The Audi DCYA is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2018 and 2023. It features common rail direct injection, variable geometry turbocharging (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard tune it delivers 110 kW (150 PS) and 360 Nm of torque, meeting Euro 6d emissions standards with integrated aftertreatment.
Fitted to models such as the A4 (B9), A5 (F5), A6 (C8), and Q5 (FY), the DCYA engine was engineered for responsive performance and low CO₂ output. Emissions compliance is achieved via exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), diesel particulate filter (DPF), and dual-loop selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, ensuring NOx levels remain within strict Euro 6d-ISC limits.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel injector coking under low-load operation, referenced in Audi Service Information Bulletin 2019-14-02. This issue arises from prolonged short-trip driving and low exhaust temperatures, leading to carbon buildup on injector tips. From 2021 onward, revised combustion calibration and enhanced injector coatings improved resistance to deposit formation in later production runs.
All DCYA engines comply with Euro 6d-ISC standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Audi DCYA is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engineered for compact and mid-size models (2018–2023). It combines common-rail direct injection with a variable geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive low-end torque and efficient highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6d-ISC standards, it balances performance, emissions compliance, and fuel economy.
| 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 | 360 Nm @ 1,750–3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 3-20 with piezoelectric injectors (up to 2,200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d-ISC | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (double-row, front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | Audi Longlife-2015 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 158 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for city driving but requires regular highway runs to prevent DPF saturation and EGR clogging. Audi Longlife-2015 (5W-30) oil is essential to maintain timing chain lubrication and reduce sludge formation. The piezoelectric injectors demand consistent use of high-cetane diesel meeting EN 590 standards to prevent coking. SCR-equipped models require AdBlue top-ups every 10,000–12,000 km. Post-2021 revisions include updated injector coatings and combustion calibration, improving reliability under mixed driving conditions.
Oil Specs: Requires Audi Longlife-2015 (5W-30) specification (Audi SIB 10 11 16). Supersedes ACEA C5 standards for improved fuel economy and aftertreatment compatibility.
Emissions: All DCYA engines meet Euro 6d-ISC requirements (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890), including real-driving emissions (RDE) testing with in-service conformity (ISC) monitoring.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output maintained across fuel qualities due to closed-loop ECU control and dual-loop SCR (Audi TIS Doc. A35890).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A35120, A35401, SIB 10 11 16
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi DCYA was used across Audi's MLB Evo platform with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Q5 and revised intake manifolds in the A6—and from 2021 the updated combustion calibration and injector coatings introduced minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Audi TIS A35180). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('D' for DCYA). All models feature a black valve cover with integrated SCR dosing module and blue AdBlue cap. Critical differentiation from CZZA: DCYA uses piezoelectric injectors and dual-loop SCR; CZZA uses solenoid injectors and single-loop SCR. Service parts require model-year verification—injectors and ECUs are not interchangeable between pre- and post-2021 builds (Audi SIB 19 14 02).
The DCYA's primary reliability risk is fuel injector coking, with elevated incidence in vehicles frequently driven in urban environments with short trips. Internal Audi field reports from 2022 noted over 20% of failed injectors had histories of prolonged low-load operation, while UK DVSA MOT data shows SCR-related failures are common in city-driven diesels. Poor fuel quality and extended idling accelerate deposit formation, making adherence to fuel quality and driving patterns critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2018-2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2019-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI DCYA.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with AUDI or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
AUDI Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialAUDI documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
