VAG TDI Hybrid Turbo Upgrade Guide: VW Golf, Audi A3 & the Full PD and CR Range

If you’re running a VW Golf TDI, Audi A3 TDI, Seat Leon, Skoda Octavia or any other VAG diesel and you want more power, the turbocharger is the first and most effective place to start. A hybrid turbo upgrade replaces your standard turbo with a unit built around larger, higher-flow internals — delivering more boost, more power and better throttle response, all while bolting straight on to your existing pipework.

This guide covers the full VAG TDI range: PD engines (1.9 8v and 2.0 16v) and the newer Common Rail (CR) engines, so you can find the right upgrade regardless of what’s under your bonnet.

What Is a Hybrid Turbocharger?

A hybrid turbo isn’t a completely different unit — it’s your existing turbo’s housings fitted with upgraded internal components. The key changes are typically a larger, high-flow billet compressor wheel, a new or upgraded turbine wheel, and an uprated bearing system. The result is a turbo that flows significantly more air than the OEM unit, unlocking power that was previously off the table.

The key advantage over a full turbo swap is fitment. A properly matched hybrid uses the original housings and connections, so it bolts directly on to your existing intercooler pipework, oil feed and return lines, and boost hoses — no custom fabrication, no manifold changes.

PD 1.9 TDI: The 8-Valve Engines (ASZ, AVF, ARL, BPX, BUK, BLS)

The 1.9 TDI PD range is one of the most tuneable diesel platforms ever made. From the 130bhp ASZ to the 160bhp BPX/BUK Sport and the 105bhp BLS, these engines respond brilliantly to turbo upgrades — and UKTP builds hybrid turbos specifically for every variant.

PD105 — BLS Engine (VW Golf Mk5, Caddy, Audi A3 8P, Seat Leon)

The BLS 105 is the most common starting point. It’s a capable little engine, but the stock turbo is small and runs out of breath quickly. A direct-fit hybrid upgrade on the same housing lifts it to 240hp with the right remap and supporting mods.

Our GT1752 240hp direct-fit hybrid turbo for the PD105 BLS uses a 52mm high-flow billet compressor wheel on a genuine Garrett turbine core — £625, Essex built, one-year warranty.

PD130 & PD150 — ASZ / AVF / ARL Engines (Golf Mk4, Bora, Audi A3 8L, Seat Leon)

The PD130 ASZ and PD150 ARL are the sweet spot for VAG 1.9 TDI tuning. These engines have robust bottom ends and respond well to boost. A GTB1752 hybrid takes the 130 to around 240hp; a GTB1856 pushes past 300hp with a supporting remap and fuelling work. For more serious builds, UKTP offers GTB2060VK and GTB2265VK variants with high-flow manifolds — 300–350hp+ territory.

PD 2.0 TDI 16V: The BMM, BKD, BMN and BMR Engines

The 2.0 TDI 16v PD range covers the Mk5 Golf, Audi A3 8P, Seat Leon Mk2, Skoda Octavia Mk2 and more.

• BMM / BRM (140bhp) — The most common 2.0 TDI. A GTB1752 or GTB1756 hybrid gets you to 240–260hp direct fit.
• BKD / AZV (140bhp) — Similar to the BMM but transversely mounted. OEM billet wheel upgrades and full hybrids available.
• BMN / BMR (170bhp, PD170) — The performance variant. A direct-fit GTB1856 300hp hybrid for the PD170 BMN/BMR is available from UKTP at £685 — Garrett turbine core, 56mm billet compressor wheel, direct bolt-on.

Common Rail 2.0 TDI: CR140 and CR170

The Common Rail generation replaced the PD engines from around 2008 onwards. These are cleaner, quieter engines that respond equally well to turbo upgrades.

CR170 — VW Golf Mk6, Audi A3 8P/8V, Q3, TT, Seat Leon

The CR170 runs a GTC1556V turbo from the factory (OEM reference 785448). The UKTP bolt-on hybrid upgrade lifts output to 250bhp+ with a 56mm high-flow billet compressor wheel, upgraded bearings and a brand new VNT system.

→ VW Golf Mk6 / Audi A3 Q3 TT CR170 Hybrid Turbo 785448 — £600

Newer CR Platforms — Mk7, Audi A4 B8, A5, Q5

The later CR engines in Mk7 Golf GTD (CUNA/CUPA), Audi A4 B8 and A5/Q5 (CAGA, CGLC, CMEA) use different housings. UKTP builds specific hybrids for these too — the GTC1549VZ 56mm hybrid for Audi A4 B8 / A5 / Q5 2.0 TDI CR delivers 250hp+ with the right remap.

What You Need Alongside a Hybrid Turbo

• A remap — Non-negotiable. The ECU needs to know about the increased airflow.
• A 4 Bar MAP sensor — Recommended for anything above 250hp on VAG TDI platforms.
• Braided oil feed — A new turbo benefits from a clean oil supply.
• EGR blanking — Recommended for reliability on high-boost builds.

Which VAG TDI Hybrid Turbo Is Right for You?

• Want 240hp, direct fit, minimum fuss? → GT1752 or GTB1752 direct-fit hybrid for your engine code.
• Want 280–300hp, still bolt-on? → GT1856 or GTB1856 variant.
• Want 350hp+ on a proper build? → GTB2265VK with high-flow manifold.
• 400hp+ track or competition build? → GTB2871 ball-bearing unit with welded manifold.

If you’re unsure which turbo suits your engine code and power target, drop us a message before ordering.

Browse the full VAG TDI hybrid turbo range at UK Turbo Performance →

Why Buy From UK Turbo Performance?

• All turbos are Essex built in the UK
• One-year warranty against manufacturing and parts defects
• Expert fitment and compatibility advice before you buy
• Fast UK dispatch
• Turbos clocked and configured to your vehicle and build spec at checkout