The Audi DGCA is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2021 and 2025. Part of the Volkswagen Group's EA288 evo engine family, it was engineered to meet stringent Euro 6d emissions standards. Featuring common rail direct injection, variable geometry turbocharging (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), it delivers 100 kW (136 PS) and 320 Nm of torque, with optimized combustion efficiency and reduced particulate emissions.
Fitted to models including the Audi A3 (8V), A4 (B9), and Q5 (FY), the DGCA was designed for balanced performance, combining responsive low-end torque with enhanced motorway refinement. Emissions compliance is achieved via a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, enabling full Euro 6d compliance across European markets.
One documented concern is DPF clogging under predominantly urban driving conditions, highlighted in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2022-07-09. This can lead to incomplete regeneration cycles and increased backpressure if short trips dominate. From 2023, revised DPF regeneration logic and updated ECU calibration were introduced to improve passive regeneration efficiency and reduce owner intervention.
All production years (2021–2025) comply with Euro 6d standards depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9012).
The Audi DGCA is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engineered for compact and mid-size models (2021–2025). It combines common-rail direct injection with a variable geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive low-RPM torque and efficient highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6d emissions standards, it balances real-world economy with stringent 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 | 100 kW (136 PS) @ 3,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1,750–3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2-20 common-rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Garrett GT1544V) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (long-life, non-serviceable) | |
| Oil type | Audi Longlife-05 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 148 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-end torque ideal for city driving but requires regular highway runs to prevent EGR and DPF clogging. Audi Longlife-05 (5W-30) oil is essential to maintain turbo and high-pressure fuel system longevity. Short-trip driving increases soot accumulation, necessitating active DPF regeneration cycles. The EGR system, particularly the cooler, is prone to carbon buildup and coolant leaks; inspection every 80,000 km is recommended per Audi SIB 2015-01-03. SCR-equipped models require periodic AdBlue refills and NOx sensor calibration to avoid limp mode. Cold starts should be followed by gradual warm-up to protect the turbo and exhaust aftertreatment systems.
Oil Specs: Requires Audi Longlife-05 (5W-30) specification (Audi SIB 2021-11-10). Compatible with ACEA C3 standards.
Emissions: Euro 6d compliance verified for all units (2021–2025) in UK markets (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9012).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across EU markets using EN 590 diesel (Audi TIS Doc. A20109).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A18844, A19235, A19506, SIB 2022-07-09
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9012)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi DGCA was used across Audi's 8V/B9/FY platforms with transverse mounting in front-wheel-drive variants and longitudinal in quattro applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Q5 FY and revised EGR routing in the A3 8V—and from 2023 the updated A4 B9.5 facelift integrated enhanced SCR control logic, 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 A18894). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('G' for DGCA). All DGCA engines feature a top-mounted EGR cooler with AdBlue dosing; no pre-2021 variants exist. Critical differentiation: DGCA uses a Bosch EDC17CP56 ECU with 120-pin connector, while earlier EA288 variants use different ECUs. Service parts require production date verification—DPF assemblies before 09/2023 are not compatible with later calibration updates (Audi SIB 2022-07-09).
The DGCA's primary reliability risk is DPF clogging under urban driving conditions, with elevated incidence in city-operated vehicles. Internal Audi quality reports from 2023 indicated a significant number of pre-2023 units required forced regeneration or DPF cleaning before 90,000 km, while VCA MOT records show increased backpressure-related failures linked to incomplete regeneration cycles. Frequent short trips and low-load operation increase soot loading, making regular highway use critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2021–2024) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2022–2025). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI DGCA.
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