The Audi CTGA is a 1,968 cc, inline — four turbo — diesel engine produced between 2015 and 2020. Part of the Volkswagen Group’s EA288 diesel engine family, it features common rail direct injection, variable geometry turbocharging (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts. It delivers 110 kW (150 PS) with 340 Nm of torque, meeting stringent Euro 6 emissions standards through a combination of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective cataly…
Production years 2015–2020 meet Euro 6 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Audi CTGA is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engine engineered for compact and mid-size models (2015–2020). It combines common rail fuel delivery with variable geometry turbocharging to deliver strong low-end torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6 standards, it balances performance with strict emissions compliance.
| 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 | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 3,250–4,200 rpm | |
Torque | 340 Nm @ 1,500–3,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2-20 common rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Honeywell) | |
Timing system | Timing chain (interval: 200,000 km or 10 years) | |
Oil type | VW 505 01 / 507 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
Dry weight | 142 kg |
The Audi CTGA was used across Audi's 8V/B9/8U platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group for longitudinal applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the A3 and revised cooling routing in the A4-and from 2018 the facelifted A4 models adopted the updated EGR valve design, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The CTGA's primary reliability risk is intake carbon buildup on neglected units, with elevated incidence in mixed urban use. Internal Audi quality reports from 2018 indicated a notable share of pre-2018 engines requiring EGR and intake cleaning before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA records link a significant portion of emissions-related MOT failures to DPF saturation in city-driven vehicles. Short-trip cycles and delayed maintenance increase EGR and DPF stress, making interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2015-2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The CTGA delivers strong torque and good efficiency, but early models (2015-2017) had reliability concerns, especially intake carbon buildup. Later revisions (post-2018) improved EGR durability, so well-maintained examples can be quite robust. Regular servicing, using high-quality oil (5W-30 VW 505 01), and periodic highway runs greatly aid longevity.
The biggest issues are intake carbon buildup (leading to rough idle), turbo actuator sticking, and DPF saturation due to city driving. Other complaints include AdBlue system faults and occasional EGR valve failures. These are well-documented in Audi service bulletins.
This 2.0L diesel was used in the Audi A3 (8V), A4 (B9), and Q3 (8U) models, primarily in 2.0 TDI trim. It was also shared across the Volkswagen Group in VW Golf (2.0 TDI) from 2015-2020. In all cases, the engine met Euro 6 emissions standards.
Yes. The CTGA responds well to ECU remapping, with stage 1 tunes typically gaining +25-40 kW. The stock turbo and internals support moderate increases, but gains beyond 180 PS require supporting mods like intercooler and exhaust. Tuning should preserve factory lambda and knock control strategies.
Excellent for a turbo diesel. In an A4 2.0 TDI (2017), typical consumption is ~5.8 L/100km (city) and ~4.2 L/100km (highway), or about 55 mpg UK combined. Real-world figures vary, but expect 50-60 mpg (UK) on mixed roads for a healthy CTGA engine.
Yes. The EA288 series (like most modern Audis) is an interference engine. This means if the timing chain fails, pistons can strike open valves, causing catastrophic engine damage. Chain maintenance is critical—any sign of wear should be addressed immediately.
Audi specifies a 5W-30 synthetic oil meeting VW 505 01 (diesel) or 507 00 (AdBlue-equipped) specification. Change oil every 15,000 km or 2 years to ensure proper lubrication and prevent sludge buildup, especially in urban driving conditions.
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.