The Audi DFTA is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2019 and 2023. It belongs to the Volkswagen Group’s EA288 evo engine family, featuring common rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and a cast-iron block with an aluminium head. In standard tune it delivers 140 kW (190 PS) with peak torque of 400 Nm available from 1,750 rpm, providing strong low-end pull ideal for daily driving and towing applications.
Fitted to models including the Audi A6 (C8), A7 (4K), and Q7 (4M), the DFTA was engineered for longitudinal front- and quattro all-wheel-drive platforms requiring high torque and premium refinement. It meets Euro 6d emissions standards through a close-coupled diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, ensuring compliance without sacrificing performance in flagship vehicles.
One documented service update involves revised high-pressure fuel pump calibration to reduce wear under sustained load, addressed in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2020-23-02. Early production units exhibited elevated injector tip coking under frequent short-trip conditions. From 2020, Audi implemented updated ECU mapping and revised fuel nozzle geometry, improving soot management and long-term injector durability.
All DFTA models comply with Euro 6d (2019–2023) depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9012).
The Audi DFTA is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engine engineered for longitudinal applications (2019–2023). It combines common rail injection with a variable geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low-end torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6d standards, it balances performance with emissions compliance in premium front- and all-wheel-drive platforms.
| 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 | 81.0 mm × 95.5 mm | |
| Power output | 140 kW (190 PS) @ 3,250–4,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 400 Nm @ 1,750–3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2-20 common rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d (2019–2023) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled with dual-circuit thermal management | |
| Turbocharger | Garrett variable geometry turbo with integrated EGR | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (maintenance-free design) | |
| Oil type | Audi Longlife Diesel VW 507.00 (SAE 0W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 172 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for urban and motorway driving but requires regular longer runs to maintain DPF regeneration cycles and prevent clogging. Audi Longlife Diesel VW 507.00 (0W-30) oil is essential due to its low-SAPS formulation, protecting the SCR system and turbo bearings. Extended idling and short trips increase soot loading; drivers should complete 20-minute highway drives monthly. The Bosch CRS 2-20 fuel system demands ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) to prevent injector wear. From 2020, revised ECU maps per Audi TSB 2020-23-02 improve injector longevity and emissions performance.
Oil Specs: Requires Audi Longlife Diesel VW 507.00 (0W-30) specification (Audi TSB 2020-23-02). Compatible with ACEA C2/C3.
Emissions: Euro 6d compliance confirmed for all DFTA models (2019–2023) depending on market (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9012).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output achieved with EN 590 diesel (Audi TIS Doc. A28815).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A28815, TSB 2020-23-02
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9012)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi DFTA was used across Audi's C8/4K platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group for premium applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-tuned throttle response in the A7 and revised cooling circuits in the Q7-and from 2021 the facelifted C8.5 revision introduced updated ECU calibration and SCR monitoring, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the right-side cylinder block near the oil filter housing (Audi TIS A28815). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('D' for EA288 diesel). Pre-2020 models have silver valve covers with exposed camshafts; post-2020 units use black covers with integrated breather. Critical differentiation from EA288 2.0 TDI 177 PS: DFTA uses a single-stage VGT turbo, while lower-output variants use a smaller turbo unit. Service parts require production date verification - fuel injectors for pre-2020 models are not compatible with post-2020 revisions due to nozzle redesign (Audi TSB 2020-23-02).
The DFTA's primary reliability risk is DPF clogging in urban-driven vehicles, with elevated incidence in stop-start city use. Internal Audi quality reports from 2021 indicated a notable share of pre-2020 engines requiring DPF cleaning before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased emissions-related failures in SCR-equipped post-2020 models. Frequent short trips and delayed oil changes increase soot and thermal stress, making driving pattern and service interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2019-2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2020-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI DFTA.
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