The Audi CDTA is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2011 and 2018. It features a common rail direct injection system, variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and double overhead camshafts (DOHC), delivering strong low-end torque and improved fuel efficiency for compact and mid-size Audi models. In standard tune, it produces 103 kW (140 PS) with 320 Nm of torque, making it ideal for responsive daily driving and highway cruising.
Fitted primarily to the Audi A3 (8V), A4 (B8), and Q3 (8U) trims, the CDTA engine was engineered for a balance of performance and economy. Emissions control is achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and in later models, selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, enabling compliance with Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards.
One documented concern is premature high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear, particularly in vehicles subjected to extended service intervals or low-quality diesel fuel. This issue, referenced in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 01 10 18, is attributed to inadequate fuel lubricity and contamination. From 2015, revised fuel pump calibration and updated filtration systems were introduced to improve durability and reduce failure rates.
Production years 2011–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2018 models comply with Euro 6 standards depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Audi CDTA is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbocharged diesel engine engineered for compact and mid-size models (2011–2018). It combines common rail direct injection with a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) to deliver responsive low-RPM torque and improved fuel economy. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances everyday drivability 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 | 103 kW (140 PS) @ 3,750 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1,750–2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2-20 common rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (pre-2015); Euro 6 (2015–2018) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Garrett GT1749V) | |
| Timing system | Timing chain (long-life, non-serviceable) | |
| Oil type | VW 507 00 / 505 01 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 144 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for city driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km or annual oil changes to protect the high-pressure fuel pump and turbocharger. Use of VW 507 00-specified 5W-30 oil is essential to maintain fuel system lubrication and reduce wear. Extended idling and frequent short trips increase soot loading in the DPF, necessitating regular highway runs for passive regeneration. Fuel quality must meet EN 590 standards to prevent HPFP failure due to poor lubricity. Post-2015 models benefit from updated fuel pump calibration; pre-2015 units should follow Audi TSB 01 10 18 for inspection and filter replacement.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 507 00 / 505 01 (5W-30) specification (Audi TSB 01 10 18). Supersedes ACEA C3 requirements.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to pre-2015 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890). 2015–2018 models meet Euro 6 depending on market.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output remains consistent across markets (Audi TIS Doc. A20120).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A20120, A20230, A20410, TSB 01 10 18
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi CDTA was used across Audi's 8V/B8/8U platforms with transverse mounting and shared architecture with Seat and Skoda for compact applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the A3 and revised ECU tuning in the Q3-and from 2015 the facelifted A4 adopted SCR-based emissions calibration, creating interchange limits. Partnerships enabled shared production at the VW Group plant in Spain. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the right-side engine block near the oil filter housing (Audi TIS A20360). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('C' for 2.0 TDI units). Pre-2015 models have silver valve covers with black intake manifolds; post-2015 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from 1.6 TDI: CDTA has a larger turbo (Garrett GT1749V) and higher torque output. Service parts require production date verification - fuel filters for pre-2015 models are not compatible with post-2015 revisions due to updated filtration requirements (Audi TSB 01 10 18).
The CDTA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in regions with poor diesel quality. Internal Audi quality reports from 2014 noted increased pump failures in pre-2015 units exceeding service intervals, while VCA records show a notable share of emissions-related MOT failures linked to DPF clogging in high-mileage examples. Extended idling and delayed maintenance increase pump and DPF stress, making timely servicing and correct fuel specification critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2011–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CDTA.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with AUDI or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
AUDI Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialAUDI documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
