The Audi CTSA is a 1,968 cc, inline — four turbo — diesel engine produced between 2010 and 2016. It belongs to the Volkswagen Group's EA189 engine family, designed for compact and mid — size applications. Featuring common rail direct injection, variable geometry turbocharging (VGT), and DOHC valvetrain, it delivers 120 kW (163 PS) with peak torque of 350 Nm available from 1,750 rpm.
Fitted to models including the Audi A3 (8V), A4 (B8), and A6 (C7), the CTSA was engineered for e…
All CTSA models comply with Euro 5 emissions standards .
The Audi CTSA is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engineered for compact and mid-size models (2010–2016). It combines common-rail direct injection with a variable-geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive low-end torque and improved highway performance. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances drivability with regulatory 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 | 120 kW (163 PS) @ 3,500–4,000 rpm | |
Torque | 350 Nm @ 1,750–2,500 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2-20 common-rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Garrett GT1749V) | |
Timing system | Chain-driven (timing belt for accessories) | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | 148 kg |
The Audi CTSA was used across Audi's 8V/B8/C7 platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—modified intake manifolds in the A3 and revised cooling layouts in the A6—and from 2012 the facelifted A4 B8 models adopted updated ECU calibrations and enhanced DPF regeneration logic, creating interchange limits. 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 CTSA offers solid performance and economy, but pre-2012 models are prone to high-pressure fuel pump wear, especially with poor fuel or short-trip driving. Later models (2013+) show improved fuel system durability. Regular maintenance using VW 504 00/507 00 oil and periodic EGR/DPF servicing greatly enhance longevity.
Key issues include high-pressure fuel pump failure, EGR and intake carbon buildup, turbo actuator sticking, and oil leaks from the valve cover. These are documented in Audi service bulletins. Fuel quality and maintenance intervals significantly influence reliability, particularly for the HPFP and emissions systems.
The CTSA was used in the Audi A3 (8V, 2010–2016), A4 (B8: 2010–2015), A6 (C7: 2011–2016), and Q5 (8R: 2012–2017). It was also shared across the Volkswagen Group in models like the VW Passat (B7/B8) and Škoda Superb. All applications feature 163 PS and 350 Nm output.
Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the CTSA 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.
Excellent. In an A4 B8 2.0 TDI, combined consumption is ~5.1 L/100km (~55 mpg UK). Highway runs can achieve ~4.4 L/100km (~64 mpg UK), while city driving may see ~6.3 L/100km (~45 mpg UK). Real-world figures depend on driving style, but 48–53 mpg UK is typical for mixed use.
Yes. The CTSA is an interference engine, meaning a timing chain or belt failure can result in piston-to-valve contact and severe internal damage. While the timing chain is generally durable, the accessory belt must be inspected regularly to prevent ancillary failure.
Audi specifies VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W-30) synthetic oil. This low-ash formulation is critical for DPF longevity and turbocharger protection. Change intervals should not exceed 15,000 km or one year, whichever comes first, to ensure fuel pump and chain lubrication.
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.