 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 4 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for VW Polo Sedan 2012) — city — highway — combined |
8.7 5.1 6.4 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~250 000 |
The engine was installed on:
- Volkswagen Jetta 6 (1B) in 2010 – 2016;
- Volkswagen Polo Sedan 1 (6C) in 2010 – 2015;
- Skoda Fabia 2 (5J) in 2010 – 2014;
- Skoda Rapid 1 (NH) in 2012 – 2015;
- Skoda Roomster 1 (5J) in 2010 – 2014.
Disadvantages of the VW CFNA engine
Piston knocking on cylinder walls is the most well-known issue with these power units. The pistons were replaced at no cost by the manufacturer, who also extended the warranty to five years. But this was ineffective for a long time, and eventually the motor started to knock once more. Installing a less clamped exhaust manifold or replacing the original pistons with forged ones from a different manufacturer are recommended ways to extend engine life.
Depending on the operating mode and the frequency of oil changes, the timing chain can operate in a variety of ways, but most of them vary between 100 and 150 thousand kilometers.
Although many have replaced it under warranty, the original exhaust is not renowned for its dependability.
Here, the throttle valve, air filter housing, and left engine mount have limited resources. Questions concerning the ignition system also arise frequently.