Hi; I'm an expat living in Beijing and looking to purchase a new Octavia. Out here we have no diesel choices; the engine choices are the 1.6L 16V, 2.0MPI and 1.8TSi. I'm not looking for a real 'sporty' car per say, so the 1.8 is not among my choices due to additional cost.

Originally I wanted to purchase the 1.6 but was informed that I'd have to wait 1.5 months to take delivery. However, a dealer can get a 2.0mpi in the trim level and color I want in a couple of days. I only drove a 1.6 and haven't had a chance to see or drive the 2.0 yet. The price difference is negligible between the two.

What surpised me when I was going through the Octavia literature was that the 2.0MPI actually had a slower 0-100 time than the 1.6 despite having 12 HP more!!! I'm guessing the engine must be much heavier than the 1.6 to do that.

My queries: Which would you choose between 2.0 and 1.6 if price and taxes were identical?

What are the main differences between the 2 engines. Where would the 2.0 excel over the 1.6?

Is there a typo in the Octavia literature or is it generally recognized that the 1.6 will accelerate faster than the 2.0 mpi with a manual transmission?

What is the engline reliability history between the 2 choices?

Thanks

Interesting set of engines down there...

If the 1.6 16V engine is the same as in Seat Leon Mk1, then I can confirm, that it is very nice machine, which really makes you think it has got more than stated 105hp. It had no problems so far (5 years).

I have never driven a 2.0MPI, but have heard of it, that it is quite lazy and thirsty one. I hope one could confirm that.

Considering this I would go for 1.6 16V, though 1.8TSI is by far the best choice. I waited 3 months for mine to arrive, so 1.5 months is not too much to wait...

Is the 2.0 the old 8v? If so it's not a bad engine, but thirsty for the performance offered. Also prone to high oil usage.

The 1.6 is quite good... in the Fabia! You may find it very lethargic in the Octavia.

The 1.8TSI is a brilliant engine, it's flexible like a diesel, but with a better power band. Would also hold on to it's value better, and be the more relaxing car to drive. I'd wait the 1.5 months!

In the UK we used to have a 2.0FSI engine with 150bhp , not a 2.0MPI. That was 35bhp more than the 1.6FSI with 115bhp.

Both have now been replaced with smaller turbo engines - 1.8TSI and 1.4TSI which are faster and more economical.

I'd avoid buying the older design engines if possible.

nothing to add from my side.

(so why am I writing this in the first place?)

Helpful... I have to say I first drove the 1.6L and was quite happy with the pull down low. Afterwards when I actually read the specs I was surprised it was only 106 hp (as stated in dealer lit). The 2.0 states 118 hp with a slower 0-100 time. Perhaps the power will be more apparent at higher speeds. I think I'll test drive a 2.0 to compare. The idea of having an 'oil consuming' engine sounds ancient!

My vote would go to the 1.8TSI