The Audi DDTA is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2018 and 2023. It belongs to the Volkswagen Group's EA288 evo engine family, designed for high efficiency, low emissions, and long-term durability. Featuring common rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), it delivers 85 kW (116 PS) and 250 Nm of torque, optimized for urban efficiency and light-load responsiveness.
Fitted to models such as the A3 (8V), A4 (B9), and Q3 (F3), the DDTA engine was engineered for entry-level diesel performance with strict emissions compliance. Emissions control is achieved via exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, enabling full Euro 6d-TEMP and Euro 6d compliance depending on model year and market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
One documented concern is early coking of the high-pressure fuel injector nozzles, particularly in vehicles with frequent short-trip usage. This issue, referenced in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2019-08-01, stems from incomplete combustion and carbon buildup during low-temperature operation. From 2020 onward, Audi implemented revised injector tip designs and updated cold-start calibration to mitigate risk, aligning with ongoing refinement of the EA288 evo diesel engine series.
Production years 2018–2019 meet Euro 6d-TEMP standards; 2020–2023 models comply with Euro 6d depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Audi DDTA 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-RPM torque and efficient urban driving. Designed to meet Euro 6d-TEMP and Euro 6d emissions standards, it balances economy with environmental 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 | 85 kW (116 PS) @ 3,250–3,750 rpm | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,600–2,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2-20 common-rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d-TEMP (2018–2019); Euro 6d (2020–2023) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Garrett GT1544V) | |
| Timing system | Double-row chain (front-mounted; updated tensioner design) | |
| Oil type | Audi Longlife-18 (SAE 0W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 168 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-end torque ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using Audi Longlife-18 (0W-30) to maintain injector and chain longevity. Cold-start idling should be minimized to reduce carbon buildup in the combustion chamber and injectors. The Bosch CP4 fuel pump is sensitive to fuel quality and requires ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) meeting EN 590 standards to avoid high-pressure system damage. Post-2020 models feature improved injector tip design; pre-2020 units should be inspected per Audi TSB 2019-08-01. SCR and DPF systems require regular highway runs to maintain regeneration cycles and prevent clogging.
Oil Specs: Requires Audi Longlife-18 (0W-30) specification (Audi TSB 2019-08-01). Supersedes VW 504 00 and 507 00.
Emissions: Euro 6d-TEMP applies to 2018–2019 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789). Euro 6d compliance (6d-FINAL) varies by model year and market.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output remains consistent across markets with ULSD fuel (Audi TIS Doc. A32600).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A32050, A32510, A32600, TSB 2019-08-01
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi DDTA was used across Audi's 8V/B9/F3 platforms with transverse mounting in front-wheel-drive models and longitudinal in quattro variants. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the A3 and revised cooling layouts in the Q3-and from 2020 the facelifted A4 B9.5 adopted the updated EA288 evo2 variant with enhanced SCR dosing, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front face of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Audi TIS A32075). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('D' for DDTA in 8V A3, 'B' for earlier B9 variants). Pre-2020 models have silver valve covers with black plastic cam covers; post-2020 units use all-black covers. Critical differentiation from EA288 evo2: Original DDTA uses Bosch EDC17CP74 ECU with rectangular diagnostic connector, while evo2 models use EDC17CP75 with updated software mapping. Service parts require production date verification—injector kits for engines before 03/2020 are incompatible with later units due to nozzle redesign (Audi TSB 2019-08-01).
The DDTA's primary reliability risk is fuel injector coking on early builds, with elevated incidence in short-trip urban use. Internal Audi quality reports from 2019 indicated a significant number of pre-2020 engines requiring injector cleaning or replacement before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA data links a notable share of emissions-related MOT failures to EGR and DPF clogging in city-driven vehicles. Frequent cold starts and extended idling increase stress on fuel system components, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2018–2022) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2019–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI DDTA.
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