The Audi CAYC is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2010 and 2018. It forms part of the Volkswagen Group’s EA288 engine family, designed for efficiency and durability across compact and mid-size platforms. Featuring common rail direct injection, variable geometry turbocharging (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), it delivers 81–103 kW (110–140 PS) and 250–320 Nm of torque, supporting both urban and highway driving demands.
Fitted to models including the Audi A3 (8V), A4 (B8/B9), A6 (C7), and Škoda Octavia Mk3, the CAYC was engineered for balanced performance with strong low-end torque and fuel economy. Emissions compliance is achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, enabling Euro 5 and Euro 6d-TEMP compliance depending on model year and market.
One documented reliability concern is EGR cooler failure due to thermal stress cracking, identified in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2015-13. This issue primarily affects early Euro 6 models under frequent short-haul driving conditions. From 2016, Audi introduced revised EGR coolers with enhanced cooling channels and updated control logic to reduce thermal load.
Production years 2010–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2018 models comply with Euro 6b or 6d-TEMP depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Audi CAYC is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engineered for compact and mid-size models (2010–2018). It combines common-rail direct injection with a variable-geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive low-end torque and efficient highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances performance with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,968 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (VGT) | |
| Bore × stroke | 81.0 mm × 95.5 mm | |
| Power output | 81–103 kW (110–140 PS) | |
| Torque | 250–320 Nm @ 1,500–2,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2-20 common-rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (pre-2015); Euro 6b/6d-TEMP (2015–2018) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (BorgWarner KT18) | |
| Timing system | Double-row roller chain (long-life design) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The CAYC's VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for daily driving but requires consistent operating temperatures to prevent soot accumulation in the EGR and DPF systems. Using VW 504 00/507 00 (5W-30) oil is essential for turbo and injector longevity. Regular highway runs (minimum 20 minutes above 3,000 rpm) are recommended to support passive DPF regeneration. The SCR system requires AdBlue top-ups every 10,000–15,000 km; neglecting this triggers derate modes. Early Euro 6 units (2015–2016) are prone to EGR cooler cracking under urban cycles—monitor coolant loss and exhaust gas temperature (EGT) readings. Post-2016 revisions mitigate this risk.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 / 507 00 specification (Audi SIB 2014-09). Supersedes ACEA C3; backward compatible with C2.
Emissions: Euro 5 applies to pre-2015 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Euro 6b/6d-TEMP compliance confirmed for 2015–2018 units depending on market.
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. 103 kW output requires ULSD meeting EN 590 and functional SCR system (Audi TIS Doc. A42011).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A41275, A41802, SIB 2014-09, SIB 2015-13
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
European Commission Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
The Audi CAYC was used across Audi's 8V, B8, B9, and C7 platforms with transverse mounting in front-wheel-drive variants and longitudinal in quattro models. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the A3 and revised cooling circuits in A6 C7-and from 2015 the switch to Euro 6 emissions brought SCR/AdBlue integration, creating interchange limits. Partnerships within the Volkswagen Group allowed shared use in Škoda, Volkswagen, and SEAT models with minor software tuning differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left-side engine block near the transmission bellhousing (Audi TIS A41275). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for CAYC series). Pre-2015 models lack AdBlue tanks and use only DPF/EGR; post-2015 Euro 6 models feature SCR systems with dosing unit and AdBlue filler behind the rear wheel arch. Critical differentiation from EA189 engines: CAYC uses a double-row timing chain and external EGR cooler, while EA189 uses a single-row chain and integrated cooler. Service parts require model-year verification—EGR coolers before 2016 are incompatible with post-2016 revisions per Audi SIB 2015-13.
The CAYC's primary reliability risk is EGR cooler failure in early Euro 6 models, with elevated incidence in urban driving cycles. Audi internal field reports from 2016 indicated a significant number of 2015–2016 units required EGR cooler replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT data shows increased emissions-related failures in city-driven examples. Frequent cold starts and short trips exacerbate thermal stress, making regular highway operation and coolant maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2013-2017) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015-2022). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CAYC.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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