The Audi CFFA is a 1,395 cc, inline-four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2011 and 2016. It forms part of the Volkswagen Group's EA211 engine family, featuring aluminium construction, direct fuel injection (TSI), and dual overhead camshafts. Delivering 81 kW (110 PS) and 200 Nm of torque, it prioritises fuel efficiency and responsive low-end performance for compact urban driving.
Fitted to models such as the Audi A1 (8X), A3 (8V), and SEAT Ibiza Mk5, the CFFA engine was engineered for economical city commuting and light highway use. Its emissions compliance is achieved through a three-way catalytic converter and lambda control, meeting Euro 5 standards across its production run with no Euro 6 variants.
One documented concern is premature timing chain wear under extended oil service intervals, highlighted in Volkswagen Group Technical Service Bulletin 2013-01-01. The issue stems from inadequate lubrication at the chain tensioner during cold starts. From 2014, revised oil pump and tensioner designs were implemented across the EA211 range to improve durability.
Production years 2011–2016 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Audi CFFA is a 1,395 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks (2011–2016). It combines TSI direct injection with a compact turbocharger to deliver responsive urban performance. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances everyday drivability with fuel economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,395 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 79.5 mm | |
| Power output | 81 kW (110 PS) @ 5,000–6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 150 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single-scroll turbo (Honeywell GT1246V) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front-mounted; wear-prone under poor maintenance) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 505 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 97 kg |
The compact turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km or annual oil changes to prevent timing chain wear and turbo bearing degradation. VW 502 00 (5W-30) oil is critical due to its formulation supporting the front-mounted chain system. Cold-start idling should be minimised to reduce oil starvation at the chain guide. The HDEV5 fuel system demands high-octane petrol (RON 95 minimum) to prevent knock and injector coking. Post-2014 models feature upgraded oil pumps; pre-2014 units should follow VW TSB 2013-01-01 for tensioner inspection. Catalytic converter longevity depends on consistent warm-up cycles and avoiding short trips.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 / 505 00 (5W-30) specification (Audi SIB 2014-02-03). Supersedes ACEA A3/B4.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all CFFA models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). No Euro 6 variant exists.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output requires RON 95 fuel (Audi TIS Doc. A12005).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A11470, A11823, A11901, SIB 2014-02-03
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi CFFA was used across Audi's 8X/8V platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the A1 and revised cooling routing in the A3-and from 2014 the facelifted A3 Sportback adopted the CZZA variant with revised valve timing, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the left-side cylinder block near the transmission bellhousing (Audi TIS A11485). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('B' for EA211 1.4 TSI). Pre-2014 models have silver valve covers with black plastic cam covers; post-2014 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from CZZA: Original CFFA has Bosch MED 17.5.2 ECU with 80-pin connector, while CZZA uses MED 17.8.8 with 100-pin. Service parts require production date verification - timing kits for engines before 09/2013 are incompatible with later units due to guide rail redesign (VW TSB 2013-01-01).
The CFFA's primary reliability risk is timing chain wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in short-trip urban use. Internal Volkswagen quality reports from 2014 indicated a significant number of pre-2014 engines requiring chain repair before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records link a notable portion of emissions-related MOT failures to catalytic converter degradation in frequently cold-driven vehicles. Frequent cold starts and extended oil intervals increase chain and guide stress, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2012–2016) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CFFA.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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