The Audi CGQB is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2012 and 2018. It belongs to the Volkswagen Group's EA288 engine family, designed for improved emissions control and long-term durability over its EA189 predecessor. Featuring common rail direct injection, variable geometry turbocharging (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), it delivers 103 kW (140 PS) and 320 Nm of torque, offering strong mid-range performance ideal for daily driving and motorway cruising.
Fitted to models including the A3 (8V), A4 (B8/B9), Q3, and Škoda Octavia Mk3, the CGQB was engineered for compliance with Euro 5 and early Euro 6 standards. Emissions control is achieved via exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection in select markets, enabling lower NOx output. Its compact design allows transverse mounting across multiple platforms with minimal adaptation.
One documented reliability concern is EGR and intake manifold carbon buildup, particularly in vehicles used for frequent short trips. This issue, referenced in Audi Service Information Bulletin 2015-018, stems from incomplete DPF regeneration cycles leading to soot carryover into the intake tract. Revised EGR valve calibration and updated engine management software were introduced in 2014 to mitigate this condition.
Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2014–2018 models comply with Euro 6 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6790).
The Audi CGQB is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engineered for compact and mid-size platforms (2012–2018). It integrates common-rail direct injection with a variable geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive torque and efficient fuel consumption. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances performance with regulatory compliance through advanced aftertreatment systems.
| 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 | 103 kW (140 PS) @ 3,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1,750–3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP3 common-rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (pre-2014); Euro 6 (2014–2018) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Garrett GT1544V) | |
| Timing system | Timing belt (service interval: 180,000 km or 10 years) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 148 kg |
The CGQB's VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for urban and motorway use, but requires regular highway runs to complete DPF regeneration and prevent EGR/DPF clogging. VW 504 00/507 00 oil is essential for injector and pump longevity due to its low-ash formulation. Fuel quality is critical—ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) must be used to avoid high-pressure pump wear. The timing belt must be replaced at 180,000 km or 10 years, whichever comes first, per Audi SIB 2013-012. Post-2014 models feature revised EGR valve calibration and updated DPF regeneration logic to improve reliability in mixed driving conditions.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 / 507 00 specification (Audi SIB 2013-012). Not compatible with ACEA A/B standards.
Emissions: Euro 5 applies to pre-2014 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6790). Euro 6 compliance from 2014 onward varies by market.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349. Output assumes EU3+ diesel quality (Volkswagen Group PT-2013).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A35813, SIB 2013-012, SIB 2015-018
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6790)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi CGQB was used across Audi's 8V/B8/B9 platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group for longitudinal and transverse applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Q3 and revised intake manifolds in the A3—and from 2014 the facelifted B9 A4 adopted updated EGR and DPF calibrations, 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 timing belt cover (Audi TIS A35813). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for 2.0 TDI EA288 series). Pre-2014 units have silver valve covers; post-2014 models use black. Critical differentiation from CDYA: CGQB has Bosch CP3 HPFP with square fuel rail connector and updated ECU calibration. Service parts require production date verification—timing belts for pre-2014 models are incompatible with post-facelift B9 units due to tensioner redesign (Audi SIB 2013-012).
The CGQB's primary reliability risk is EGR and intake carbon buildup, with elevated incidence in urban and short-trip usage. Internal Audi quality reports from 2016 noted increased EGR valve failure rates in pre-2014 builds, while UK DVSA MOT data links a significant portion of emissions-related failures to DPF clogging in stop-start traffic. Extended service intervals and low-quality diesel amplify fuel system stress, making maintenance adherence and driving pattern critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2012-2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015-2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CGQB.
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