The Audi CPSA is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbocharged diesel engine produced between 2020 and 2024. It belongs to the Volkswagen Group’s EA288 evolution (evo) diesel engine family, designed for Euro 6d compliance and improved real-world efficiency. Featuring common rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), it delivers 96 kW (130 PS) with peak torque of 320 Nm available from 1,750 rpm, offering strong mid-range pull for daily driving and motorway cruising.
Fitted to models such as the A3 (8Y), Q3 (F3), and A4 (B9), the CPSA was engineered for drivers prioritising fuel economy and responsive performance. Emissions control is achieved through a dual-loop exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, meeting strict Euro 6d standards. The engine features an electric coolant pump for faster warm-up and enhanced thermal management.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear under sustained high-load operation, particularly in early production units. This issue, referenced in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2021-27, is linked to marginal lubrication in the Bosch CP4-based fuel system. In 2022, Audi introduced an updated HPFP housing and revised oil formulation requirements (VW 504 00 → 504 00/507 00) to improve lubricity and reduce premature pump wear.
All CPSA models comply with Euro 6d standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8902); SCR system requires AdBlue refills to maintain emissions compliance.
The Audi CPSA is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbocharged diesel engine developed for compact and mid-size Audi models (2020–2024). It integrates EA288 evo architecture with dual-loop EGR and SCR-based aftertreatment to meet Euro 6d emissions. Designed for balanced performance and efficiency, it delivers strong torque delivery with low real-world NOx output.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,968 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged with variable geometry turbo (VGT) | |
| Bore × stroke | 81.0 mm × 95.5 mm | |
| Power output | 96 kW (130 PS) @ 3,000–4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1,750–3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2.0 common rail (up to 2,000 bar), CP4 HPFP | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled, electric coolant pump with dual-loop thermal management | |
| Turbocharger | Single BorgWarner VTG turbo (variable geometry) | |
| Timing system | Double-row roller chain (long-life design) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 178 kg |
The CPSA's VGT turbo provides strong low-to-mid RPM torque ideal for daily driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 504 00/507 00–compliant oil to prevent HPFP wear and turbo degradation. The SCR system mandates regular AdBlue replenishment (approx. 1 L per 1,000 km) to avoid power derate. Use of ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD, EN 590) is essential to prevent fuel system coking. Early 2020–2021 models are prone to HPFP failure; Audi issued TSB 2021-27 recommending inspection and replacement with updated CP4 units. The timing chain is designed for life but tensioner wear may occur beyond 200,000 km. Dual-loop EGR systems require periodic cleaning to maintain flow and prevent regeneration issues.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 / 507 00 specification (Audi TSB 2021-27). ACEA C3 equivalent acceptable if VW-approved.
Emissions: Certified to Euro 6d (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8902). SCR functionality required for full compliance; AdBlue tank must not be depleted.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output maintained on standard diesel (EN 590) with functional EGR and SCR (Audi TIS A45110).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A45020, A45110, TSB 2021-27
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8902)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi CPSA was used across Audi's 8Y/F3 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Volkswagen and Skoda under Group modular strategy. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-revised cooling routing in the Q3 and enhanced NVH isolation in the A3-and from 2022 the facelifted A4 adopted a mild-hybrid variant with 48V integration, creating interchange limits. Partnerships enabled shared tooling and calibration across brands. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the left-side engine block near the exhaust manifold (Audi TIS A45020). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for CPSA). Pre-2022 models have a Bosch CP4 HPFP with silver housing; post-2022 units use a black housing with revised internal tolerances. Critical differentiation from EA288 base: CPSA uses dual-loop EGR and electric coolant pump, while pre-2020 variants use single-loop cooling. Service parts require production date verification - EGR coolers before 06/2021 are not compatible with later revisions due to flow calibration changes (Audi TSB 2021-27).
The CPSA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or poorly maintained units. Internal Audi service data from 2023 reported over 18% of pre-2022 units requiring HPFP replacement before 180,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased NOx-related emissions failures in vehicles with neglected AdBlue systems. Extended oil intervals and low-quality diesel exacerbate pump wear, making fuel quality and maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2020-2024) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2021-2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CPSA.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with AUDI or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
AUDI Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialAUDI documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
