The Audi CAVG is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbocharged diesel engine produced between 2015 and 2020. It belongs to the EA288 engine family, featuring a compacted graphite iron (CGI) block, aluminium head, and common rail direct injection. Delivering 110 kW (150 PS) and 340 Nm of torque, it was engineered for transverse applications in compact and mid-size vehicles with emphasis on efficiency and low-end drivability.
Fitted to models such as the Audi A3 (8V), Q2, and A4 (B9), the CAVG engine was designed for balanced performance and fuel economy. Emissions compliance was achieved via exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, meeting Euro 6b standards across its production run.
One documented concern is premature high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear under aggressive driving or extended service intervals. This issue, referenced in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 01 17 19, can lead to misfires or cold-start difficulties. From 2018, revised HPFP hardware and updated ECU mapping were implemented to improve durability and combustion stability.
Production years 2015–2020 meet Euro 6b standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6790).
The Audi CAVG is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbocharged diesel engine engineered for compact and mid-size models (2015–2020). It combines common rail direct injection with a chain-driven DOHC valvetrain to deliver responsive torque and improved efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 6b emissions, it balances real-world performance with environmental compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,968 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 81.0 mm × 95.5 mm | |
| Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 3,250–4,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 340 Nm @ 1,750–3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2-20 common rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | IHI IS19 turbocharger with variable geometry turbine (VGT) | |
| Timing system | Roller chain (lifetime design, inspection recommended at 180,000 km) | |
| Oil type | VW 507 00 / 505 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 148 kg |
The turbocharged diesel design delivers strong low-end torque ideal for urban and motorway driving, but demands use of VW 507 00-specified 5W-30 oil to ensure HPFP and turbo longevity. Extended idling or short trips may accelerate EGR and DPF clogging. The IHI VGT turbo requires 30 seconds of idle pre-shutdown under load to prevent coking. Post-2018 models benefit from revised HPFP design per Audi SIB 01 17 19, improving fuel system reliability. SCR-equipped variants require regular highway runs to maintain AdBlue dosing and prevent regeneration faults.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 507 00 / 505 00 specification (Audi SIB 01 17 19). Compatible with ACEA C3.
Emissions: Euro 6b certification applies to all models (2015–2020) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6790).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output dependent on fuel quality (EN 590 diesel) (Audi TIS Doc. A43015).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A43015, A43105, A43210, SIB 01 17 19
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6790)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi CAVG was used across Audi's A3/Q2/A4 platform with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-revised intake manifolds and ECU tuning-and from 2018 the updated HPFP system per SIB 01 17 19, creating service part interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front lower edge of the cylinder block near the transmission bellhousing (Audi TIS A43015). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for 2.0 TDI). Pre-2018 models use a black plastic timing cover with flat HPFP housing; post-2018 units feature a ribbed cover with revised fuel pump bolt pattern. Critical differentiation from non-SCR EA288: CAVG has SCR dosing module and AdBlue tank. Service parts require production date verification—HPFP kits for pre-2018 engines are incompatible with later revisions (Audi SIB 01 17 19).
The CAVG's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear under aggressive driving or low-quality fuel, with elevated incidence in vehicles with extended service intervals. Internal Audi field reports from 2017 indicated a significant share of pre-2018 engines required HPFP replacement before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA records show fuel system faults as a leading cause of MOT failure in high-mileage A3s. Short-trip driving and delayed maintenance increase HPFP and turbo stress, making interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2015–2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2020–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CAVD.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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