The Audi CUNA is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2012 and 2018. It belongs to the Volkswagen Group's EA288 engine family, designed as a refined successor to the EA189 series with improved emissions control and durability. Featuring common rail direct injection, variable geometry turbocharging (VGT), and DOHC valvetrain, it delivers 105 kW (143 PS) and 320 Nm of torque, with enhanced low-end responsiveness and smoother idle characteristics.
Fitted to models including the A3 (8V), A4 (B8/B9), A6 (C7), and Q5 (8R), the CUNA was engineered for balanced performance and efficiency across Audi’s mid-size lineup. Emissions compliance is achieved via exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, meeting Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards across its production run.
One documented reliability concern is EGR cooler leakage, particularly in vehicles subjected to frequent short trips or high ambient temperatures. This issue, referenced in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2015-33, is linked to thermal stress cracking in the plastic end tanks of early-design coolers. Later production revisions incorporated a revised all-aluminum EGR cooler to eliminate this failure mode and improve long-term durability.
Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2018 models comply with Euro 6 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Audi CUNA is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engineered for mid-size platforms (2012–2018). It combines common-rail direct injection with a variable geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive low-RPM torque and smooth highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances real-world performance 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 | 105 kW (143 PS) @ 3,750 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1,500–2,750 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 | 147 kg |
The CUNA provides strong low-end torque ideal for mixed 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 severe 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 cooler replacement per Audi TSB 2015-33 to prevent coolant leaks into the intake tract.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 / 507 00 specification (Audi SIB 23 10 12). Compatible with ACEA C3.
Emissions: Euro 5 applies to 2012–2014 models; Euro 6 certification applies to 2015–2018 (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
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/7890)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi CUNA was used across Audi's 8V/B8/C7 platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group for transverse applications. This engine received platform-specific calibrations-fuel mapping in the A3 and enhanced cooling in the Q5-and from 2015, certain A4 B9 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 CUNA 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: CUNA 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 CUNA's primary reliability risk is EGR cooler failure, with elevated incidence in mixed urban/short-trip use. Internal Audi quality reports from 2016 indicated a measurable share of pre-2015 units requiring EGR cooler replacement before 130,000 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 (2012–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2022). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CUNA.
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
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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