The 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbo Volkswagen DUCA has been produced since 2024 and is installed on the Audi A3, Audi Q3, Audi Q3 Sportback, Cupra Formentor and other models of the group. This EA211 engine has direct injection, a Garrett MGT1344VZ turbocharger and a timing belt and produces 177 hp and 250 Nm. It has ACT cylinder deactivation. It is the combustion engine of a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Together with the electric motor, the system produces 272 hp and 400 Nm.
1.5 Hybrid EA211 family: DUCB, DUCA, DUCC.
Specifications
| Production years | since 2024 |
| Displacement, cc | 1498 |
| Fuel system | direct injection |
| Power output, hp | 177 |
| Torque output, Nm | 250 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 74.5 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 85.9 |
| Compression ratio | 11.5 |
| Features | ACT Plus |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | on all shafts |
| Turbocharging | Garrett MGT1344VZ |
| Recommended engine oil | 0W-20 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.3 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 6e |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for VW Tiguan eHybrid 2025) — city — highway — combined |
4.9 5.5 5.3 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~250 000 |
| Weight, kg | 112 |
The engine was installed on:
- Audi A3 4 (8Y) since 2024;
- Audi Q3 3 (FJ) since 2025;
- Audi Q3 3 Sportback (FJN) since 2025;
- Cupra Formentor 1 (KM) since 2024;
- Cupra Leon 4 (KL) since 2024;
- Cupra Terramar 1 (KP) since 2024;
- Skoda Superb 4 (3Y) since 2026;
- Volkswagen Golf 8 (CD) since 2024;
- Volkswagen Multivan T7 (ST) since 2024;
- Volkswagen Passat B9 (3J) since 2024;
- Volkswagen Tayron 2 (DN) since 2024;
- Volkswagen Tiguan 3 (CT) since 2024.
Disadvantages of the Volkswagen DUCA engine
- The engine is new, so there are few failure statistics yet;
- So far owners report only electrical glitches, mostly related to charging;
- The timing belt is replaced every 210,000 km, but if it breaks earlier the valves bend; a special tool is needed to replace it, and not every workshop has one;
- Like all direct-injection engines, it is prone to carbon deposits on the intake valves;
- The plasma-sprayed cylinder walls do not tolerate poor fuel.
Frequently asked questions about the Volkswagen DUCA
How much power does the Volkswagen DUCA make?
The Volkswagen DUCA develops 177 hp and 250 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Volkswagen DUCA take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 4.3 liters. Recommended oil: 0W-20.
Does the Volkswagen DUCA have a timing belt or chain?
The Volkswagen DUCA uses a timing belt.
Is the Volkswagen DUCA turbocharged?
Yes, the Volkswagen DUCA is turbocharged (Garrett MGT1344VZ).
Does the Volkswagen DUCA need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the Volkswagen DUCA has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the Volkswagen DUCA last?
The typical lifespan of the Volkswagen DUCA is ~250 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Volkswagen DUCA?
VW Tiguan eHybrid 2025: city 4.9, highway 5.5, combined 5.3 L/100 km.
What cars was the Volkswagen DUCA installed on?
Audi A3 4 (8Y) since 2024; Audi Q3 3 (FJ) since 2025; Audi Q3 3 Sportback (FJN) since 2025; Cupra Formentor 1 (KM) since 2024; Cupra Leon 4 (KL) since 2024; Cupra Terramar 1 (KP) since 2024 and 6 more (see the full list above).
What are the common problems of the Volkswagen DUCA?
The engine is new, so there are few failure statistics yet. So far owners report only electrical glitches, mostly related to charging. All known problems.
