The Audi CLAA is a 1,984 cc, inline-four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2018 and 2022. It belongs to the Volkswagen Group’s EA888 Gen 4 engine family, featuring aluminium construction, direct fuel injection (TSI), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard tune it delivered 140 kW (190 PS), with peak torque of 320 Nm available from 1,500 rpm.
Fitted to models including the B9 A4, 8W Q5, and Volkswagen Passat B8, the CLAA was engineered for responsive performance and thermal efficiency across mid-size platforms. It met Euro 6d emissions standards through a combination of direct injection, variable valve timing, and an integrated exhaust manifold, with thermal management controlled via an electro-mechanical coolant pump and a gasoline particulate filter (GPF) to meet real-driving emissions (RDE) requirements.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel injector coking under short-trip driving conditions, highlighted in Audi Service Information Bulletin 2019-25. The issue stems from carbon buildup on injector tips due to fuel thermal degradation during frequent cold starts. From 2020, revised injector coatings and updated ECU mapping were implemented across EA888 Gen 4 engines to improve deposit resistance.
All production years (2018–2022) comply with Euro 6d standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6793).
The Audi CLAA is a 1,984 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for mid-size platforms (2018–2022). It combines TSI direct injection with a twin-scroll turbocharger and an integrated exhaust manifold to deliver strong low-end torque and responsive acceleration. Designed to meet Euro 6d standards, it balances performance with urban fuel economy and emissions compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,984 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 92.8 mm | |
| Power output | 140 kW (190 PS) @ 4,200–6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV6 direct injection (up to 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d | |
| Compression ratio | 9.6:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled with electro-mechanical coolant pump | |
| Turbocharger | IHI IS38 twin-scroll turbocharger with electronic wastegate | |
| Timing system | Roller chain (front-mounted; revised guides post-2019) | |
| Oil type | Audi Longlife 05 (SAE 5W-40) | |
| Dry weight | 135 kg |
The integrated exhaust manifold and twin-scroll turbo provide strong low-RPM response ideal for daily driving but demand adherence to 15,000 km oil service intervals to prevent injector coking and turbo bearing degradation. Audi Longlife 05 (5W-40) oil is essential due to its high-temperature stability and protection of the fuel system. Extended idling and short trips increase carbon buildup on injectors and intake valves. The HDEV6 fuel system requires premium unleaded (RON 98) to maintain injector efficiency and prevent pre-ignition. Post-2020 models feature revised injector coatings; pre-2020 units should be monitored per Audi SIB 19 25 05. GPF-equipped variants require periodic regeneration to avoid clogging.
Oil Specs: Requires Audi Longlife 05 (5W-40) specification (Audi SIB 19 25 05). Supersedes ACEA A3/B4 standards.
Emissions: All models (2018–2022) comply with Euro 6d standards (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6793).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Full 140 kW output requires RON 98 fuel (Audi TIS Doc. A40201).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A40050, A40102, SIB 19 25 05
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6793)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi CLAA was used across Audi's B9/8W platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group for transverse and longitudinal applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-revised cooling routing in the Q5 and transmission-specific torque calibration in the A4-and from 2020 the facelifted Q5 adopted the CLAA with gasoline particulate filter (GPF) integration, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the right-side cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (Audi TIS A40080). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('C' for EA888 TSI). Pre-2020 models have silver valve covers with black plastic timing covers; post-2020 units use black valve covers with GPF routing visible on exhaust side. Critical differentiation from CJVA: CLAA features updated ECU mapping and GPF integration; CJVA lacks GPF. Service parts require production date verification - injectors for engines before 06/2020 are incompatible with later units due to coating and calibration changes (Audi SIB 19 25 05).
The CLAA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel injector coking on pre-2020 builds, with elevated incidence in urban short-trip driving. Internal Audi quality reports from 2019 noted a significant share of early engines requiring injector cleaning before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records associate a notable portion of misfire-related MOT failures with fuel system faults in stop-start traffic. Frequent cold starts and low-quality fuel increase injector stress, making fuel quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2018-2022) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2022-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CLAA.
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