The Audi CALB is a 1,395 cc, inline-four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2011 and 2018. It belongs to the EA211 engine family and features TFSI direct fuel injection, turbocharging, and a compact, modular design with aluminium construction. In standard tune, it delivers 77 kW (105 PS) and 160 Nm of torque, offering responsive low-end performance ideal for urban hatchbacks.
Fitted to models such as the Audi A1 (8X) and A3 (8V), the CALB engine was engineered for efficiency and lightweight performance. It met Euro 5 and later Euro 6 emissions standards through a three-way catalytic converter, lambda control, and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), supported by precise direct injection and thermal management systems for faster warm-up.
One documented concern is premature timing chain wear under extended oil intervals, particularly in early production units. This issue, referenced in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2013-08, stems from inadequate lubrication at the chain tensioner during cold starts. In 2013, Audi introduced revised chain guides and updated oil specifications (Audi TL 52467) to mitigate wear, improving long-term reliability in post-2013 models.
Production years 2011–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2018 models comply with Euro 6 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Audi CALB is a 1,395 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine from the EA211 family (2011–2018). It combines TFSI direct injection with a compact turbocharger layout to deliver responsive low-RPM performance. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards, it balances fuel efficiency with strong urban drivability.
| 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 | 77 kW (105 PS) @ 5,000–5,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 160 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 150 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2011–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2018) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled with integrated thermal management | |
| Turbocharger | IHI IS20G turbocharger with integrated bypass valve | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (front-mounted; wear-prone under poor lubrication) | |
| Oil type | Audi TL 52467 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 103 kg |
The low-inertia turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for stop-start driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent timing chain wear and turbo bearing degradation. Audi TL 52467 (5W-30) oil is critical due to its thermal stability and protection of the front-mounted chain system. Short trips and cold idling increase oil contamination and chain stress. The Bosch HDEV5 fuel system demands high-octane petrol (RON 95 minimum) to maintain injector cleanliness and prevent knock. Post-2013 models feature upgraded chain guides; pre-2013 units should have the tensioner upgrade per Audi SIB 2013-08. Lambda sensor and EGR system require periodic inspection to maintain emissions compliance and prevent limp mode.
Oil Specs: Requires Audi TL 52467 (5W-30) specification (Audi SIB 2013-08). Supersedes VW 502 00 and ACEA A1/B1.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to pre-2015 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789). 2015-2018 models meet Euro 6 depending on market.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Full 77 kW output requires RON 95 fuel (Audi TIS Doc. A21600).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A21400, A21430, SIB 2013-08
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi CALB was used across Audi's 8X/8V platforms with transverse mounting and shared with SEAT and Volkswagen under the EA211 engine programme. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the A1 and revised ECU calibrations in the A3-and from 2015 the facelifted A3 models adopted the CAVB variant with improved thermal management, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Audi TIS A21410). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for 1.4 TFSI). Pre-2013 models have silver valve covers with black plastic intake manifolds; post-2013 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from CAVB: Original CALB uses Bosch HDEV5 injectors with square electrical connectors, while CAVB uses HDEV6 with trapezoidal connectors. Service parts require production date verification - timing kits for engines before 06/2013 are incompatible with later units due to guide rail redesign (Audi SIB 2013-08).
The CALB's primary reliability risk is timing chain wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in short-trip urban use. Internal Audi quality reports from 2014 indicated a notable share of pre-2013 engines requiring chain repair before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA records link a significant portion of emissions-related MOT failures to lambda sensor degradation in city-driven vehicles. Cold-start cycles and extended idling increase chain and guide stress, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2011-2016) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CALB.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with AUDI or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
AUDI Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
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.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
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.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialAUDI documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
