The Audi CTJA is a 1,984 cc, inline-four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2019 and 2023. It belongs to the EA888 Gen 4 engine family, featuring Bosch HDEV6 high-pressure direct injection (up to 350 bar), variable valve lift (VVL), and integrated exhaust manifold for rapid thermal management. In standard tune it delivers 140 kW (190 PS), with peak torque of 320 Nm available from 1,500 rpm, enabling responsive urban and highway performance.
Fitted to models such as the 8Y A3, 8L A4, 8T A5, and 4J A6, the CTJA was engineered for improved combustion efficiency and reduced particulate emissions. Emissions compliance was achieved via a gasoline particulate filter (GPF), dual-loop exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and adaptive lambda control, allowing Euro 6d-TEMP compliance across all production years, with OBD monitoring per EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) actuator arm under low-fuel conditions, highlighted in Audi Service Information Bulletin 2020-10-01 (Ref. 615102). Wear stems from inadequate lubrication when fuel levels drop below 10%. From 2021, Audi revised the HPFP internal geometry and updated fuel system diagnostics to monitor rail pressure deviation, reducing failure incidence in later builds.
Production years 2019–2023 meet Euro 6d-TEMP standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/E/19634).
The Audi CTJA is a 1,984 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and mid-size platforms (2019–2023). It integrates Bosch HDEV6 direct injection with variable valve lift (VVL) to enhance combustion precision and reduce particulate matter. Designed to meet Euro 6d-TEMP standards, it balances performance with stringent emissions compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,984 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 92.8 mm | |
| Power output | 140 kW (190 PS) @ 4,200–6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1,500–4,100 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV6 direct injection (up to 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d-TEMP | |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled with map-controlled thermostat | |
| Turbocharger | Single-scroll turbo with electric wastegate (Honeywell) | |
| Timing system | Timing chain (front-mounted, maintenance-free design) | |
| Oil type | Audi Longlife 05 (SAE 5W-40) | |
| Dry weight | 137 kg |
The CTJA delivers strong low-end torque ideal for daily driving but requires consistent use of high-octane fuel (RON 98) to maintain combustion efficiency and prevent knock sensor activation. Audi Longlife 05 (5W-40) oil is essential for turbo bearing and variable valve actuator longevity. Extended low-fuel operation increases HPFP wear risk due to reduced lubrication; keeping fuel above 10% minimises this. The GPF requires regular motorway runs to enable passive regeneration. Post-2021 models feature revised HPFP components; pre-2021 units benefit from updated pump and rail pressure monitoring per Audi SIB 2020-10-01.
Oil Specs: Requires Audi Longlife 05 (5W-40) specification (Audi SIB 2019-10-03). Supersedes ACEA A3/B4 standards.
Emissions: Euro 6d-TEMP certification applies to all 2019–2023 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/E/19634).
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. 140 kW output requires RON 98 fuel (Audi TIS Doc. A19012).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A18880, A18881, A18883, SIB 2020-10-01
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/E/19634)
European Commission: Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
The Audi CTJA was used across Audi's MQB Evo and MLB Evo platforms with transverse (MQB) and longitudinal (MLB) mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake runners in the A3 and revised cooling routing in the A6-and from 2021 the facelifted 8L A4 adopted the Gen 4+ update with enhanced GPF regeneration logic, creating software compatibility limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front cylinder block near the timing cover (Audi TIS A18885). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('C' for EA888 series). Pre-2021 models have silver valve covers with integrated coil packs; post-2021 units feature black valve covers with revised injector connectors. Critical differentiation from EA888 Gen 3B: CTJA includes variable valve lift (VVL) and uses Bosch HDEV6 injectors. Service parts require model year verification—HPFP and GPF assemblies are not interchangeable between pre- and post-2021 models due to control strategy revisions (Audi SIB 2020-10-01).
The CTJA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) actuator wear under low-fuel conditions, with elevated incidence in urban driving with frequent short trips. Internal Audi quality reports from 2021 noted a significant share of pre-2021 units requiring HPFP replacement before 100,000 km, while VCA MOT data links GPF clogging to stop-start driving in city environments. Extended idling and low-tank operation increase pump and filter stress, making fuel management and service interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2019-2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2020-2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CTJA.
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