The Audi DKRF is a 1,984 cc, inline-four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2020 and 2023. It belongs to the Volkswagen Group's EA888 Gen 4 engine family, engineered for high thermal efficiency, reduced emissions, and responsive performance. Featuring direct fuel injection (TSI), turbocharging, and variable valve timing (AVS), it delivers 140 kW (190 PS) and 320 Nm of torque, with strong mid-range pull ideal for daily driving and urban responsiveness.
Fitted to models such as the A3 (8Y), A4 (B9), and Q3 (F3), the DKRF engine was designed to meet stringent real-world emissions standards while maintaining sporty character. Emissions control is achieved through an integrated exhaust manifold, dual-loop cooling system, and a gasoline particulate filter (GPF), enabling full Euro 6d compliance depending on model year and market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8901).
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump drive shaft, particularly in vehicles with frequent cold starts. This issue, referenced in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2021-06-01, stems from delayed lubrication during initial engine startup. From 2022 onward, Audi implemented revised drive gear design and updated cold-start oil pressure calibration to mitigate risk, aligning with long-term reliability improvements in the EA888 Gen 4 engine series.
All production years (2020–2023) comply with Euro 6d standards depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8901).
The Audi DKRF is a 1,984 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and mid-size models (2020–2023). It combines direct fuel injection with a single-scroll turbocharger to deliver responsive acceleration and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6d emissions standards, it balances performance with environmental compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,984 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (single-scroll) | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 92.8 mm | |
| Power output | 140 kW (190 PS) @ 3,800–6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1,500–3,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV6 direct injection (up to 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d (2020–2023) | |
| Compression ratio | 11.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Dual-loop with integrated exhaust manifold | |
| Turbocharger | Single-scroll turbo (BorgWarner KP39) | |
| Timing system | Double-row chain (front-mounted; updated drive gear) | |
| Oil type | Audi Longlife-19 (SAE 0W-20) | |
| Dry weight | 140 kg |
The single-scroll turbo provides strong mid-range torque ideal for daily driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using Audi Longlife-19 (0W-20) to prevent high-pressure fuel pump drive wear. Cold-start idling should be minimized to ensure rapid oil pressure build-up at the fuel pump drive gear. The Bosch HDEV6 fuel pump is sensitive to fuel quality and requires premium unleaded petrol (RON 95 minimum, RON 98 recommended) to prevent injector coking. Post-2022 models feature revised drive gear; pre-2022 units should be inspected per Audi TSB 2021-06-01. GPF systems require regular highway runs to maintain regeneration cycles and prevent clogging.
Oil Specs: Requires Audi Longlife-19 (0W-20) specification (Audi TSB 2021-06-01). Supersedes VW 504 00 and 505 00.
Emissions: Euro 6d compliance applies to all model years 2020–2023 (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8901). No Euro 6c or earlier variants were produced.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output remains consistent across markets with premium fuel (Audi TIS Doc. A32600).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A32050, A32510, A32600, TSB 2021-06-01
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8901)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi DKRF was used across Audi's 8Y/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 2022 the facelifted A4 B9.5 adopted the updated EA888 evo4 variant with enhanced thermal management, 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 DKRF in 8Y A3, 'B' for earlier B9 variants). Pre-2022 models have silver valve covers with black plastic cam covers; post-2022 units use all-black covers. Critical differentiation from EA888 evo4: Original DKRF uses Bosch MED17.1.7 ECU with rectangular diagnostic connector, while evo4 models use MD17.6.3 with updated software mapping. Service parts require production date verification—fuel pump drive gears for engines before 03/2022 are incompatible with later units due to gear redesign (Audi TSB 2021-06-01).
The DKRF's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump drive wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in cold climates and short-trip driving. Internal Audi quality reports from 2021 indicated a notable number of pre-2022 engines requiring fuel pump replacement before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA data links a significant share of emissions-related MOT failures to GPF 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 (2020–2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2021–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI DKRF.
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