The Audi CUSB is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2015 and 2020. It belongs to the Volkswagen Group's EA288 engine family, designed for improved emissions compliance and thermal efficiency. Featuring common rail direct injection, variable geometry turbocharging (VGT), and DOHC valvetrain, it delivers 110 kW (150 PS) with peak torque of 340 Nm available from 1,750 rpm.
Fitted to models including the Audi A3 (8V), A4 (B9), and Q3 (8U), the CUSB was engineered to meet stringent Euro 6 emissions standards while maintaining strong low-end torque and fuel economy. Emissions compliance is achieved via exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, enabling full Euro 6b certification.
One documented reliability concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear under high-load conditions or with substandard fuel. This issue, referenced in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2016-052, is linked to inadequate lubrication from ultra-low sulfur diesel. From 2017, revised injector coding and updated ECU mapping were implemented to reduce fuel system stress and improve durability.
All CUSB models comply with Euro 6b emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Audi CUSB is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engineered for compact and mid-size models (2015–2020). It combines common-rail direct injection with a variable-geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive low-end torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6b emissions standards, it balances 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 | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 3,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 340 Nm @ 1,750–3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 3-20 common-rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Garrett GT1749V with integrated EGR) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (timing belt for accessories) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 150 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM response ideal for urban driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 504 00/507 00 oil to prevent turbo bearing and HPFP wear. Ultra-low sulfur diesel (EN 590) is essential to maintain fuel system longevity. EGR, DPF, and SCR systems require regular highway runs to prevent clogging and regeneration issues. Post-2017 models feature revised injector calibration and updated ECU mapping to reduce soot accumulation. Pre-2016 units are more susceptible to HPFP failure under aggressive driving; adherence to Audi TSB 2016-052 is recommended for early detection and mitigation.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 / 507 00 specification (Audi TSB 2015-098). Supersedes ACEA B4 and C3 standards.
Emissions: All CUSB models comply with Euro 6b emissions standards (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Output consistent across EU markets with EN 590 diesel (Audi TIS Doc. A42500).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A42020, A42105, A42210, TSB 2016-052
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
European Commission Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
The Audi CUSB was used across Audi's 8V/B9/8U platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—modified intake manifolds in the A3 and revised cooling layouts in the Q3—and from 2017 the facelifted A4 B9 models adopted updated ECU calibrations and enhanced DPF regeneration logic, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front of the cylinder block, near the timing cover (Audi TIS A42800). The 8th VIN digit identifies the engine code ('C' for CUSB series). Pre-2017 models have a silver valve cover with black plastic cam cover; post-2017 units feature an all-black valve cover. Critical differentiation from similar EA288 engines: CUSB uses Bosch CRS 3-20 injection with EDC17CP50 ECU, identifiable by 120-pin connector. Service parts require model-year verification—DPF housings and EGR coolers differ between B9 and C7 platforms (Audi TSB 2016-077).
The CUSB's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear, with elevated incidence in urban driving cycles. Internal Audi field reports from 2017 indicated a significant number of pre-2016 units required HPFP replacement before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT data shows EGR/DPF clogging as a leading cause of emissions failure in city-driven vehicles. Frequent short trips and low-quality diesel increase fuel system stress, making fuel quality and service adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2015–2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018–2022). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CUSB.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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