The Audi CSUD is a 1,798 cc, inline-four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2017. It forms part of the Volkswagen Group EA888 Gen 3 engine family, featuring direct fuel injection (FSI), variable valve timing, and an integrated exhaust manifold. In standard tune it delivered 169 kW (230 PS), with peak torque of 350 Nm available from 1,500 rpm, enabling strong low-end responsiveness for daily driving.
Fitted to models such as the 8V A3, B8/B8.5 A4, and 5Q Q3, the CSUD engine was engineered for a balance of sporty performance and fuel efficiency. It replaced earlier EA888 variants with improved thermal management and reduced emissions. Emissions compliance was achieved via a three-way catalyst and closed-loop lambda control, allowing Euro 5 certification across all production years.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear under sustained high-load operation, noted in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2014-15. Premature wear can lead to lean mixture faults and misfires. From 2015, revised cam followers and updated HPFP calibration were implemented to improve durability.
Production years 2012–2017 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Audi CSUD is a 1,798 cc inline-four turbo-petrol engineered for compact and mid-size platforms (2012–2017). It combines turbocharging with direct fuel injection and dual cam phasing to deliver responsive performance and efficient fuel use. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances sporty character with everyday drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,798 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 84.5 mm | |
| Power output | 169 kW (230 PS) @ 5,200–6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 350 Nm @ 1,500–4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.6:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled with thermal management module | |
| Turbocharger | Single-scroll turbo with integrated exhaust manifold | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (double-row primary, single-row secondary) | |
| Oil type | Audi Longlife 03 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The turbocharged EA888 architecture delivers strong low-end torque ideal for spirited driving, but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent carbon buildup and HPFP wear. Audi Longlife 03 (5W-30) oil is essential due to its high-temperature stability and compatibility with timing components. Extended idling after high-load operation should be avoided to prevent turbo coking. Direct injection demands high-quality petrol (RON 98 recommended) to minimize intake valve deposits. Post-2015 models feature revised HPFP cam followers; earlier units should be inspected per Audi TSB 2014-15. PCV system maintenance is critical to prevent vacuum leaks and oil consumption.
Oil Specs: Requires Audi Longlife 03 (5W-30) specification (Audi TSB 2014-15). Supersedes ACEA A3/B4.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all models (2012–2017) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. 169 kW output requires RON 98 fuel (Audi TIS Doc. A34724).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A34720, A34721, A34722, TSB 2014-15
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Test code for determining net power of internal combustion engines
The Audi CSUD was used across Audi's MQB platform with transverse mounting and shared architecture with Volkswagen Group siblings. This engine received platform-specific calibrations-shorter intake runners in the 8V A3 and revised cooling in the B8.5 A4-and from 2015 received minor internal updates to the high-pressure fuel system, creating service part distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front-facing side of the cylinder block, near the transmission mating surface (Audi TIS A34725). The 7th digit of the VIN identifies the engine family ('C' for EA888 Gen 3). Pre-2015 models have a black plastic cam cover with "1.8 TFSI" badge; post-2015 units retain the same appearance but feature revised HPFP components. Critical differentiation from EA888 Gen 2: CSUD uses a direct-shift gearbox (S tronic) interface and revised ECU mapping. Service parts require production date verification—HPFP kits for pre-2015 engines are not interchangeable with later revisions per Audi TSB 2014-15.
The CSUD's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear in early builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or aggressive driving conditions. Internal Audi quality reports from 2016 indicated a notable share of pre-2015 engines requiring HPFP replacement before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased emissions-related failures linked to lean mixture codes. Sustained boost and low-octane fuel increase pump and injector stress, making fuel quality and oil interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2012-2017) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CSUD.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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