The Audi CAEA is a 1,395 cc, inline — four petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2018. It features a turbocharged design with direct fuel injection (TSI), double overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust camshafts. In standard tune, it delivers 110 kW (150 PS) and 250 Nm of torque, providing strong low — end responsiveness and efficient performance.
Fitted primarily to the Audi A3 (8V), A4 (B8), and A6 (C7) models, including the 1.4 TFS…
All models meet Euro 5 emissions standards .
The Audi CAEA is a 1,395 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and mid-size models (2012–2018). It combines TSI direct injection with dual VVT and an integrated exhaust manifold to deliver responsive low-end torque and improved thermal efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances performance with fuel economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,395 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 80.0 mm | |
Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 5,000–6,000 rpm | |
Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 rpm | |
Fuel system | Turbocharged Stratified Injection (TSI) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Turbocharger | Single-scroll turbo (BorgWarner) | |
Timing system | Chain (front-mounted; tensioner wear concern) | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | 115 kg |
The Audi CAEA was used across Audi's 8V/B8/C7 platforms with transverse mounting and shared architecture with SEAT and Škoda in European markets. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the A3 and revised ECU mappings in the A4-and from 2014 the facelifted A3 models adopted updated tensioner hardware, creating interchange limits. Partnerships allowed SEAT Leon and Škoda Octavia to use the same base engine with minor tuning differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.
Diagnostic reminder: If a technician has recommended replacing the engine, you can send an enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. Confirm the diagnosis first: an engine-code record does not diagnose a fault.
Field reports and technical service bulletins highlight component wear patterns under high-load operation. Adherence to manufacturer service intervals and approved fluid specifications is critical for long-term reliability.
Analysis derived from manufacturer technical service bulletins and industry workshop records. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The CAEA engine is generally robust when maintained properly, but early models (2012–2014) had timing chain tensioner issues. Later revisions (post-2014) improved durability with updated components. Regular oil changes using Audi Longlife 01 (5W-40) and adherence to service intervals significantly enhance longevity. Well-maintained units can exceed 150,000 km without major repairs.
The primary issues are timing chain tensioner wear, intake valve carbon buildup, and catalytic converter degradation. Secondary concerns include valve cover oil leaks and occasional throttle body sticking. These are documented in Audi service bulletins and verified through VCA emissions testing data. Preventive maintenance greatly reduces occurrence.
The CAEA engine was used in the Audi A3 (8V, 2012–2018), Audi A4 (B8, 2012–2015), and Audi A6 (C7, 2012–2015), primarily in 1.4 TFSI and 1.8 TFSI 150 PS variants. It was also shared with SEAT Leon (2013–2018) and Škoda Octavia (2013–2018) under VW Group modular strategy. All applications used transverse mounting with model-specific ECU tuning.
Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the CAEA platform, but increasing boost or altering engine parameters accelerates component wear, impacts emissions compliance, and may void vehicle warranties. Any modifications should be evaluated carefully by a qualified specialist.
In combined driving, the CAEA achieves approximately 6.0 L/100km (47.1 mpg UK). City consumption ranges from 7.2–7.8 L/100km (39.2–36.2 mpg), while highway efficiency reaches ~5.1 L/100km (55.4 mpg). Real-world figures depend on driving style, but it delivers strong economy for a 150 PS turbo petrol engine.
Yes. The CAEA is an interference engine, meaning piston-to-valve contact occurs if timing is lost. A failed tensioner or broken chain can result in bent valves and cylinder head damage. Immediate attention to timing chain rattle is essential to avoid costly internal repairs.
Audi specifies 5W-40 synthetic oil meeting Audi Longlife 01 specification. Oil changes should occur every 15,000 km or annually to ensure proper lubrication of the timing chain system. Using incorrect oil can accelerate tensioner wear and reduce engine lifespan.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
EngineCode.uk is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. It provides engine-reference information and an optional commercial enquiry service. It is not an official manufacturer website. Check the record's sources and confirm vehicle-specific details before relying on it for parts, repairs or replacement.
Our editorial standard prioritises relevant manufacturer documentation and official regulatory sources. The sources and verification status for a record should be checked alongside the data.
A statement is not verified merely because a source is listed. Where supporting evidence is missing or conflicting, the record should identify that limitation. Please report unsupported or inconsistent information.
Transparency in gaps
A missing or unverified value does not mean the manufacturer has withheld it. We distinguish information not yet verified, information not available to us, and information explicitly not disclosed by the source.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
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.
Records are subject to review and correction. Source links, dates and verification notes should be read with the technical information. Our Editorial and Sourcing Policy explains our standards and review process.
Found an error or missing source? Report a problem with this page. Include the field or statement concerned and a supporting source if available. You can also email corrections@enginecode.uk.
Copyright and permissions
Images and other material may be protected by copyright. Attribution does not by itself grant permission to reuse material. If you believe material on this site infringes your rights, contact copyrights@enginecode.uk with the page URL and details of your claim. We will review the material and take appropriate action.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
Our Privacy Policy explains how Engine Finders UK Ltd uses information from visits, vehicle lookups, enquiries and messages. Our Cookie Policy explains cookies and similar technologies and how to change your choices.
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.
Ownership and commercial services
EngineCode.uk is owned and operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. Alongside our reference content, we offer an optional replacement-engine enquiry service through Engine Finders and may identify relevant services provided by businesses connected with us. These commercial connections are disclosed. Using an enquiry service is not required to read our reference content.
Engine Finders UK Ltd operates this website. Our optional enquiry service has a commercial purpose. Our Ownership and Commercial Disclosure explains the relationship between the reference website and that service. Participating suppliers pay a fee or subscription to participate on the network and receive quote requests.
Use this record as a starting point for identification. Specifications and vehicle applications may contain errors or omissions. Confirm the exact engine variant and compatibility using vehicle-specific documentation and a qualified supplier or technician.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.