Volkswagen CAXA
The most famous problem is the stretching of the timing chain even at low mileage.
Audi A1 engines
The Audi A1 is a subcompact car produced from 2010 to the present by the German car manufacturer AUDI AG as part of the Volkswagen Group. Initially, the Audi A1 was a 3-door hatchback, but since 2011 its 5-door version has been launched into mass production. On average, about 2 thousand cars are bought every month around the world. The world’s first Audi car was created in the 1970s. It was based on VW Polo I. The modern A1 was created on the basis of the same car, but already of the 5th generation.
The Audi A1 was offered with 6 engines since 2010 (6 petrol). Displacement ranges from 1.2 to 2.0 liters, power output from 86 to 280 hp. 3 use a timing chain and 4 a timing belt. 6 are turbocharged. The longest rated lifespan belongs to the Volkswagen CAXA (about 275,000 km).
Audi A1 engines by generation
| Engine | Years | Volume | Power | Fuel | Timing | Oil | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi A1 1 (8X) 2010–2018 | |||||||
| Volkswagen CAXA | 2010–2014 | 1.4 L R4 | 122 hp | petrol, turbo | chain | 3.6 L | ~275,000 km |
| Volkswagen CBZA | 2010–2014 | 1.2 L R4 | 86 hp | petrol, turbo | chain | 3.8 L | ~250,000 km |
| Volkswagen CDL | 2012–2013 | 2.0 L R4 | 220–280 hp | petrol, turbo | chain + belt | ||
| Volkswagen CZEA | 2014–2018 | 1.4 L R4 | 150 hp | petrol, turbo | belt | 3.8 L | ~260,000 km |
| Volkswagen CZCA | 2014–2018 | 1.4 L R4 | 125 hp | petrol, turbo | belt | 3.8 L | ~275,000 km |
| Audi A1 2 (GB) 2018–present | |||||||
| Volkswagen DADA | 2018–present | 1.5 L R4 | 150 hp | petrol, turbo | belt | 4.3 L | ~240,000 km |
Audi A1 engine FAQ
What engines were used in the Audi A1?
Audi A1 1 (8X) (2010–2018): Volkswagen CAXA, Volkswagen CBZA, Volkswagen CDL, Volkswagen CZEA and Volkswagen CZCA; Audi A1 2 (GB) (2018–present): Volkswagen DADA.
Which Audi A1 engine is the most durable?
By rated service life the most durable Audi A1 engines are: Volkswagen CAXA — about 275,000 km; Volkswagen CZCA — about 275,000 km; Volkswagen CZEA — about 260,000 km. Actual lifespan depends heavily on maintenance and oil change intervals.
How much oil does the Audi A1 engine take?
Engine oil capacity with filter: Volkswagen CAXA — 3.6 L (5W-30); Volkswagen CBZA — 3.8 L (5W-30); Volkswagen CZCA — 3.8 L (5W-30); Volkswagen CZEA — 3.8 L (5W-30); Volkswagen DADA — 4.3 L (0W-20).
Does the Audi A1 have a timing belt or chain?
Timing chain: Volkswagen CAXA, Volkswagen CBZA and Volkswagen CDL; timing belt: Volkswagen CDL, Volkswagen CZCA, Volkswagen CZEA and Volkswagen DADA. Belts must be replaced on schedule: on many engines a broken belt bends the valves.
Was the Audi A1 available with a diesel engine?
No, all Audi A1 engines in our database run on petrol.
Engine details
Volkswagen CDL
The cam follower of the high-pressure fuel pump wears and can damage the camshaft lobe if it is not replaced in time.
Volkswagen CBZA
The first years of production, the timing chain resource ranged from 30 to 50 thousand kilometers.
Volkswagen CZCA
Most often, car owners with this power unit complain about the oil burner.
Volkswagen CZEA
Complicated and expensive ACT system causes uneven camshaft wear.
Volkswagen DADA
Due to the relative novelty of this motor, there is little information about its malfunctions.
Models with the same engines
- Volkswagen Golf 6 shared engines
- Seat Leon 4 shared engines
- Volkswagen Passat 4 shared engines
- Volkswagen Polo 4 shared engines
- Audi A3 3 shared engines
- Seat Toledo 3 shared engines
- Skoda Octavia 3 shared engines
- Skoda Superb 3 shared engines
- Volkswagen Scirocco 3 shared engines
- Volkswagen Tiguan 3 shared engines