Top Air Intakes for the MQB Platform: What You Need to Know

The EA888 Gen 3 2.0 TSI engine found in the Golf Mk7 R and GTI, Audi S3 and TTS, SEAT Leon Cupra (280/290/300), and Skoda Octavia Mk3 vRS is already a strong performer out of the box. But like most turbocharged engines, it responds incredibly well to a quality air intake upgrade.

A performance air intake can unlock more power and efficiency by increasing airflow into the engine, reducing restriction, and improving throttle response. The benefits are clear: sharper acceleration, faster turbo spool, and a deeper, more aggressive induction sound.

At Progressive Parts, we stock a wide range of aftermarket intakes developed for the MQB platform, each with its own approach to balancing flow, heat management and fitment.

Why Upgrade Your Intake?

Stock intake systems are often built with noise reduction and cost efficiency in mind, not outright performance. This means there’s real potential to improve airflow, especially on tuned vehicles where the stock system can quickly become a bottleneck. A well-designed intake reduces turbulence, increases air volume, and provides cooler charge temps for better combustion.

The results? More consistent performance and reduced strain on your turbo components.

The best air intake systems for the vw mk7 golf 'r' & gti

RacingLine R600 Intake

A long-standing favourite in the MQB community, the RacingLine R600 combines OEM-level fit and finish with genuine performance gains. It makes full use of the front grille scoop and features a sealed housing to shield intake air from under-bonnet heat. Optional upgrades like the RacingLine Intake Hose and Turbo Elbow allow for a smoother, higher-flowing setup.

Cone Filter Intake Systems

Open-cone filter systems offer the most aggressive induction sound and are ideal for those chasing maximum flow. Designs from several brands include features like dual-cone filters, velocity stacks, and oversized pipework that transitions smoothly to the turbo inlet. These systems are particularly popular with stage-tuned vehicles thanks to their ability to support higher power levels.

One example includes a full intake system that uses a dual-cone cotton filter with over 1.3m of filtration surface, paired with a velocity stack and large-bore intake pipework. The geometry is carefully port-matched to the turbo, reducing turbulence and improving spool-up, with the added benefit of relieving stress on the turbo itself. This type of setup suits both stock and mapped cars.

Other Popular Brands

We also stock intakes from brands like MST Performance, Eventuri, Forge Motorsport, Ramair, and others – each offering different combinations of heat shielding, filter media, and pipe design to suit your specific goals.

VAGSport Air Induction Kit
Flow Data & Performance

Stock OEM intake max recorded air flow: 353.8 cfm (cubic feet per minute)
VAGSport Intake max recorded airflow: 504.5 cfm a 42.59% INCREASE