The Audi CDHA is a 1,984 cc, inline — four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2015 and 2020. Part of the Volkswagen Group's EA888 Gen 3 engine family, it features aluminium construction, direct fuel injection (TSI), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard tune it delivered 140 kW (190 PS) with peak torque of 320 Nm, offering a balance of performance and efficiency across compact and mid — size Audi models.
Fitted primarily to the Audi A4 (B9), A5 (B9), and A3 (…
All production years (2015–2020) comply with Euro 6 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Audi CDHA is a 1,984 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for mid-range performance in compact and executive models (2015–2020). It combines TSI direct injection with dual-loop thermal management and a compact turbocharger to deliver strong mid-range pull and improved fuel efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 6 standards, it balances driving refinement with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,984 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 92.8 mm | |
Power output | 140 kW (190 PS) @ 4,200–6,000 rpm | |
Torque | 320 Nm @ 1,500–4,200 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch HDEV6 direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
Compression ratio | 9.6:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled with dual-circuit thermal management | |
Turbocharger | IHI turbocharger with electronically controlled wastegate | |
Timing system | Chain (front-mounted; revised guides post-2017) | |
Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
Dry weight | 107 kg |
The Audi CDHA was used across Audi's B9/8V platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group for longitudinal applications in select markets. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-revised intake manifolds in the A4 and enhanced cooling paths in the A5-and from 2017 the facelifted A3 Sportback adopted the CDHA with updated fuel pump calibration, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The CDHA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in performance-oriented driving. Internal Audi quality reports from 2017 indicated a significant share of pre-2017 engines requiring HPFP replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records link a notable portion of fuel system-related MOT failures to HPFP degradation in driven vehicles. Aggressive acceleration and low-octane fuel increase pump stress, making fuel quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2015-2019) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The CDHA offers strong performance and good efficiency, but early models (2015-2016) had reliability concerns, particularly high-pressure fuel pump wear. Later revisions (post-2017) improved pump durability with updated calibration and oil specs. Well-maintained examples with regular servicing and proper oil (5W-30 VW 502 00/504 00) can be robust. Avoid aggressive driving on low-octane fuel to prevent premature wear.
The main issues are high-pressure fuel pump wear (especially under hard driving), turbo wastegate actuator sticking, and intake valve carbon buildup due to direct injection. Other concerns include oil leaks from the valve cover gasket and occasional PCV system failures. These are documented in Audi technical service bulletins and field reports.
The CDHA 2.0 TFSI was used in the Audi A4 (B9, 2015–2020), A5 (B9, 2016–2020), and A3 Sportback (8V, 2016–2020). It was also shared with the Volkswagen Golf R (2017–2020) in a higher-output tune. All models are Euro 6 compliant per VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789.
Yes. The CDHA responds well to ECU remapping. Stage 1 tunes typically add +30–40 kW safely, as the stock turbo and internals handle increased boost. Supporting mods like intercooler upgrades enhance reliability at higher outputs. Tuning should be performed by specialists familiar with EA888 engine management to avoid knock or overboost faults.
Good for a turbo petrol engine. In an A4 2.0 TFSI (2016), combined consumption is ~6.1 L/100km (~46 mpg UK). Real-world figures vary by driving style, but expect 35–45 mpg UK on mixed roads. Highway efficiency improves to ~50 mpg UK. Aggressive driving reduces economy significantly due to turbo and fuel system demands.
Yes. The EA888 engine family, including the CDHA, is an interference design. If the timing chain fails or skips, pistons can strike open valves, causing catastrophic engine damage. Prompt attention to any timing-related noise is essential to avoid costly repairs.
Audi specifies SAE 5W-30 oil meeting VW 502 00 (pre-2017) or VW 504 00 (post-2017) standards. Use only high-quality synthetic oil designed for turbocharged direct-injection engines. Change intervals should not exceed 15,000 km or one year to ensure proper chain lubrication and prevent sludge buildup.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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