The Audi CTWA is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbocharged diesel engine produced between 2016 and 2021. It belongs to the Volkswagen Group's EA288 evo engine family, designed for full Euro 6c compliance and improved real-world emissions control. Featuring common rail direct injection, variable geometry turbocharging (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts, it delivered 110 kW (150 PS) with peak torque of 340 Nm available from 1,750 rpm, providing efficient mid-range performance for daily driving.
Fitted to transverse-platform models such as the 8V A3, 8S S3, and 8U Q3, the CTWA was engineered for a balance of fuel economy and responsive drivability. Emissions control is achieved via a NOx storage catalyst (NSC) combined with exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, enabling strict Euro 6c certification across its production run. The engine’s compact design supports both front-wheel drive and quattro all-wheel drive configurations.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) actuator arm under frequent cold starts or short-trip driving. This issue, referenced in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2017-03, can lead to rail pressure fluctuations and limp mode events. From 2018, revised actuator geometry and updated ECU calibration were implemented to improve long-term reliability.
All production years 2016–2021 meet Euro 6c standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Audi CTWA is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engineered for compact and mid-size platforms (2016–2021). It combines variable geometry turbocharging with common rail injection and dual cam phasing to deliver responsive performance and low emissions. Designed to meet Euro 6c standards, it balances strong torque delivery with everyday efficiency.
| 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 | 82.5 mm × 92.8 mm | |
| Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 3,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 340 Nm @ 1,750–3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2-20 common rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6c | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled with electric coolant pump | |
| Turbocharger | Variable geometry turbo (Garrett GT1749V) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (double-row primary, single-row secondary) | |
| Oil type | Audi Longlife Diesel 05 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 154 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong mid-range torque ideal for urban and highway driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent HPFP and turbo wear. Audi Longlife Diesel 05 (5W-30) oil is essential due to its low-SAPS formulation protecting the NSC, DPF, and SCR systems. Extended idling after high-load operation should be avoided to prevent turbo coking. The Bosch CRS 2-20 fuel system demands ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) to prevent injector and pump damage. Post-2018 models feature revised HPFP actuator geometry; earlier units should be inspected per Audi TSB 2017-03. EGR/DPF/SCR maintenance is critical to prevent regeneration failures and limp mode.
Oil Specs: Requires Audi Longlife Diesel 05 (5W-30) specification (Audi TSB 2017-03). Supersedes ACEA C3.
Emissions: Euro 6c certification applies to all models (2016–2021) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. 110 kW output requires EN 590 diesel (Audi TIS Doc. A36914).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A36910, A36911, A36912, TSB 2017-03
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Test code for determining net power of internal combustion engines
The Audi CTWA was used across Audi's MQB platform with transverse mounting and shared architecture with Volkswagen Group siblings. This engine received platform-specific calibrations-shorter intake runners in the 8V A3 and revised cooling in the 8U Q3-and from 2018 received minor internal updates to the high-pressure fuel system, creating service part distinctions. 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 mating surface (Audi TIS A36925). The 7th digit of the VIN identifies the engine family ('C' for EA288 evo). Pre-2018 models have a black plastic cam cover with "2.0 TDI" badge; post-2018 units retain the same appearance but feature revised HPFP components. Critical differentiation from EA288 Gen 1: CTWA uses SCR with AdBlue injection and revised ECU mapping. Service parts require production date verification—HPFP actuators for pre-2018 engines are not interchangeable with later revisions per Audi TSB 2017-03.
The CTWA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump actuator wear in early builds, with elevated incidence in cold climates or short-trip driving. Internal Audi quality reports from 2019 indicated a notable share of pre-2018 engines requiring HPFP replacement before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased emissions-related failures linked to lean mixture codes. Frequent cold starts and low-quality diesel increase pump stress, making fuel quality and oil interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2016-2021) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2017-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CTWA.
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