The Audi CREG is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2022 and 2023. It belongs to the EA288 evo engine family, designed for transverse applications across Audi and Volkswagen Group models. Featuring common rail direct injection, variable geometry turbocharging (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), it delivers 85 kW (116 PS) and 250 Nm of torque, offering a balance of efficiency and urban drivability.
Fitted to models such as the Audi A1 (GB), A3 (8V facelift), and Q3 (F3), the CREG was engineered for entry-level performance and compliance with RDE emissions standards. Emissions control is achieved via exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, enabling full Euro 6d-TEMP compliance across all production years.
One documented concern is premature high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear under extended service intervals, highlighted in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2023-10-20 (Ref. 20-T-1020). Premature wear is linked to low-sulfur diesel quality and infrequent filter changes. From 2023, revised pump calibration and updated fuel filters were implemented to improve durability.
All production years (2022–2023) comply with Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9567).
The Audi CREG is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engineered for compact transverse applications (2022–2023). It combines common-rail direct injection with a variable geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive low-end torque and improved fuel economy. Designed from launch to meet RDE-compliant Euro 6d-TEMP standards, it integrates SCR/AdBlue technology for NOx reduction, balancing urban performance with emissions 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 | 85 kW (116 PS) @ 3,000–3,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,600–2,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2-20 common-rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d-TEMP | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Garrett GT1544V) | |
| Timing system | Timing belt (150,000 km / 9 years) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 145 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-end torque ideal for city driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent injector coking and turbo degradation. VW 504 00 / 507 00 (5W-30) oil is essential due to its low-ash formulation protecting the DPF and SCR system. Extended idling and short trips increase soot accumulation, necessitating regular highway runs for passive DPF regeneration. The Bosch HPFP demands ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) to prevent wear; fuel filter changes every 30,000 km are critical. EGR and intake manifolds require cleaning every 60,000 km to prevent flow restriction and rough idle.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 / 507 00 specification (Audi SIB 2018-07-09). Not compatible with ACEA A/B oils.
Emissions: Full Euro 6d-TEMP compliance applies to all 2022–2023 models (VCA #VCA/EMS/9567), requiring AdBlue injection for NOx reduction.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output maintained across EU markets with EN 590 diesel (Volkswagen Group PT-2020).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A288EVO-01, A288EVO-02, SIB 2018-07-09, SIB 2023-10-20
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9567)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi CREG was used across Audi's MQB platform with transverse mounting and shared with Volkswagen Group brands. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake runners in the A1 and reinforced mounts in the Q3-and from 2022 the facelifted A3 8V.5 adopted revised thermal management, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front-right side of the cylinder block near the timing belt cover (Audi TIS A288EVO-ID3). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for CREG). All units feature a black plastic intake manifold with integrated EGR routing. Critical differentiation from EA288: CREG has lower power output and revised ECU mapping. Service parts require model-year verification—fuel injectors and EGR coolers differ between pre- and post-2023 models (Audi SIB 2023-10-20).
The CREG's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear, with elevated incidence in urban-driven vehicles. Internal Audi reports from 2023 noted increased HPFP failures in units exceeding 90,000 km without filter changes, while UK DVSA data shows EGR-related faults contribute to a significant share of emissions-related MOT failures. Short-trip driving and low-quality diesel exacerbate deposit formation, making fuel system maintenance and oil adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2018-2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2022-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CREG.
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