Audi A3 8VA engines

The third-generation Audi A3 (8V) was launched in 2012 and established itself as a technological pioneer in the premium compact segment. The diverse range of engines developed continuously throughout the entire production period and included both economical entry-level engines and powerful sports versions. The technological evolution from conventional naturally aspirated engines to ultra-modern turbo units with hybrid technology had a lasting impact on this generation.

Audi A3 8VA engines - first generation MQB platform (2012-2016)

The first phase of the third A3 generation was based on the new MQB platform and brought with it a fundamental renewal of the engine range. Typical mileages for these units reach 250,000 to 350,000 kilometers with proper maintenance. Major repairs are usually due between 150,000 and 200,000 kilometers, with the timing chain in petrol engines and the injection system in diesel engines requiring special attention. The 2.0 TDI with 150 hp is regarded as the absolute highlight of this generation, as it optimally combines performance, efficiency and durability. The introduction of the EA888 engine family for petrol engines and the further development of the TDI units marked important technical milestones. Compared to competitors such as the BMW 1 Series and Mercedes A-Class, the A3 positioned itself as the most technologically advanced alternative with the widest range of engines.

Audi A3 8VA TFSI petrol engines first generation (2012-2016)

The TFSI engine range comprised three basic variants, all of which were based on modern turbocharging. The 1.2 TFSI with 110 PS (CJZA) was the entry-level model and impressed with its low fuel consumption, but occasionally exhibited problems with the timing chain from 120,000 kilometers. The 1.4 TFSI with 122 hp (CXSA) established itself as a popular middle ground with balanced performance, while the 140 hp version (CZCA) with cylinder deactivation (COD) provided additional efficiency. The COD technology occasionally proved problematic with both 1.4-liter engines, which could require servicing after 100,000 kilometers.

The powerful 1.8 TFSI with 180 hp (CJSA/CJSB) offered sporty performance and was considered the most reliable petrol engine of the first generation. Its robust design and proven EA888 basis ensured low failure rates. The S3 version with 2.0 TFSI and 300 hp (CJXC) represented the top of the performance scale and impressed with its smooth running and pulling power, but required precise maintenance intervals for optimum longevity.

Audi A3 8VA TDI diesel engines first generation (2012-2016)

The TDI engine range was based on the proven EA288 family and offered three power levels. The 1.6 TDI with 110 hp (CXMA) served as an economical entry-level diesel with consumption figures of around 4.2 liters per 100 kilometers. Its simple design without SCR catalytic converter made it low-maintenance, but limited the power delivery.

The 2.0 TDI was available in two versions: 150 hp (CRLB) and 184 hp (CUNA). The 150 hp version developed into the bestseller of the series and impressed with its ideal balance of performance, consumption and reliability. The engine easily achieved a mileage of 300,000 kilometers with regular maintenance. The 184 hp version offered additional sportiness, but required more intensive maintenance of the exhaust gas aftertreatment system due to the higher load.

All TDI engines of this generation had modern common-rail injection and impressed with their smooth running. Typical weak points were in the area of the injection nozzles after 180,000 kilometers and occasionally in the high-pressure pump after 200,000 kilometers.

Audi A3 8VA engines - Euro-6 facelift and electrification (2016-2020)

The 2016 facelift not only brought visual changes, but also a fundamental overhaul of the engine range. The introduction of the Euro 6 standard required extensive technical adjustments, while the first electrified drives were introduced at the same time. Typical mileages rose to between 280,000 and 380,000 kilometers, with improved material quality and optimized manufacturing tolerances contributing to this increase. Major repairs were postponed to 180,000 to 220,000 kilometers, which was due to continuous further development. The 35 TFSI with 150 PS established itself as the best engine of this generation, as it combined modern efficiency with proven reliability. The introduction of the e-tron hybrid drive marked the start of electrification at Audi, while the revised TDI engines proved their technical superiority despite the diesel scandal.

Audi A3 8VA TFSI petrol engines facelift (2016-2020)

The revised TFSI range was given new designations according to the Audi system with performance indices. The 30 TFSI with 116 hp (DKLA) replaced the 1.2-liter engine and was based on a new 1.0-liter three-cylinder with improved efficiency. Its compact design reduced weight, while the optimized turbocharging ensured lively performance. Problems occasionally occurred with the timing chain from 140,000 kilometers, but remained less frequent than with the predecessor.

The 35 TFSI with 150 PS (DADA) developed into the heart of the petrol engine range. Based on the 1.5-liter TSI with cylinder deactivation, it offered the optimum combination of performance and consumption. The Miller combustion process and optimized COD technology reduced fuel consumption to less than 5.5 liters per 100 kilometers. Its reliability clearly surpassed that of the previous generation, as Audi had eliminated the known weak points.

The sporty variants 40 TFSI with 190 hp (DKZA) and 45 TFSI with 245 hp for the S3 (DKZA/DNWA) rounded off the top end of the range. Both engines were based on the proven 2.0-liter EA888 and impressed with their smooth running and pulling power. The 245 hp version of the S3 replaced the 300 hp engine and offered a more balanced power-to-weight ratio thanks to optimized tuning.

Audi A3 8VA TDI diesel engines facelift (2016-2020)

The TDI engine range was fundamentally revised and received extensive exhaust gas aftertreatment systems for the Euro 6 standard. The 30 TDI with 116 PS (DGTC) replaced the 1.6-liter engine and was based on a new 1.6-liter unit with SCR catalytic converter. AdBlue injection became mandatory, which caused additional operating costs but drastically reduced the emission values.

The 35 TDI with 150 hp (DFGA) established itself as the successor to the successful 2.0 TDI and retained its positive characteristics. Improved injection and optimized combustion chamber geometry further increased efficiency, while the robust design enabled mileages of over 350,000 kilometers. Exhaust gas aftertreatment required regular AdBlue filling and occasional regeneration of the particulate filter.

The powerful 40 TDI variant with 184 hp (DGTB) offered sporty driving performance with moderate fuel consumption. Its bi-turbocharging ensured powerful acceleration from low engine speeds, while the sophisticated exhaust technology met the highest emission standards.

Audi A3 8VA e-tron hybrid engines (2016-2020)

The A3 Sportback e-tron marked Audi's entry into plug-in hybrid technology in the compact segment. The system combined a 1.4 TFSI with 150 hp (CUKB) and an electric motor with 102 hp to produce a system output of 204 hp. The 8.8 kWh battery enabled an electric range of around 50 kilometers according to the NEDC standard.

The hybrid technology was based on a 6-speed S-tronic transmission with integrated electric motor and impressed with seamless transitions between the drive modes. In electric mode, the A3 e-tron reached a top speed of 130 km/h, which was perfectly adequate for city driving. The system integration proved to be reliable, although the battery began to lose capacity after 150,000 kilometers.

Charging took place via a wallbox in 2.5 hours or via a household socket in around four hours. Recuperation during braking and coasting contributed to efficiency, while various driving modes enabled optimum adaptation to different driving situations.

Conclusion: The best Audi A3 8VA engines of all generations

The engine development of the Audi A3 8V reflects the technological change in the automotive industry: from conventional turbo units to Euro 6-compliant engines and electrification. The continuous improvement of efficiency, emissions and reliability had a lasting impact on this generation. The second half of the production period in particular produced sophisticated engines that combined high mileage with modern environmental protection.

• Best Audi A3 8VA gasoline engine:

The 35 TFSI with 150 hp (DADA) from the facelift generation combines modern 1.5-liter TSI technology with cylinder deactivation and Miller combustion process. Its balanced power delivery, low fuel consumption and high reliability make it the ideal choice for most drivers.

• Best Audi A3 8VA diesel engine:

The 2.0 TDI with 150 hp (CRLB) from the first generation sets standards in terms of durability and efficiency. Its proven technology without overly complex exhaust aftertreatment enables mileages of over 300,000 kilometers with moderate operating costs.

• Future technology:

The A3 Sportback e-tron with 204 PS system power demonstrated the potential of plug-in hybrid technology back in 2016. As a pioneer of electrification in the premium compact segment, it laid the foundation for today's e-tron family.

Spare parts for all Audi A3 8VA engines are available from AUTODOC in proven quality and at reasonable prices.