The Audi CTPB is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2010 and 2018. It belongs to the Volkswagen Group's EA288 engine family, engineered for improved efficiency, reduced emissions, and enhanced refinement over its EA189 predecessor. Featuring common rail direct injection, variable geometry turbocharging (VGT), and DOHC valvetrain, it delivers 81 kW (110 PS) and 250 Nm of torque, with optimized low-end responsiveness for urban driving.
Fitted to models including the A1 (8X), A3 (8V), A4 (B8/B9), and Q3 (8U), the CTPB was designed for entry-level diesel applications, balancing fuel economy with adequate performance for daily use. Emissions compliance is achieved via exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) in certain variants, meeting Euro 5 and later Euro 6 standards across its production run.
One documented reliability concern is early EGR valve coking, particularly in vehicles used for frequent short trips. This issue, referenced in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2014-22, is linked to carbon buildup under low-temperature operating conditions. Later production revisions incorporated updated EGR calibration and improved cooling strategies to mitigate fouling and maintain emissions integrity.
Production years 2010–2015 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2018 models comply with Euro 6 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Audi CTPB is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engineered for compact and subcompact platforms (2010–2018). It combines common-rail direct injection with a variable geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive low-RPM torque and efficient urban operation. Designed to meet evolving emissions standards, it balances real-world drivability with regulatory compliance.
| 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 | 81 kW (110 PS) @ 3,750 rpm | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,500–2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2-20 common-rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (pre-2015), Euro 6 (2015–2018) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Variable geometry turbo (Garrett GT1544V) | |
| Timing system | Timing belt (interval: 150,000 km or 5 years) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 146 kg |
The CTPB provides adequate low-end torque for city driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals and high-quality 5W-30 oil meeting VW 504 00/507 00 standards to protect the turbo and fuel system. The timing belt must be replaced every 150,000 km or 5 years—failure risks engine damage due to interference design. The Bosch CRS 2-20 fuel system is sensitive to water and contaminants, requiring regular use of ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590). EGR and DPF systems need periodic regeneration; prolonged short trips may lead to clogging and limp mode. Pre-2015 models benefit from updated EGR valve calibration per Audi TSB 2014-22 to reduce carbon buildup.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 / 507 00 specification (Audi SIB 23 10 12). Compatible with ACEA C3.
Emissions: Euro 5 applies to 2010–2015 models; Euro 6 certification applies to 2015–2018 (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349. Output consistent across markets with EU diesel (Audi TIS Doc. A32010).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A32010, A32105, SIB 23 10 12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi CTPB was used across Audi's 8X/8V/8U platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group for compact applications. This engine received platform-specific calibrations-fuel mapping in the A1 and enhanced cooling in the Q3-and from 2015, certain A3 8V facelift models adopted revised EGR routing, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block, just below the exhaust manifold (Audi TIS A32010). The 8th VIN digit identifies the engine type ('B' for CTPB in Audi models). Pre-2015 units have a black plastic intake manifold; post-2015 variants may feature revised EGR routing with integrated cooler. Critical differentiation from other EA288 engines: CTPB uses a Garrett VGT turbo with a vacuum-actuated wastegate, whereas non-VGT variants use a fixed geometry turbo. Service parts require production date verification—timing belts for pre-2015 models are not interchangeable with later revisions due to tensioner design changes (Audi SIB 23 10 12).
The CTPB's primary reliability risk is EGR valve coking, with elevated incidence in mixed urban/short-trip use. Internal Audi quality reports from 2015 indicated a measurable share of pre-2015 units requiring EGR cleaning before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA records show EGR-related faults contributing to emissions test failures in stop-start traffic. Extended oil intervals and low-quality diesel increase EGR and DPF stress, making fuel quality and maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2010–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2022). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CTPB.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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