Hello, Myself and my husband are looking at the new octavia 1.6 tdi. It would be for driving up the A9 30 miles a day. We were looking at the 2.0 tdi and there is a difference in the price. Does anyone have a 1.6tdi and know if it has got good power to pull such a big car? We want something good enough to over take. The 1.6 is standing out with not paying road tax. Any help would be much appreciated.

The 1.6 is a surprising little engine, back in 1996 the Audi A4 1.9 TDI 110 SE (Which was one of the best diesel engines at the time) made almost the same power and torque with a 300cc bigger engine.

 

It's ok, it'll do the 30 miles a day without problems, overtaking might need a bit of planning in advance but it's capable of doing it.

 

I found that the 1.6 was "hey, that's not bad", followed by "oh, that's all there is".  You get reasonable acceleration but find very quickly that it's going flat out all the time, put your foot down further and you don't get any more acceleration.

 

The 2.0 is a significantly better unit but the penalty is there in more fuel usage and higher tax bracket.

 

Go try both on the sort of roads you'll use them on everyday then decide what suits you best.

Best to take a test drive but I came from 2.0 TDI 140bhp Audi A3 DSG to Octavia 1.6 TDI with DSG and of course performance is less but is still decent, also for overtaking.

I have a 1.6 tdi with a DSG box and ok I will have to pay £20. a year road fund tax but yes it is fine on motorways as today run down the lenght of the M2 at 60 mph with the c/c on. The gear box stayed in 7th and rev counter was showing 1,500 rpm and my Elegance estate returned just over 60mpg on the trip computer.

So yes plenty more power left to over take as I was in eco mode and all you need to is select sports by pushing the auto gear stick back and of you go.

Regards

Colin.

I have the 1.6 Tdi with DSG 'box (Elegance hatch) & find it has plenty of power both for normal use and for when a good overtaking push is needed - I have never found it wanting in the five months & 4000 miles of driving over all types of roads, and this is from someone whose previous cars have been Audi's, BMW's and a Mercedes, so order with confidence in both the car and the savings you'll make !

I certainly have no regrets, and wish you an equally great purchase.

JKW

The 1.6 TDi is more than adequate in the MK3, low kerb weight and decent torque will throw it around quite happily. Will be a fair bit more spritely than its MK2 equivalent.

The 2.0 TDi is of course another proposition altogether, with an additional 45hp and 52lb/ft pulling around hardly any more weight than the 1.6 TDi its frankly a quick car. Bang per buck i'd go as far to say a 2.0 TDi Elegance is probably a better proposition than a vRS TDi; so negligable is the performance difference. Probably quite a bit less economical than the 1.6 though, I'm only getting about 420-440 miles out of a tank in my 2.0 though its only done about 600 miles.

We have been pleasantly surprised by the 1.6tdi's performance, having come from a Mk1 vRS. You do need to rev it a bit, but anything over 2k rpm gives enough grunt to overtake safely.

I can second what the others said. I was planning on buying a 2.0 TDi but visiting my mate in Switzerland he took me for a ride in his 1.6 and I found there's more than enough power for driving around town. It's not a racehorse, although it has less than 500 miles on the clock.

Thank you for all your replies! Sounds like the 1.6 is great. Just to pick a colour now!!!

The op states that the 1.6 stands out because of the zero tax, the 2.0tdi is only 20 quid after year one so effectively not much in it. In real terms over long distances are the mpgs of the two that different? Not sure how the two compare on a pcp, I guess the 2.0 will be more, but how much more? If you are buying outright guess the 1.6 makes sense.

Re 1.6CR, I own a 2012 Roomster with very similar engine (CAYC) and my experience with this engine is far from smooth. From new, it has shown consistent 20% more fuel consumption than brochure data (my previous 2 diesel Skodas used spot on combined economy figure). At 6 months, a DPF EGT sensor replaced under warranty (quickly and painlessly at the local dealership). And now after less than 2 years and 16k miles, a major hassle - fuel ingress into oil at a consistent rate of 1pint/350miles (or 1l of fuel every 1000km going into engine oil). Likely due to a leaky injector or injector spray pattern problems, as DPF operation does not seem to affect leak rate much. 

 

The fuel in oil issue has been investigated at the dealership on and off for the past 3 weeks, still unresolved although I am reasonably sure they are doing their best given SUKs apparent unwillingness to try out a new set of injectors (and we do have a courtesy car to use in the meantime). Until resolved, oil change every 300 miles or less. SUK is informed/complained to, good response so far, let's see if they deliver. I demanded long term warranty against oil dilution related problems, as diluted oil wears out piston rings and camshafts a lot quicker.  Hopefully, the car can be fixed soon, I need it for a 2k mile half-term trip abroad.

So in summary, YMMV.

 

But I can attest that the 1.6CR/105 is in fact surprisingly good to drive, just not to own, apparently... Even at the time of the Roomster purchase, I'd have taken the 2.0CR in a heartbeat, it just was not available on that car. After 3 oil changes in 6 weeks, I spent more on engine oil already than 3.5 years worth of difference in road tax (on Octy), though mercifully the dealership did provide a bottle of Quantum for the latest change. 

Re 1.6CR, I own a 2012 Roomster with very similar engine (CAYC) and my experience with this engine is far from smooth. From new, it has shown consistent 20% more fuel consumption than brochure data (my previous 2 diesel Skodas used spot on combined economy figure). At 6 months, a DPF EGT sensor replaced under warranty (quickly and painlessly at the local dealership). And now after less than 2 years and 16k miles, a major hassle - fuel ingress into oil at a consistent rate of 1pint/350miles (or 1l of fuel every 1000km going into engine oil). Likely due to a leaky injector or injector spray pattern problems, as DPF operation does not seem to affect leak rate much.

The fuel in oil issue has been investigated at the dealership on and off for the past 3 weeks, still unresolved although I am reasonably sure they are doing their best given SUKs apparent unwillingness to try out a new set of injectors (and we do have a courtesy car to use in the meantime). Until resolved, oil change every 300 miles or less. SUK is informed/complained to, good response so far, let's see if they deliver. I demanded long term warranty against oil dilution related problems, as diluted oil wears out piston rings and camshafts a lot quicker. Hopefully, the car can be fixed soon, I need it for a 2k mile half-term trip abroad.

So in summary, YMMV.

But I can attest that the 1.6CR/105 is in fact surprisingly good to drive, just not to own, apparently... Even at the time of the Roomster purchase, I'd have taken the 2.0CR in a heartbeat, it just was not available on that car. After 3 oil changes in 6 weeks, I spent more on engine oil already than 3.5 years worth of difference in road tax (on Octy), though mercifully the dealership did provide a bottle of Quantum for the latest change.

All the engines used in the MQB platform cars are a completely new generation of motor, related of course but v different. Just more or less happen to have the same outputs, the 1.4 TSI and 2.0 TDI 150/184 aside.

The 2.0 TDi 150 IMHO isnt the most refined motor in the world, its not a great deal quieter than the MK2 170 CR Octavia I had previously, drives a damn sight better though. Power delivery is way better and despite the lower output the better delivery and considerably lower kerb weight makes for an easily as quick if not quicker car.

Id expect similar for the 1.6....better delivery and lower weight will mean it will go better than the equivalent MK2, probably better than a Roomster despite being a much larger car as there will be little difference in kerb weight.

Edited 4 March, 201412 yr by pipsyp

1.6tdi cr don't touch them ,    2.0tdi cr much better power and fuel economy , my 1.6 cr Octavia has lower mpg than my superb 2.0cr 170 !!!!!

I just did a 3000 mile trip to the South of Europe in a 1.6tdi combi, 4 people, roof box, and bike on the roof. It is plenty powerful for any normal use. Easily followed the left (fast) lane at 80-90 mph.  Overtaking is brisk enough as well for any normal use.  

 

Fuel consumption on a regular run was about 4.5 l/100km, so very decent. 

 

And this comes from someone driving a 200 bhp coupe to work every day, so I'm used to powerful cars. For my wife, the 1.6tdi would more than suffice.

I have 1.6 tdi elegance hatch and can say overtaking is not an issue at all, the only issue i have is with the pick-up. I seem to struggle with the pick-up especially when stopped at the traffic lights

As this thread has revived... I HATE the VAG 1.6 TDI. Horribly underpowered, it has zero low end torque (which is odd for a derv - it's like they tuned it to behave like a petrol), and is mated only to a 5 speed (at least in the case of the Yeti I am driving on loan right now).

Not sure what overtaking you guys do but I find it difficult to find safe gaps to do it in (I live in rural Dorset so no motorways and limited dual carriageway combined with many slow tractors/caravans make for the need for much overtaking).

For comparison the BMW 1.6TDI (90bhp) is an awesome engine - didn't mind that in my Mrs Mini we just sold, and I'm used to 300bhp+ in my cars...

I used to have a Vw Tiguan 2.0tdi with 140hp. My MK3 1,6tdi with DSG is not slower than the Tiguan. Overtaking is no problem at all! Def not a racecar, but I did'nt buy a racecar eighter. If I want some action, I take my Honda Vfr 800 for a spin

As this thread has revived... I HATE the VAG 1.6 TDI. Horribly underpowered, it has zero low end torque (which is odd for a derv - it's like they tuned it to behave like a petrol), and is mated only to a 5 speed (at least in the case of the Yeti I am driving on loan right now).

Not sure what overtaking you guys do but I find it difficult to find safe gaps to do it in (I live in rural Dorset so no motorways and limited dual carriageway combined with many slow tractors/caravans make for the need for much overtaking).

For comparison the BMW 1.6TDI (90bhp) is an awesome engine - didn't mind that in my Mrs Mini we just sold, and I'm used to 300bhp+ in my cars...

So, you are comparing a 1.6tdi Yeti with a Mini on a thread about Octavias and you normally drive 300bhp + cars....

So, you are comparing a 1.6tdi Yeti with a Mini on a thread about Octavias and you normally drive 300bhp + cars....

 

Welcome to the Internet, you must be new here...

So, you are comparing a 1.6tdi Yeti with a Mini on a thread about Octavias and you normally drive 300bhp + cars....

The Yeti/Octavia have the same engine and weigh similar amounts - the thread is about the engine so the car it's in is irrelevant.

My comparison with the Mini is making the point that other manufacturers have MUCH better 1.6 TDI engines. My point on 300bhp cars was that I was happy with the torquey 90bhp BMW unit despite my usual high power preference, it got you from A to B without any worries, whereas the VAG 1.6 TDI engine is a lemon.

Even my Wife who is absolutely not someone who cares about going fast, complains bitterly about the Yeti and the fact that it suggests shifting to 4th@30mph only for you to be greeted with a struggling grumbling lumpy pig under the bonnet as it has no low end torque, she also moans that all she seems to do is change gear as the slightest hint of an incline and you not only need to drop 1 cog (which would would not have had to do in the Mini), but usually 2!

Also, to further back up my point, on the A1 forum EVERYONE complains about the 1.6 TDI as well (which is the same unit as this thread is about). Most comments are along the lines of 'Slow, and crap MPG, might as well get the 2.0 as it has more power and often better MPG!'.

My post was well constructed drawing conclusions from direct relevant evidence, as well as making it clear I am not just moaning I don't like it because it's slow in comparison to a 300bhp car (because obviously any 1.6TDI is!), it's genuinely underpowered and not as efficient as it should be compared to other 1.6 TDI units out there. If you are buying a VAG derv, get the 2.0 TDI.

Now go back in your hole!

 

EDIT: I just noticed what you drive. Maybe your post is suggesting you don't want to admit you made a mistake with your purchase... Either that or you are the people I overtake struggling to do 40mph up a minor hill and you're OK with that?

Edited 29 August, 201411 yr by josedebardi

I agree it has little torque below 1500 rpm, but if you're trying to overtake with those kinds of revs, you're driving in the wrong gear. The shift indicator is horrible, that is true: if you follow its advice, you'll be at too low revs most of the time.  Just ignore it, and I found the engine plenty strong to follow a Golf R (obviously not driven flat out) on a Pyrenees mountain road, including overtaking lots of slower drivers... It has 250 Nm of torque at 2500 rpm, which is as much as my 200 bhp petrol turbo.  

Edited 29 August, 201411 yr by GatorLinearFade

I agree it has little torque below 1500 rpm, but if you're trying to overtake with those kinds of revs, you're driving in the wrong gear. The shift indicator is horrible, that is true: if you follow its advice, you'll be at too low revs most of the time.  Just ignore it, and I found the engine plenty strong to follow a Golf R (obviously not driven flat out) on a Pyrenees mountain road, including overtaking lots of slower drivers... It has 250 Nm of torque at 2500 rpm, which is as much as my 200 bhp petrol turbo.  

 

You must have been working hard to keep up! The 250Nm claim to be available 1500-2750 but it feels more like 2400-2600 as you say to me! Above 3k there is nothing, they may as well have moved the red line to 3200!

I can reccomend the 1.6 TDI as well. Enough power, smooth/silent ride and great economy - unless you drive it like an idiot.

Now go back in your hole!

Those six words are all that anyone needs to read in order to decide what to think about your opinions.

Have a nice day :-)

Nought wrong with the 1.6, in fact I am sure the EA288 version in the O3 is leagues better than the previous gen motor if the 2.0 is anything to go by.

At the end of the day a 105hp diesel car is never going to set the world on fire but its torquey and plenty adequate for most, v frugal and cheap to run too.