I'm currently running a mk 2 with the "old" 1.4 tsi (122bhp version) - looking at getting a mk 3 and def want dsg but not sure whether to go for the 1.6 or 1.4. I really like the 1.4 in my mk 2 and assume the mk 3 version is just as good if not better? I've read a few good things about the 1.6 hence the dilemma.

Any thoughts? Anyone already had this choice, if so which did you go for and any regrets since??

Thanks

Steve

1.6 is an OK engine as it's primarily economy based it's perky enough but lacks the punch of 2.0TDi; Whilst the 1.4 is quite a sporty petrol engine which has a good mix of economy & performance, but not the out & out hooligan element of the vRS.

 

It depends what you want out of the car. Economy or Performance.

 

I tried the 1.4 and it was very nice, but I wanted something with pizazz & it couldn't offer me the pure hooligan element of the vRS.

 

From what I've heard from fora the 1.6 can be a tad on the noisy side when pushed hard.

Driven both but in manual and I think the petrol is the better motor and possible a more suitable DSG match. Also this is the latest generation of petrol and more advanced than the TSI's in the MkII.

 

 

TP

1.4 TSi will be smoother and quite a bit quicker (performance to match the 150 TDi more or less) but 1.6 has reasonable go and will be very cheap to run, considerably cheaper than the 1.4 id have thought particularly if you regularly tap into the 1.4's additional performance.

Depends what your priorities are really.

RE DSG personally would avoid it on the diesels but a good call on the 1.4 petrol.

Edited 16 December, 201312 yr by pipsyp

I test drove the 1.6 TDI and then the 1.4 TSI and the two are cars are like chalk and cheese and I chose the 1.4.

 

I have driven diesels for years and would I go back to a diesel, not unless I was doing mega miles 20000 plus a year.

 

The 1.4 is a dream to drive.

 

Test drive the two cars back to back and you will notice the difference straight away.

The only big problem i find with small turbocharged engines is that they are so reliant on the "charging" to deliver the power, if you tap into the power heavily they turn out not to be particularly efficient.

Also less of an issue but despite the numbers and relatively high torque output for their size they do occasionally betray their small capacity roots, particularly when they run out of puff at the top of the rev range, where as bigger capacity cars the power tails off on something like a 1.4 TSi its like falling off a cliff.

I found this with my old Fabia vRS, it was really quick when given a fistful between a certain RPM band but its fuel economy was terrible when driven that way and as soon as peak torque arrived even on the lead up to peak power its delivery could feel a bit strained.

I suspect being a newer gen engine the new turbo only 1.4 TSi 140 engine is an improvement overall on the twincharger motor, and way better than the 125ps version that predated it but I still think generally the equivaent 2.0 TDi is probably a better bet for most.

I had this same debate when ordering my Elegance....in order to get the lowest emissions and best fuel economy returns with the 1.4 it had to be a DSG and I knew unless taken on a long sensible run if it returned 40mpg id be pretty fortunate, the 2.0 diesel car can return 50mpg all day long almost regardless of how its driven, I do prefer petrol power but in todays times of austerity there is alot tp be said for a diesel car with adequate performance that can be throttled all over the place and still return very reasonable MPG, no petrol car can do that right now.

Id say to the OP that if performance is of any concern along with guaranteed reasonable running costs then youve got to consider a 2.0 TDi as well. The 2.0 TDi 150 is every bit as fast as a MK2 vRS diesel but can return 60mpg v easily with 20 quid a year road tax....that did it for me

Edited 17 December, 201312 yr by pipsyp

I was absolutely sure I wanted to replace my Mk2 2.0 TDI with a Mk3 2.0 TDI till I back to back test drove first the 2.0 TDI manual then the 1.4 TSI DGS, now I only do 13K miles per year and I'm so impressed by how smooth and quiet the TSI is, the £165-170 p.a. fuel seems insignificant to me (data from Whatcar's My true MPG). 

 

Although, it must be said my driving style is fast and I do notice if you drive more sedately, there is a bigger fuel saving between the two however, if you drive fast, the 2.0 TDI is the beter option and I've previously found fasting driving with diesels really do benefit from a tuning box.  I currently have a Chipexpres one in the Mk2 but, loads of guys on here seem to favour the DTUK one.

 

Regards

T

1.4TSi all day long. Ive driven it back to back with the 150 TDi and i preferred it in every respect, let alone against the 1.6TDi! Its a quick, light, refined and responsive little engine.

+1, the new 1.4 TSI is too great to pass.

1.4 TSI, for me too, it still puts a smile on my face, after years of driving turbo diesels .

1.4 TSI, for me too, it still puts a smile on my face, after years of driving turbo diesels .

 

I have just got in from a drive in my 1.4 and have to say exactly the same.

 

On the way back I had a very slow driver in front of me and an itchy boy racer in his chavalier behind, got to the round about where we were all turning left into a dual carriage way. Blasted past the slow coach and left the chavalier for dust

 

If I had bought the VRS me thinks my licence would be up for grabs.

Hmmmm....  I kinda think my mind's made up, Carwow has got me a quote of £19,228 on PCP or a local stealer has a 3 month old demo for £16-1/2K due for sale 31-1-14 & DTUK have a tuning box good for 170PS + might need the 18" wheels for the extra grip though.

Test drove both and chose 1.4TSI. No regrets. In case of low-mileage it really is a no-brainer. Quick and smooth.

Test drove both and chose 1.4TSI. No regrets. In case of low-mileage it really is a no-brainer. Quick and smooth.

 

Exactly what I did and this diesel head changed to petrol and no worry about a DPF issue, Ahh.

From what I've been told the DPF issue is non-exsistant on the Mk3, the engine recovery is used to re-gen the DPF if its not hot enough when the ignition is turned off, the petrol is still the better car and makes financial sense under 20K miles p.a.

 

Regards

T