VAG Group PQ34 (A4 platform)

"A complete run down on the A4 PQ34 cars, engines and models."

The A4 platform (PQ34 under the revised scheme) first appeared on an Audi A3 in 1996 and went on to be used for many different models across the VW group over the next two decades.

This represented a crossover point for the VW Audi Group (VAG Group) where one platform was used across a wide variety of models.

The earlier Golf "A3" platform, was used on the Jetta Mk3 and Vento and the VAG group saw the benefits of a common platform which allows factories to make different models side by side and reduced development costs.

So this evolved into the A4 Platform, but with the integration of new Marques into the VAG Group the naming convention dropped the common A(x) format and they adopted the PQ34 which shows the car is (P = Passenger Car) (Q=Transverse engine) (3=Compact cars)(4=Mid Sized Cars)

It saw the Audi A3 introduced as a direct competitor to the Golf and allowed VW to introduce a New Beetle version.

By using a common platform, the components and manufacturing costs are reduced as these are shared across models.

The torsion beam rear suspension created lift-off oversteer which although fun, was something designed out in future platforms.

Body panels were generally quite solid and most of these cars have stood the test of time in terms of avoiding rust and maintaining reliability.

Notable engines we would choose were the 1.8T and the 1.9TDi both of which can tolerate fairly large power gains, which are released through a remap.

PQ34 platform cars (Typ numbers in brackets):

• Audi A3 Mk1 (8L)
• Audi TT Mk1 (8N)
• Volkswagen Golf Mk4 (1J)
• Volkswagen Bora/Jetta (1J)
• Volkswagen New Beetle (1C/1Y/9C)
• SEAT León Mk1 (1M)
• SEAT Toledo Mk2 (1M)
• Škoda Octavia Mk1 (1U)

Engines used on the PQ34 Platform

Note that not all engines were available for all models, and (there are a few additional engines codes, and some were restricted to limited regions and countries).

Engine Codes and Specs

You can find links to the engine tuning guides below, which provides a wealth of information on how to improve the performance of these engines.

Even though swapping engines from a different platform is sometimes easier, a few can be a real challenge but many of these would be strong candidates for engine replacements and swaps.

• 1.4 1.5 TFSi tuning
• 1.4 TSi/TFSi/Twincharge tuning
• 1.8T engine Tuning
• 1.8 & 2.0 TFSi (mk1) Tuning
• 1.8 2.0 TFSi (ea888) Tuning
• 2.0 TFSi carbon issue & care guide
• 2.5tfsi tuning
• 3.0 V6 24v TFSI Tuning
• 2.8 V6 30 valve, 24 valve 3.0 V6 30v and 3.2 VR6 Tuning
• 3.6 VR6 Tuning
• 1.6 TDi tuning
• 1.9 TDi tuning
• 2.0 TDI 140-170 tuning
• 2.0 TDI tuning (EA188)
• 2.5 TDI tuning
• 2.7 & 3.0 TDI tuning

There are a few problems and issues to look out for on VAG group engines, but I've split these off into other articles.

1. 2.0 TFSi carbon buildup issues - direct injection engines require an intake clean.
2. 2.0 TFSi problems - N75 and N249, high oil consumption,  Cam Follower wear, Water Pump failure, and Turbo issues
3. 2.0 TDi problems - Flywheel, Oil pump,  Lumpy Idling
4. 1.8T Problems - Diagnosing the common faults and issues

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This article is flagged for an update, so please pass on specific tips below that I can include. All articles, and content was written by me, Waynne Smith TorqueCars founder. Some outlines are just too general so I appreciate your feedback and suggestions. This entry was filed under Audi, Seat, Skoda, Volkswagen. You can leave a response below or join our forum to discuss this article and car modification in detail with our members.

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