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The Roomster didn't share anything with the Yeti (except the varioflex rear seats) - it's interior was based on the Fabia (Mark II) and its platform was based on a mix of Fabia (front suspension) and Octavia I/Golf IV (rear suspension), while the Yeti is based on the Golf V platform. However, both the Roomster and Yeti were brilliant and original designs that were unique compared with the equivalent VAG mould (actually, the Roomster didn't have any comparable models within VAG). The only original Skoda concept that sustained is the Octavia with its unique liftback concept. I agree that the Roomster was not successful (from pure business perspective), but the Yeti was quite successful so I don't really understand why they 'killed' it.

Until recently, Skoda had maintained some ember of originality and intellectual independence with regard to their portfolio (unlike other brands under VAG group). I do not know if Dieselgate was the trigger or not, but after the targeted elimination of the great (and original) Yeti & Roomster, it is possible to say that Skoda completely lost its independence and fell at the foot of Wolfsburg bean counters. Too bad

Hi Sadders, Keep in mind that the Yeti is the heaviest VAG model that is using the 1.2TSI engine. This implies that the great MPG potential of the 1.2 engine in general, is not likely to excel. I manage to get around 39 MPG, but driving most of the time through light traffic with 60% highway driving.

vRS G60, The timing chain problem was fixed, and your engine is a modified version of the same engine in which this issue is not expected to occur. Enjoy your new 1.2 TSI engine!

I'm an engineer by practice, and although I passed all my physics exams successfully I do not recall any significant scientific evidence which could imply that producing "over hundred HP" might cause trouble. I wish you could share your engineering expertise with us. The TSI technology is in general pretty similar to the one exists in TDI engines (e.g. direct injection with turbo charger), so no significant novelty here. Except of the timing chain issue, which was actually a design fault and has been fixed by the vendor (in 2012), no other issues are known (to my best knowledge). Based on my experience this is a sweet engine, agile and very fun to drive while very economical.

Sanqhar, the quote you brought from Daily Telegraph is relevant to old Turbo chargers. The turbo charger fitted with this engine (and the other TSI engines) doesn't require a special cooling process.

The timing chain problem is a known issue in 1.2 TSI engines that were produced in 2010/11. My 2010 Roomster (previous car) had rattle noise on start up after 20000 miles, and Skoda replaced the chain and the tensioner with no charge. I found an article in Autobild magazine which describe the issue (in German...), see the following link: http://www.autobild.de/artikel/vw-ts...n-3393757.html During 2012, VW introduced a modified version of the engine with a new design of the timing chain and new tensioners, so all engines from 2012 onward (I'm not sure about the exact date) are not expected to have this problem. CharlieB72, considering this is a known issue (there is a TSB for that, but I don't have it unfortunately), and since you had fully service in Skoda dealer, I would expect that Skoda will fix the timing chain with no charge.

After the Roomster was sold out, a new Yeti 1.2 TSI Ambition has been collected this week. I ordered Shark Blue and it looks extremely well :love:

My Roomster is booked in for a timing chain replacement in the next couple of weeks. My warranty has run out a month ago (2 years period), but my shop has sent a mail to Skoda asking for a replacement under "good will" warranty. According to my mechanic, this is a known issue and he believe Skoda will cover for it.

I guess this fix has already a formal TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) by VAG. If someone has a copy of this TSB and can share with us it would be highly appreciated

Short update - no special lubricant is required. I found out that cleaning all the rubbers seals using a wet cloth and dry off solve the irritating noises. My car is quite like a tombe now

What kind of fuel do you use? I used to hear rattling noises (sounds like supermarket cart ) in low revs, but since I've moved to 98 octane, the engine became quite and smooth.

I've owned a Fabia Estate (2008, 1.4 16v) for two years, and I've replaced it with a Roomster 1.2 TSI. I think that as a family car the Roomster is much better car, mainly due to the huge space in the back, the versatile seats and the large windows (exellent for kids). In additon, its handling is better and with the 1.2 TSI it is an excellent car to drive.

In the last couple of weeks, I've been experiencing the same rattles in the driver's window. This is annoying

The mirrors (and the bonnet and the fenders,...) are the same for Fabia and Roomster.

Are you sure regarding the source of the noise? In my Roomster (and actually my former Fabia)sometimes I hear irritating knocking doors. It seesm to me that after the door is locked, there is a space between the ring installed on pilar B and the lock tab. Excessive flexibility of the car's frame causes annoying noise of chatter while driving, especially at the start stop or when driving slowly on dilapidated road. I found out that applying grease on the ring and the lock, has mitigated this issue.

IMO VAG avoided recommending 98 RON due to marketing reasons. My Roomster is one moth old, and in the manual it is mentioned explicitly that using 98 RON improves performance and fuel consumption. If you consider the TSI technology (e.g. high compression ratio, poor fuel/air ratio, etc') 98 RON is expected to be a better fit.

When I picked up my Roomster from the dealer, it had 1/3 tank full with 95 Octane. I've experienced the same 'choking' in idle, or when braking. On my first refull, I've filled it up with 98 Octane, and after ~300Km, the engine behaviour became much better. After my second refueling, I no longer experience any 'chocking' and the engine seems happy. As I mentioned, this engine needs 98 Octane to run smoothly, with full power and optimal fuel consumption.

What kind of fuel do you use?

The TSI engine is based on direct injection technology. It operates in poor fuel/air mixture, in high temperature and very high compression ratio. Therefore high octane (RON 98/99) should be use in order to get optimal running (both from performance and fuel consumption perspectives). I believe that VAG withhold recommending super fuel due to marketing reasons. BTW, it takes about two fuel tanks for the engine controller to adapt to an upgraded fuel, so if you are going to try super please take it into consideration.