The Audi CTUC is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbocharged diesel engine produced between 2018 and 2023. It belongs to the EA288 evo engine family, designed for enhanced efficiency, reduced emissions, and improved reliability over prior generations. Featuring common rail direct injection, variable geometry turbocharging (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts, it delivers 120 kW (163 PS) and 380 Nm of torque, providing strong low-end performance ideal for daily driving and motorway cruising.
Fitted to models such as the A4 (B9), A6 (C8), and Q5 (FY), the CTUC engine was engineered for drivers seeking responsive torque, long-distance refinement, and compliance with strict emissions standards. It meets Euro 6d-TEMP and later Euro 6d emissions through integrated exhaust gas recirculation (iEGR), a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system with AdBlue injection, and a diesel particulate filter (DPF). Its compact design supports both transverse and longitudinal mounting across front-wheel and quattro all-wheel-drive configurations.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP), particularly in early production units. This issue, referenced in Audi Service Information Bulletin 2019-11, stems from contamination sensitivity and inadequate lubrication under low-sulfur fuel conditions. From 2020, Audi revised the fuel filtration system and updated the HPFP internal components across the EA288 evo line to enhance durability.
All production years (2018–2023) comply with Euro 6d-TEMP or Euro 6d standards depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Audi CTUC is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbocharged diesel engine developed for longitudinal and transverse applications (2018–2023). It integrates common rail injection with a variable geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low-end torque and efficient highway cruising. Designed to meet stringent Euro 6d emissions standards, it uses SCR/AdBlue technology, iEGR, and a DPF for full compliance while maintaining drivability and serviceability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,968 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (variable geometry turbo) | |
| Bore × stroke | 81.0 mm × 95.5 mm | |
| Power output | 120 kW (163 PS) @ 3,250–4,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 380 Nm @ 1,750–3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Common rail (up to 2,000 bar), Bosch CP4.2 | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d-TEMP (2018–2020); Euro 6d (2020–2023) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Variable geometry turbo (BorgWarner VTG) | |
| Timing system | Dual chain (primary and secondary) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 150 kg |
The variable geometry turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for urban driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 504 00-spec oil to prevent timing chain and turbo wear. The Bosch CP4.2 fuel pump is highly sensitive to fuel quality and requires ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) to prevent internal wear and failure. Cold-start idling should be minimized to ensure adequate oil pressure at the upper timing chain guide. Post-2020 models feature revised fuel filters and HPFP internals; pre-2020 units should follow Audi SIB 2019-11 for inspection and upgrade. SCR system maintenance is essential to avoid AdBlue-related DTCs and limp mode, particularly on vehicles used for short trips.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 / 507 00 (5W-30) specification (Audi SIB 2019-11). Critical for chain system longevity.
Emissions: Euro 6d-TEMP certification applies to 2018–2020 models. Euro 6d compliance verified for 2020–2023 production (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across EU fuel grades meeting EN 590.
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A36200, A36305, A36410, SIB 2019-11
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi CTUC was used across Audi's MLB platform with longitudinal mounting and shared with Volkswagen Group brands. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-integrated exhaust in the cylinder head and revised turbo routing in the A6-and from 2020 the updated EA288 evo variant introduced improved fuel filtration and HPFP revisions, creating interchange limits. 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 bellhousing (Audi TIS A36200). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for CTUC in AUDI models). Pre-2020 units have a black plastic cam cover with '2.0 TDI' badge; post-2020 models use revised fuel pump and filter housing. Critical differentiation from EA288 Gen 2: CTUC features SCR with AdBlue dosing and updated CP4.2 fuel pump. Service parts require production date verification—fuel pumps for pre-2020 engines are incompatible with post-2020 units due to internal revisions (Audi SIB 2019-11).
The CTUC's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in regions with variable fuel quality. Internal Audi quality reports from 2019 noted increased HPFP failures in pre-2020 units before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA data links SCR/AdBlue faults to frequent short journeys. Cold-start cycles and extended idling increase chain stress, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2018-2021) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2020-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CTUC.
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