The Audi CANA is a 1,798 cc, inline-four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2011 and 2016. It belongs to the EA888 Gen 2 engine family, featuring direct fuel injection (FSI + TFSI), turbocharging, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) with variable valve timing. In standard tune, it delivers 118 kW (160 PS) with peak torque of 250 Nm, primarily used in Audi's compact and mid-size platforms.
Fitted to vehicles such as the A3 (8V), A4 (B8), and Q3 (8U), the CANA engine was engineered for responsive performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions compliance. It uses a water-cooled intercooler and exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head to reduce turbo lag and improve thermal efficiency. Emissions control meets Euro 5 standards, with certain export variants complying with LEV II (California Air Resources Board).
One documented concern is excessive carbon buildup on intake valves, particularly in stop-start urban driving. This issue, referenced in Audi Service Information Bulletin 2013-10-01, stems from the absence of fuel washing over intake valves in direct-injection engines. Later production units (post-2014) received updated intake port geometry and revised ECU mapping to mitigate deposit accumulation.
Production years 2011–2016 meet Euro 5 standards; certain export variants comply with LEV II (CARB). VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789.
The Audi CANA is a 1,798 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine designed for compact and mid-size applications (2011–2016). It combines direct fuel injection with a single-scroll turbocharger and an integrated exhaust manifold to deliver strong low-end response and efficient operation. Engineered to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances performance with regulatory compliance and real-world drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,798 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (single-scroll) | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 84.5 mm | |
| Power output | 118 kW (160 PS) @ 4,500–6,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,500–4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct injection (Bosch HDEV5, up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.6:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single-scroll turbo (Honeywell, water-cooled intercooler) | |
| Timing system | Timing chain (lifetime service interval, inspection recommended at 120,000 km) | |
| Oil type | Audi Longlife-01 (SAE 5W-40) | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The CANA delivers strong mid-range torque ideal for daily driving, but requires regular oil changes (every 15,000 km or annually) using Audi Longlife-01 (5W-40) to ensure turbo and chain longevity. Carbon buildup on intake valves is common due to direct injection; cleaning every 80,000–100,000 km prevents rough idle and performance loss. The integrated exhaust manifold improves warm-up times but increases thermal load on the cylinder head. Extended idling and short trips accelerate deposit formation. Post-2014 models feature improved port design and ECU logic to reduce intake fouling. Use of high-quality fuel (RON 98) is recommended to maintain knock resistance and optimize performance.
Oil Specs: Requires Audi Longlife-01 (5W-40) specification (Audi SIB 2012-18-04). Supersedes ACEA A3/B4 standards.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all models (2011–2016) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789). No Euro 6 variants exist for CANA.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349. Output consistent across markets; no power variants exist for CANA.
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A888-001, A888-002, SIB 2013-10-01, SIB 2012-18-04
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi CANA was used across Audi's 8V/B8/8U platforms with transverse mounting in front-wheel-drive and quattro configurations. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter accessory drives in the A3 and revised cooling routing in the Q3-and from 2014, minor ECU recalibrations improved intake flow efficiency, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the cylinder block near the transmission bellhousing (Audi TIS A888-007). The 8th VIN digit identifies the engine code ('C' for CANA). All CANA units use a Bosch MED 17.5.2 ECU with a trapezoidal connector. Visual identification: transverse layout, turbocharger on the rear (firewall) side, and integrated exhaust manifold. Service parts require model-year verification—intake manifolds for pre-2014 models are not compatible with later revisions due to port design changes (Audi SIB 2013-10-01).
The CANA's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup, with elevated incidence in urban driving with frequent short trips. Internal Audi quality reports from 2015 noted a significant number of intake clogs before 120,000 km, while VCA field data links poor fuel quality to increased knock sensor activity. Short-trip driving and low-octane fuel increase deposit formation and combustion instability, making fuel quality and service 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 CANA.
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