The Audi CTDA is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbocharged diesel engine produced between 2016 and 2023. Part of the Volkswagen Group's EA288 evo diesel engine family, it features common rail direct injection (up to 2,500 bar), variable geometry turbocharging (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). It delivers 110 kW (150 PS) and 360 Nm of torque, meeting strict Euro 6 emissions standards through integrated SCR/AdBlue dosing and dual-loop EGR.
Fitted to models such as the A3 (8V), A4 (B9), and Q3 (8U), the CTDA was engineered for balanced performance and efficiency. It features a compacted graphite iron (CGI) cylinder block for strength and weight savings, paired with an aluminium cylinder head and integrated exhaust manifold for rapid warm-up. The engine meets Euro 6b and later Euro 6d-TEMP standards depending on model year and market, utilising a close-coupled diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system with AdBlue injection.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) degradation under low-fuel conditions, highlighted in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 01 17 04. The issue stems from inadequate lubrication when running near fuel reserve levels. From 2019 onwards, Audi issued revised maintenance guidelines advising against prolonged low-fuel operation to preserve HPFP longevity.
Production years 2016–2018 meet Euro 6b standards; 2019–2023 models comply with Euro 6d-TEMP depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Audi CTDA is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbocharged diesel engine engineered for compact and mid-size models (2016–2023). It combines EA288 evo architecture with variable geometry turbocharging and SCR/AdBlue aftertreatment to deliver strong low-RPM torque and regulatory compliance. Designed to meet Euro 6d-TEMP standards, it balances performance with emissions control.
| 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 @ 1,750–3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HPI common rail (up to 2,500 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b (pre-2019); Euro 6d-TEMP (2019–2023) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Variable geometry turbo (BorgWarner KP39) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (longitudinal rear-mounted) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 178 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for daily driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 504 00 (5W-30) oil to maintain fuel pump and turbo longevity. Extended low-fuel operation increases HPFP wear due to reduced lubrication, as noted in Audi TSB 01 17 04. Regular DPF regeneration cycles are essential; prolonged short trips may require forced regens. SCR system demands AdBlue top-ups every 10,000–12,000 km. Post-2019 models require GPF-compatible oil to prevent catalyst clogging. EGR and intake carbon buildup should be inspected every 60,000 km to maintain efficiency.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 (5W-30) specification (Audi TSB 01 17 04). ACEA C3 compliant oils acceptable.
Emissions: Euro 6b certification applies to pre-2019 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789). Euro 6d-TEMP compliance confirmed for 2019–2023 models in UK market.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Full output requires stable fuel quality (EN 590 ULSD) and functional aftertreatment.
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs B18760, B19023, B19105, TSB 01 17 04
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi CTDA was used across Audi's 8V/B9/8U platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific calibrations-shorter intake runners in the A3 and revised cooling layouts in the A4-and from 2019 the facelifted Q3 models adopted EA288 evo updates with revised EGR routing, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the right-side engine block near the exhaust manifold (Audi TIS B18940). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('C' for EA288 series). Pre-2019 models have silver valve covers with black plastic timing covers; post-2019 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from EA288 evo: Original CTDA uses Bosch EDC17CP56 ECU with rectangular diagnostic connector, while post-2019 variants use EDC17CP74 with updated emissions mapping. Service parts require production date verification - fuel pumps for engines before 09/2018 are incompatible with later units due to revised rail pressure calibration (Audi TSB 01 17 04).
The CTDA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump degradation under low-fuel conditions, with elevated incidence in urban drivers who delay refuelling. Internal Audi quality reports from 2020 noted a significant share of pre-2019 engines requiring HPFP replacement before 180,000 km, while UK DVSA records associate EGR clogging with failed emissions tests in stop-start driving. Short-trip cycles and low-tank operation increase fuel system and aftertreatment stress, making oil quality and driving habits critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2016-2022) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CTDA.
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