The Audi CGXA is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2012 and 2018. Part of the Volkswagen Group's EA288 engine family, it features advanced emissions control and improved fuel efficiency over its EA189 predecessor. Equipped with common rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), it delivers 103 kW (140 PS) and 320 Nm of torque, with refined low-end response for urban and highway use.
Fitted to models including the Audi A3 (8V), A4 (B8/B9), and Q3 (8U), the CGXA engine was engineered for balanced performance and compliance with stringent emissions standards. It achieves Euro 6 certification through a combination of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection in certain markets, allowing it to meet EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 and subsequent amendments.
One documented reliability improvement is the revised high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) design, introduced in 2013 per Audi Service Information Bulletin 2013-10. This update addressed wear concerns seen in earlier EA189-based units by enhancing internal lubrication and material hardness. The CGXA also features an integrated exhaust manifold within the cylinder head to improve warm-up times and reduce thermal stress.
Production years 2012–2015 meet Euro 5 standards; 2016–2018 models comply with Euro 6 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Audi CGXA is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engineered for compact and mid-size platforms (2012–2018). It combines common-rail direct injection with a variable-geometry turbocharger and integrated exhaust manifold to deliver responsive torque and improved emissions performance. Designed to meet Euro 6 standards in later production, it balances urban drivability with long-distance refinement.
| 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) @ 3,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1,750–2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2-20 common-rail (up to 1,800 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2012–2015); Euro 6 (2016–2018) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled with map-controlled thermostat | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Garrett GT1544V) | |
| Timing system | Timing belt (interval: 150,000 km or 6 years) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The CGXA's integrated exhaust manifold enables faster warm-up and improved low-RPM torque delivery, ideal for urban driving, but demands adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 504 00/507 00 oil to protect the HPFP and turbocharger. The Bosch CRS 2-20 fuel system requires ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) to prevent injector and pump wear. Timing belt replacement is critical at 150,000 km or 6 years; post-2013 models benefit from revised HPFP design per Audi SIB 2013-10, improving long-term reliability. SCR-equipped variants require periodic AdBlue refills and must complete regular highway drives to maintain DEF system functionality. EGR and DPF systems need active regeneration cycles; short-trip driving may necessitate forced regens to prevent clogging.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 / 507 00 specification (Audi SIB 2013-10). Compatible with ACEA C3.
Emissions: Euro 5 applies to 2012–2015 models; Euro 6 certification confirmed for 2016–2018 units (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across EU markets with EN 590 diesel (Audi TIS Doc. A32150).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A32150, A32102, SIB 2013-10
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi CGXA was used across Audi's 8V/B8/B9 platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group for transverse applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-integrated exhaust routing in the A3 and revised cooling layout in the A4-and from 2016 updated SCR integration for Euro 6 compliance, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front of the cylinder block near the timing belt cover (Audi TIS A32150). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for EA288 series). Pre-2016 models use Euro 5 emissions with DPF-only; post-2016 units feature SCR with AdBlue tank and blue filler cap. Critical differentiation from EA189 variants: CGXA has integrated exhaust manifold in cylinder head and revised HPFP with enhanced lubrication. Service parts require production date verification—timing belts for pre-2013 models are not compatible with post-2013 revisions due to tensioner redesign (Audi SIB 2013-10).
The CGXA's primary reliability risk is EGR and DPF clogging in vehicles used for short-trip driving. Internal Audi quality reports from 2017 noted increased EGR valve failures in urban-driven units before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT data shows DPF-related failures as a leading cause of emissions test failures. Cold climates and poor fuel quality amplify system stress, making regular highway runs and fuel additive use critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2012–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CGXA.
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