The Audi CDTC is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbocharged diesel engine produced between 2016 and 2020. Part of the Volkswagen Group's EA288 engine family, it features aluminium construction, common rail direct injection, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard tune it delivered 110 kW (150 PS) with peak torque of 340 Nm, offering a balance of efficiency and responsive low-end pull for compact and mid-size models.
Fitted primarily to the Audi A3 (8V), A4 (B9), and Q3 (8U), the CDTC was engineered for urban and mixed driving conditions. Its character emphasizes strong low-RPM torque delivery, supported by start-stop technology and thermal management systems. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, enabling Euro 6c compliance across its production run.
One documented concern is DPF clogging under frequent short-trip driving, noted in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2017-08-02. This issue stems from insufficient exhaust temperatures to initiate passive regeneration, leading to soot accumulation. From 2018, Audi introduced revised EGR valve calibration and updated DPF regeneration logic to improve urban cycle reliability.
All production years (2016–2020) comply with Euro 6c emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Audi CDTC is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbocharged diesel engine engineered for compact and mid-size applications (2016–2020). It combines common rail injection with dual-loop EGR and SCR-based aftertreatment to deliver strong low-end torque and meet strict emissions standards. Designed to comply with Euro 6c, it balances drivability with environmental performance.
| 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 6c | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled with electric coolant pump | |
| Turbocharger | Variable geometry turbo (IHI VGT) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front-mounted; revised guides post-2018) | |
| Oil type | VW 507 00 (SAE 0W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The EA288 architecture provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for city driving but requires regular highway runs to maintain DPF health. VW 507 00 (0W-30) oil is critical due to its low-SAPS formulation protecting the SCR and DPF systems. Short-trip driving prevents passive regeneration, increasing DPF clogging risk. The Bosch CRS 2-20 fuel system demands ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) to prevent injector wear. Post-2018 models feature updated EGR and DPF regeneration logic; pre-2018 units should follow Audi TSB 2017-08-02 for inspection. Electric coolant pump enhances warm-up efficiency and reduces thermal stress.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 507 00 specification (Audi TSB 2017-08-02). Low-SAPS formulation essential for aftertreatment compatibility.
Emissions: All CDTC models meet Euro 6c standards (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890). No earlier emissions variants were produced.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 110 kW output requires EN 590 diesel (Audi TIS Doc. A51496).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A51496, A51497, TSB 2017-08-02
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi CDTC was used across Audi's 8V/B9 platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group for longitudinal applications in select markets. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-revised EGR paths in the A4 and enhanced DPF cooling in the Q3-and from 2018 the facelifted A3 Sportback adopted the CDTC with updated regeneration logic, creating interchange limits. 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 A51497). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('C' for EA288 series). Pre-2018 models have silver valve covers with black plastic cam covers; post-2018 units feature revised DPF regeneration logic visible via diagnostic software. Critical differentiation from CKRA: Original CDTC has Bosch EDC17CP56 ECU with 100-pin connector, while CKRA uses EDC17CP60 with 120-pin. Service parts require production date verification - DPF assemblies for engines before 05/2018 are incompatible with later units due to internal redesign (Audi TSB 2017-08-02).
The CDTC's primary reliability risk is DPF clogging on early builds, with elevated incidence in city-driven vehicles. Internal Audi quality reports from 2018 indicated a significant share of pre-2018 engines requiring DPF cleaning or replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records link a notable portion of emissions-related MOT failures to DPF tampering or blockage in urban-driven vehicles. Frequent short trips and low exhaust temperatures increase soot accumulation, making driving pattern and maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2016-2019) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2017-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CDTC.
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