I'm interested to hear people's thoughts on timing chains in the TSI engines as it concerns me that the chain is quite a major component not to require any maintenance (according to my local dealer) because if it fails that's effectively the engine knackered.

I queried this with Skoda Uk and they gave me the worlds best worded answer for not wanting to take responsibility.

The oil pump is a major component and that requires no maintenance. Chains should last much longer than a belt, but they are by no means indestructible.