The Audi CAKA is a 1,395 cc, inline-four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2019. It belongs to the Volkswagen Group's EA211 engine family, featuring MPI and direct fuel injection (TSI), aluminium construction, and active cylinder management (ACT). In standard tune, it delivers 81 kW (110 PS) and 200 Nm of torque, designed for responsive urban performance and fuel efficiency.
Fitted to models including the A1 (8X), A3 (8V), and SEAT Ibiza, the CAKA engine was engineered for compact vehicle dynamics, combining agile city driving with motorway stability. Emissions compliance was achieved via a three-way catalytic converter and lambda control, meeting Euro 5 and later Euro 6 standards across its production run.
One documented concern is premature timing belt wear under extended service intervals, noted in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2014-22. Insufficient tensioner maintenance and delayed replacements increase risk of belt slippage or fracture. From 2015, revised inspection protocols and updated tensioner assemblies were implemented to improve durability.
Production years 2012–2015 meet Euro 5 standards; 2016–2019 models comply with Euro 6 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Audi CAKA is a 1,395 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine developed for compact and subcompact models (2012–2019). It combines MPI and direct injection (TSI) with active cylinder management (ACT) to deliver responsive low-end torque and efficient fuel consumption. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances performance with economy in transverse FWD applications.
| 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 | 81 kW (110 PS) @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point and direct injection (TSI) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (pre-2016); Euro 6 (2016–2019) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single-scroll turbo (BorgWarner) | |
| Timing system | Timing belt with hydraulic tensioner | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 97 kg |
The CAKA's turbocharging provides strong low-RPM pull ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 502 00-spec oil to prevent turbo and timing belt degradation. The timing belt must be inspected every 30,000 km and replaced at 120,000 km or 5 years per Audi SIB 2014-22. Active cylinder management (ACT) demands clean fuel and regular highway runs to prevent intake manifold deposits. Cylinder deactivation function should be verified via diagnostics during service. Cold-start performance improves with updated ECU calibration post-2015 (Audi SIB 2015-09).
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 (5W-30) specification (Audi SIB 2013-18). Compatible with ACEA A1/B1.
Emissions: Euro 5 applies to 2012–2015 models; Euro 6 certification applies to 2016–2019 units (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Output remains consistent across EU markets with 95 RON fuel (Audi TIS Doc. A34012).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A34012, A34105, SIB 2013-18, SIB 2014-22
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
European Commission Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
The Audi CAKA was used across Audi's 8X/8V platforms with transverse mounting and shared with SEAT and Volkswagen under Group commonality. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake tracts in the A1 and revised cooling routing in the A3-and from 2016 the facelifted A3 8V adopted updated ECU mapping and ACT calibration, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the left-side engine block near the transmission mount (Audi TIS A34012). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('B' for EA211 series). Pre-2015 models use a black plastic valve cover with silver timing belt cover; post-2015 units feature a full black cover. Critical differentiation from EA888: CAKA uses a timing belt with front-mounted tensioner, while EA888 uses a chain. Service parts require model-year verification—ACT solenoids for pre-2016 A3 8V are not interchangeable with later units (Audi SIB 2015-09).
The CAKA's primary reliability risk is timing belt failure due to deferred maintenance, with elevated incidence in mixed-use and high-temperature environments. Internal Audi quality reports from 2016 indicated a notable share of pre-2015 units requiring belt replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show misfire-related faults contributing to emissions test failures. Extended idling and short trips increase carbon buildup, making fuel quality and service adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2013–2019) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2022). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CAKA.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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