The Audi CAXC is a 1,395 cc, inline-four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2016. It forms part of the Volkswagen Group’s EA211 engine family, featuring direct fuel injection (TSI), variable valve timing, and lightweight aluminium construction. In standard tune it delivered 81 kW (110 PS) with 200 Nm of torque, balancing compact dimensions with responsive urban performance.
Fitted to models such as the Audi A1 (8X), A3 (8V), and SEAT Ibiza FR, the CAXC was engineered for efficient city driving and light motorway use. It targets drivers seeking lower emissions and fuel economy in small hatchbacks. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three-way catalytic converter and lambda control, allowing Euro 5 compliance across its production run, with certain later builds meeting Euro 6 standards depending on market.
One documented concern is premature timing chain wear under extended oil change intervals or aggressive driving conditions. This issue, highlighted in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2014-15, is linked to inadequate lubrication at the chain tensioner during cold starts. In 2015, revised chain guides and updated oil specifications were introduced to improve durability.
Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2016 models may have Euro 6 compliance depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Audi CAXC is a 1,395 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks (2012–2016). It combines TSI direct injection with variable valve timing to deliver responsive low-end torque and compact efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 5 (and select Euro 6) standards, it balances urban drivability with regulated emissions performance.
| 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) @ 5,000–6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1,500–3,900 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5; Euro 6 (market-dependent, 2015+) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single-scroll turbo (BorgWarner KP35) | |
| Timing system | Timing chain (front-mounted; wear-prone under poor maintenance) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 505 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 97 kg |
The turbocharged EA211 platform provides strong low-RPM pull ideal for urban environments but demands strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent timing chain wear and turbo bearing degradation. VW 502 00 (5W-30) oil is essential due to its shear stability and protection of the front-mounted chain system. Extended idling and cold starts increase stress on the tensioner, so warm-up periods should be minimised. Direct injection requires regular fuel system cleaning to mitigate carbon buildup on intake valves. Post-2015 models feature revised chain guides; pre-2015 units benefit from the tensioner upgrade per Audi TSB 2014-15. Catalytic converter longevity depends on consistent lambda sensor function and avoidance of misfire conditions.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 (5W-30) specification (Audi TSB 2014-15). Supersedes ACEA A3/B4 requirements.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to pre-2015 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Some 2015–2016 models meet Euro 6 depending on market.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 81 kW output requires RON 95 fuel quality (Audi TIS Doc. A11420).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A11420, A11421, TSB 2014-15
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi CAXC was used across Audi's 8X/8V platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group for longitudinal and transverse applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the A1 and revised cooling routing in the A3-and from 2015 the facelifted A3 Sportback adopted the CAXD variant with revised valve timing, creating interchange limits. Partnerships allowed SEAT and Škoda to use the EA211 architecture with minor calibration differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front-facing side of the cylinder block, near the transmission bellhousing (Audi TIS A11420). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('C' for EA211 series). Pre-2015 models have silver valve covers with black plastic cam covers; post-2015 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from CAXD: Original CAXC has Bosch MED 17.5.25 ECU with 80-pin connector, while CAXD uses MED 17.8.8 with 100-pin connector. Service parts require production date verification - timing kits for engines before 09/2014 are incompatible with later units due to guide rail redesign (Audi TSB 2014-15).
The CAXC's primary reliability risk is timing chain wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in stop-start urban use. Internal Audi quality reports from 2014 indicated a notable share of pre-2015 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 (2013-2016) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CAXC.
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