Hi, I thinking of changing my Octavia 1.4 TSI for a new Fabia and wondered which 1.2 TSI engine is best to get. Most reviews seem to prefer the 90ps version, bit I would welcome the view of owners of both this engine and the 110ps. Most of my driving is in town, but I don't want the car I buy to lack power or torque especially on hills. Many thanks.

110 is awesome and has 6 sp gearbox, it pulls from low down in any gear and is quick had, 1.9 tdi and 1.6 cr prefer the 1.2 110 already

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Edited 11 May, 201610 yr by Guest

I'm happy with 90 here.

I'm sure the 110 is faster(nicer) but 90 is a sensible choice given it's performance to price. There is a major leap from 75 hp to 90 and a lesser one from 90 to 110. Reason bering that the 75 pulls only 95nm at high revs (+3000) whereas the 90 and 110 pulls respectively 160 mm and 175nm from only 1400 rpm (a 15nm difference at same rpm). In summary; speaking in raw performance numbers ye 90 and 110 are not vastly different whereas 60 and 75 hp models both have significantly less torque. I believe that is why reviewers point at the 90 model, it's a very sensible choice if value for money is a priority.

We test drove both 90 & 110 Monte's, & went for the 110. Glad we did as it's a great little all rounder.

What's important for everyday driving is the amount of torque from low revs and I don't think the small difference between the two TSI engines is at all significant. I have to say that I moved from a 1.9 TDI diesel and I am very pleased with the performance of my 90 TSI  

Makes enough difference when you put adults and luggage in the car, 

and the gearboxes also make a difference.

Id probably say the 90 TSI is probably the sweet spot. Its not heaps slower than the 110 and is usefully cheaper. 6 gears are nice but in a car like that I dont think you'd really miss it unless you do alot of motorway driving.

TBF you could probably stick a tuning box on a 90 and get similar gains to the 110 as the only difference (I believe) is ECU tune and the 6 speed gearbox.

TBF you can probably stick a tuning box on a 1.2 TSI 110ps & have a nice car with a nice gearbox.

Even remap it and have 130ps Plus and a nice gearbox and then run around any place including motorways.

had the fabia 110ps for the day when my car went in for servicing. 

 

thought 110 was good but felt 6sp was too many. should have 5sp like in 90 even though i havent drove 90 before. 

 

might try 90 one day. 

Depends on where you live, and if you regularly travel with others. If there are hills, or car is carrying more then go for the more powerful version.

If you are driving in town seriously consider the DSG

I had a 75bhp citigo for a day during a service and it was seriously hard work driving it in traffic compared to my 1.2 DSG. Haven't tried a 90bhp version but if you must go for a manual, then check out the gear spacing at 30mph, 40mph etc (whatever the speed limit of the roads you drive) as some versions seem to be annoyingly on the margin between 2 gears so don't get comfortable balance between quiet cruising and having to change down at slightest speed change. In town wont use 5th or 6th gear, but if 4th seems wrong gear at town speeds you wont like gearbox. Choose the gearbox first, as that needs to match your driving, that will determine the engine you get.

Our previous car was a 2002 Seat Ibiza FR 105ps with 5 speed box, & it definitely needed the extra gear for the Motorway.

1.2 TSI 110 mated to 6 speed box is a great combination.

Driving a 1.2 TSI 90 hire car these days and I was amazed at the pull it has, actually wanted to come in the mk3 sub-forum and comment on it. Reading now it makes 160Nm explains that feeling. I couldn't imagine needing more power around town unless passengers and stuff loaded all the time, it really felt that eager. It's true that with the 5speed manual you have to make sure you're in the right gear if you want to move quickly but given the 110 is not much up in torque I'd imagine it's all down to whether you can afford it rather than whether and when you're going to need it.

Required the 110 because of the 6-speed gearbox. A few lower revs are great on the motorway.

Would have got a 110 instead of the 90 if the insurance had been cheaper for my daughter. She does a fair bit of motorway driving to and from university, so the extra power and the 6 speed box would have been a bit better. However she hasn't complained about the 90 SE-L as it was a big step up from her previous 2003 1.4 Fiesta.

Yes I wondered if the 110 engine might be worth getting because it comes with the 6 speed gearbox, but actually top gear in the 5 speed is fine. It's still quite highly geared at about

27 mph at 1000 rpm and cruises quietly on the motorway but has plenty of punch. The difference in torque between the two engines is only about 9% at the same rpm and you really won't notice that. The 90 engine is also more economical.

Dont't forget that with the 110ps engine you get disc brake instead of drums on the rear and bigger front discs.

Dont't forget that with the 110ps engine you get disc brake instead of drums on the rear and bigger front discs.

You get disks all round on the 90 as well unless I have the wrong engine in my car [emoji50]

Would have got a 110 instead of the 90 if the insurance had been cheaper for my daughter. She does a fair bit of motorway driving to and from university, so the extra power and the 6 speed box would have been a bit better. However she hasn't complained about the 90 SE-L as it was a big step up from her previous 2003 1.4 Fiesta.

Anything is a step up from a Fiesta.

You get disks all round on the 90 as well unless I have the wrong engine in my car [emoji50]

 

But what about the bigger front brakes - these bigger brakes are the same calliper and discs as were fitted to my VW Passat 4Motion 2.8V6, mind you they never impressed in that car with it being a lot heavier!

Anything is a step up from a Fiesta.

 

Hum, I don't know about that, Ford has always built a car that suits its purpose, it was my wife that did not want another Ford Fiesta when I introduced her to (an under powered) Polo 1.4 back in 2002 - my mistake, current Polo with the 1.2TSI 110PS engines fits the bill now!

The 1.2 will be phased out soon to be replaced by the 1.0 3 cylinder engines from the Golf. They will,be 90 and 110ps also, but even lower co2

Probably coming in at 99g I guess, like the 110PS 1.0 in the Polo?

Have the 110ps engine with DSG since Wednesday. So far I must say I am very impressed with this combination. Engine never feels like it's struggling at any point. The drive is so smooth with the DSG gearbox. I love it!

Got the 110 DSG. Having never driven a Skoda, this thing has been the best car I have bought. Zippy and very frugal. It's a pleasure to fill up each week!

.. wondered which 1.2 TSI engine is best to get. .. Most of my driving is in town, but I don't want the car I buy to lack power or torque especially on hills. ..

 

110ps + DSG for sure then, nothing to think about here. I've test driven both the 90ps (manual) and 110ps (DSG) versions (actually ordered the latter and ended up buying an Ibiza 1.8TSI instead).

 

Tõnu

Edited 1 June, 201610 yr by MantaOwner