The Audi CRLA is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2021 and 2023. It belongs to the Volkswagen Group's EA288 evo engine family, designed for compact and mid-size applications with enhanced emissions control. Featuring common rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), it delivers 110 kW (150 PS) and 360 Nm of torque, offering responsive performance and strong low-end pull.
Fitted to models such as the Audi A3 (8Y), A4 (B9), and Q3 (8U), the CRLA was engineered for urban efficiency and highway refinement. It incorporates a dual-circuit cooling system, integrated exhaust manifold, and electric coolant pump for optimized thermal management. Emissions compliance is achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, enabling full Euro 6d-ISC-FCM compliance across all markets.
One documented concern is premature coking of the high-pressure fuel injectors, which can lead to misfires and increased emissions. This issue, referenced in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2022-15-02, is associated with extended idle periods and low-quality diesel fuel. From 2022 onward, revised injector designs with improved nozzle coatings were introduced to enhance durability and deposit resistance.
All production years (2021–2023) comply with Euro 6d-ISC-FCM standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/90124).
The Audi CRLA is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engineered for compact and mid-size models (2021–2023). It combines common-rail direct injection with a variable geometry turbocharger and integrated exhaust manifold to deliver responsive performance and strong low-RPM torque. Designed to meet Euro 6d-ISC-FCM standards, it balances everyday drivability with stringent real-world emissions requirements.
| 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) @ 3,250–4,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 360 Nm @ 1,500–3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HPI8 high-pressure injection (up to 2,500 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d-ISC-FCM | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled, dual-circuit with electric coolant pump | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Garrett), water-cooled | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (front-mounted, two-stage) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 144 kg |
The CRLA delivers strong low-RPM torque ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 504 00/507 00 oil to protect the timing chain and turbocharger. The SCR system demands regular AdBlue replenishment and is sensitive to low-quality diesel, risking injector deposits and NOx sensor faults. Injector coking is documented in idle-heavy usage; Audi SIB 2022-15-02 recommends periodic injector cleaning or replacement with updated OEM parts. The two-stage timing chain is robust but inspection is advised beyond 200,000 km. Cold-start idling should be minimized to reduce thermal stress on the turbo and EGR system.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 / 507 00 specification (Audi SIB 2021-13-08). Supersedes ACEA C3 and is essential for DPF and SCR longevity.
Emissions: All CRLA engines (2021–2023) comply with Euro 6d-ISC-FCM including RDE testing and in-service conformity (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/90124).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 110 kW output requires EN 590 diesel with minimum cetane 51 (Audi TIS Doc. A35210).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A35210, SIB 2021-13-08, SIB 2022-15-02
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/90124)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi CRLA was used across Audi's 8Y/B9/8U platforms with transverse mounting in front-wheel-drive variants and longitudinal in quattro models. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-integrated exhaust manifold in the A3 8Y and revised cooling layout in the Q3 8U-and from 2022 the facelifted A4 B9.5 adopted updated ECU calibration with enhanced emissions monitoring, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front face of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Audi TIS A35212). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for CRLA series). All units comply with Euro 6d-ISC-FCM and feature SCR with AdBlue tank under the front bumper. Critical differentiation from EA288: CRLA uses Bosch HPI8 injectors and updated ECU calibration (Bosch EDC17CP74). Service parts require model year verification—injectors for pre-2022 units are not compatible with later revisions (Audi SIB 2022-15-02).
The CRLA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure injector coking, particularly in vehicles used for short trips or prolonged idling. Audi's internal field reports from 2023 indicated over 12% of pre-2022 units required injector servicing before 140,000 km, while UK DVSA data shows increased emissions-related MOT failures in diesel vehicles with SCR systems. Low fuel quality and infrequent regeneration cycles exacerbate deposit formation, making adherence to service intervals and use of high-quality diesel critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2021-2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2021-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CRLA.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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