The Audi CNCD is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2020 and 2024. It belongs to the Volkswagen Group's EA288 evo engine family, featuring common rail direct injection, variable geometry turbocharging (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard tune it delivers 110 kW (150 PS) and 360 Nm of torque, offering refined drivability and improved emissions performance across transverse-mounted platforms.
Fitted to models such as the A3 (8Y), Q3 (F3), and A4 (B9), the CNCD was engineered for responsive urban driving and efficient highway cruising. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, meeting Euro 6d standards throughout its production run.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear under sustained high-load operation, highlighted in Audi Service Information Bulletin 2021-12-08 (Ref. 2021-12-08). This can lead to fuel pressure instability and limp-home mode. From 2022, revised pump internals and updated ECU mapping were implemented to improve durability and cold-start reliability.

All production years (2020–2024) meet Euro 6d standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9345).
The Audi CNCD is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engineered for compact and mid-size transverse applications (2020–2024). It combines common-rail direct injection with a variable geometry turbocharger to deliver consistent torque and improved emissions performance. Designed to meet Euro 6d standards, it balances drivability with regulatory compliance.
| 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 | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 3,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 360 Nm @ 1,750–3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2.0 common-rail (up to 1,800 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Garrett GT1749V) | |
| Timing system | Timing belt (interval: 180,000 km or 10 years) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 144 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for urban and motorway driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000–20,000 km service intervals to prevent EGR and DPF clogging. VW 504 00/507 00 oil is essential for turbo and injector longevity. Extended idling and short trips accelerate soot accumulation, increasing DPF regeneration frequency. The Bosch CRS 2.0 fuel system demands ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) to prevent high-pressure pump wear. HPFP failures are documented under high-load operation; replacement with updated unit per Audi SIB 2021-12-08 is recommended. Timing belt service must be performed proactively to avoid interference engine damage.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 / 507 00 specification (Audi SIB 2021-12-08). Compatible with ACEA C3.
Emissions: Euro 6d certification applies to all 2020–2024 units (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9345). SCR-equipped variants standard from 2020.
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Output consistent across EU markets with EN 590 fuel (Audi TIS Doc. A35113).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A34716, A35113, SIB 2021-12-08
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9345)
European Commission Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
The Audi CNCD was used across Audi's 8Y, B9, and F3 platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Q3 and revised cooling layouts in the A4—and from 2022 the facelifted A3 8Y adopted updated EGR and DPF calibration, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block, near the timing belt cover (Audi TIS A34716). The 7th digit of the VIN indicates engine type ('C' for CNCD series). Pre-2022 models have a silver valve cover with a black EGR manifold; post-2022 units feature a revised HPFP with updated ECU calibration. Critical differentiation from EA288 base: CNCD uses Bosch CRS 2.0 injection with EDC17CP66 ECU, while earlier EA288 engines use EDC17CP50. Service parts require production date verification—HPFPs before 04/2022 are incompatible with updated designs per Audi SIB 2021-12-08.
The CNCD's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) degradation on pre-2022 units, with elevated incidence in high-load and motorway-driven applications. Internal Audi field reports from 2021 indicated a notable number of early failures before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT data shows fuel-system-related engine faults as a leading cause of failure in TDI models. Short journeys and infrequent regeneration cycles increase soot accumulation, making proactive maintenance and use of correct oil critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2020–2024) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2021–2022). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CNCD.
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