The Audi A4 (B8 8K) facelift, produced from 2011 to 2015, represented a significant mid-cycle refresh of Audi’s popular compact executive car. Among the various engine and transmission options offered, the 2.0 TDI variant producing 120 horsepower was a common choice, particularly in European markets. This version occupied a middle ground in the A4 lineup, offering a balance between fuel efficiency, reasonable performance, and affordability. It was positioned below the more powerful TDI variants (like the 150 hp and 177 hp versions) and above the entry-level petrol engines. The B8.5 facelift brought styling updates, revised interior trim, and advancements in infotainment and driver assistance systems, enhancing the A4’s overall appeal.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Audi |
| Model | A4 |
| Generation | A4 (B8 8K, facelift 2011) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 TDI (120 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2011 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.4 l/100 km (43.6 US mpg, 52.3 UK mpg, 18.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.9 l/100 km (60.3 US mpg, 72.4 UK mpg, 25.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.5 l/100 km (52.3 US mpg, 62.8 UK mpg, 22.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 117 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10 sec |
| Maximum speed | 205 km/h (127.38 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.4 kg/Hp, 80.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.1 kg/Nm, 195.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 120 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 61 Hp/l |
| Torque | 290 Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm (213.89 lb.-ft. @ 1750-2500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | CJCC |
| Engine displacement | 1968 cm3 (120.09 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 81 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 95.5 mm (3.76 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5 l (5.28 US qt | 4.4 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1485 kg (3273.86 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2035 kg (4486.41 lbs.) |
| Max load | 550 kg (1212.54 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 480 l (16.95 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 962 l (33.97 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 63 l (16.64 US gal | 13.86 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 90 kg (198.42 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%) | 1500 kg (3306.93 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 80 kg (176.37 lbs.) |
| Length | 4701 mm (185.08 in.) |
| Width | 1826 mm (71.89 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2040 mm (80.31 in.) |
| Height | 1427 mm (56.18 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2808 mm (110.55 in.) |
| Front track | 1564 mm (61.57 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1551 mm (61.06 in.) |
| Front overhang | 862 mm (33.94 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1031 mm (40.59 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.27 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.5 m (37.73 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Rear suspension | Independent on trapezoidal lever |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 205/60 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The 2.0 TDI engine, identified by the engine code CJCC, is a four-cylinder, inline diesel engine. It utilizes a common rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressure for optimized combustion. The engine features a turbocharger with an intercooler, which increases air density and improves power output. The double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, with four valves per cylinder, further enhances breathing and efficiency. This engine is longitudinally mounted in the A4, driving the front wheels. The 120 hp variant typically came paired with a six-speed manual transmission, although a S tronic dual-clutch transmission was also available as an option. The S tronic offered quicker shifts and improved fuel economy, but at a higher cost.
Driving Characteristics
The 120 hp 2.0 TDI A4 offered adequate, but not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 10 seconds, making it suitable for everyday commuting and highway cruising. The engine’s 290 Nm (213.89 lb-ft) of torque, available from 1750-2500 rpm, provided good low-end grunt, making it easy to navigate city traffic. Compared to the more powerful TDI variants, this version felt noticeably slower, especially during overtaking maneuvers. The manual transmission offered precise shifts, while the optional S tronic provided a smoother, more refined driving experience. The gear ratios were tuned for fuel efficiency, prioritizing economy over outright performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.8 TDI 120 hp A4 typically came equipped with a reasonable level of standard features. This included air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors, a basic audio system, and alloy wheels. Higher trim levels, such as SE and S-Line, added features like leather upholstery, a more advanced infotainment system with navigation, parking sensors, and sport suspension. Optional extras included a sunroof, heated seats, and a premium sound system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth on the base models, with leather available as an upgrade. The dashboard layout was typical of Audi at the time, with a clean and functional design.
Chassis & Braking
The A4 B8.5 featured an independent multi-link suspension at the front and an independent trapezoidal lever suspension at the rear, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were solid discs. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard. The suspension tuning was geared towards comfort, but the S-Line trim offered a sportier setup with stiffer springs and dampers. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 2.0 TDI 120 hp A4 was well-received in European markets as a practical and economical choice. Critics praised its fuel efficiency and comfortable ride, but noted its lack of outright performance compared to the more powerful TDI variants. The 1.8 TDI offered better fuel economy than the petrol engines, but at the cost of some refinement. Compared to competitors like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the A4 offered a good balance of features, performance, and price.
Legacy
The 2.0 TDI engine, in its various iterations, proved to be a reliable and durable powertrain. The CJCC engine, while not without its potential issues (such as DPF clogging and EGR valve failures common to diesels of this era), generally offered good long-term reliability with proper maintenance. Today, these A4s are readily available on the used car market at affordable prices. They remain a popular choice for those seeking a comfortable, economical, and well-built compact executive car. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential maintenance costs associated with diesel engines, particularly regarding the diesel particulate filter (DPF) and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system.
