Hi!

I've purchased recently 2.0 TDI 150hp and I'm very happy with it.

However from another point of view I still search for answers to justify the decision

I'm aware of the DPF and petrol vs diesel stuff. What I look for are :

1. power to nm graphics for the three engines

2. How does 1.4 performs against 1.8 as it has similar nm curves??Where is the difference one can benefit and feel? Excluding max speed where hp are playing role.

3. How does 1.4 and 1.8 TSI play against 2.0 diesel in normal conditions?Do they perform as good when loaded w/ people? Can you benefit from TSI when taking over on regular roads?

I'm confused, drove in the past 1.4 150hp and 2.0 150hp and decided I want volume available for more refined and strong,long lasting engine. Still I want to understand the technical part behind the marketing.

Had manual only Mk 2 1.8 TSi, and now have Mk 3 1.4 TSi, and can hardly tell the difference in terms of oomph. But 1.4 is remarkably economical in mpg, road tax etc.

Haven't driven diesels, and have no reason to use one. Mk. 3 seems a little less "solid" build than Mk. 2 but not enough to be a bother - so far !

Edited 9 August, 20169 yr by ednmra

Looks like Skoda have a few graphs available here (although they seem older, and the 1.4tsi is the 140PS, not the 150PS). https://media.skoda-auto.com/en/_layouts/Skoda.PRPortal/pictures.aspx?q=engine&category=0

 

Seems like the 1.4tsi and the 1.8tsi are the same car, until you push on past 4000/4500 rpm....

 

1.4TSI: https://media.skoda-auto.com/Pictures/Products/New%20Octavia/_w/Oc_14_103_jpg.jpg

 

1.8TSI: https://media.skoda-auto.com/Pictures/Products/New%20Octavia/_w/Oc_18_132_jpg.jpg

 

2.0TDI: https://media.skoda-auto.com/Pictures/Products/New%20Octavia/_w/Oc_20TDI_110_jpg.jpg

Edited 9 August, 20169 yr by danbt79

Had manual only Mk 2 1.8 TSi, and now have Mk 3 1.4 TSi, and can hardly tell the difference in terms of oomph. But 1.4 is remarkably economical in mpg, road tax etc.!

Really ?

Edited 9 August, 20169 yr by themanwithnoaim

Gotta say what you see from the Skoda graphs is just the factory tuning MODEL

None of the VAG engines are ever as low as the published figures and all are very tune-able. The limited torque values only occur in 1st and 2nd gear with a stage 1 remap showing 312Nm on the little 1.4 TSI

Power is more subjective as it ain't what throws you down the road which shows why Skoda chose to widen the torque range in the 1.8. As for the diesel well, the torque increase is decreased almost directly by the additional weight.

Petrol goes faster as far as I'm concerned let's face it, the term is petrol-head and not diesel - head isn't it

Edited 9 August, 20169 yr by themanwithnoaim

Really ?

Yes really! The only time it occurs to me that I'm on the smaller engine is if I am full of passengers, maybe going up a hill, and then all I do is hold the lower gears a bit longer up the rev range before I change up.

Apart from that it feels the same, probably because I'm never using all its got anyway, and also probably never did in the 1.8.

Anyway, bottom line is I'm happy with the 1.4 performance, for my needs and love the savings in costs!!

I havent tried the tdi or 1.4TSI, but I do own the 1.8TSI 4x4. And its quite fast. It overtakes like a dream (at least compared to my old 115bhp Mondeo tdci).

My mate who has a 170bhp diesel c-class merc was surprised how fast it was from standstill.

Looks like Skoda have a few graphs available here (although they seem older, and the 1.4tsi is the 140PS, not the 150PS). https://media.skoda-auto.com/en/_layouts/Skoda.PRPortal/pictures.aspx?q=engine&category=0

 

Seems like the 1.4tsi and the 1.8tsi are the same car, until you push on past 4000/4500 rpm....

 

1.4TSI: https://media.skoda-auto.com/Pictures/Products/New%20Octavia/_w/Oc_14_103_jpg.jpg

 

1.8TSI: https://media.skoda-auto.com/Pictures/Products/New%20Octavia/_w/Oc_18_132_jpg.jpg

 

2.0TDI: https://media.skoda-auto.com/Pictures/Products/New%20Octavia/_w/Oc_20TDI_110_jpg.jpg

 

thanks for the links.

 

@ Gromle - in combination w/ 4x4 I also think it's a rocket

@ ednmra - does it lack power when loaded fully on the max nm revs (where it's 250nm) or outside them?

The 1.8 TSI with 4x4 has 280 Nm and not 250 Nm like the front wheel drive version.

The 1.4 TSI is a genius engine as is. For all normal day to day driving this is the best IMO

The 1.8 TSI is a genius engine if you want to go a bit further with tuning etc. And it is faster if your using WOT

 

You will notice the difference between 1.4 & 1.8 good if you hook on a trailer.

Looks like Skoda have a few graphs available here (although they seem older, and the 1.4tsi is the 140PS, not the 150PS). https://media.skoda-auto.com/en/_layouts/Skoda.PRPortal/pictures.aspx?q=engine&category=0

 

Seems like the 1.4tsi and the 1.8tsi are the same car, until you push on past 4000/4500 rpm....

 

1.4TSI: https://media.skoda-auto.com/Pictures/Products/New%20Octavia/_w/Oc_14_103_jpg.jpg

 

1.8TSI: https://media.skoda-auto.com/Pictures/Products/New%20Octavia/_w/Oc_18_132_jpg.jpg

 

2.0TDI: https://media.skoda-auto.com/Pictures/Products/New%20Octavia/_w/Oc_20TDI_110_jpg.jpg

 

The one thing I have noticed about the 1.4tsi is the drop off in pull after 3500ish and the graph seems to support that. But it is still a cracking engine and I tend to shift reasonably short anyway, so no real complaints. The 1.8 seems to have an extra thousand in it.

The thing about the torque vs. power thing is that it's not as clear as people think. It is torque that throws you down the road, but it's torque at the road wheel (not at the flywheel) so gearing comes into it and, without turning this into a maths lecture, the gearing affects the engine rpm at a given road speed, and the net effect for a geared vehicle is that road wheel torque is proportional to engine power, not engine torque ...(puts tin hat on)...

 

The thing is that absolute pace and everyday driving are two different things, so the breadth of the power/torque band comes into it as well, but by virtue of it's extra power I would say that the 1.8TSi should be comfortably the fastest of the three engines, but you have to use the upper rev range to get the advantage. In everyday driving the 1.8TSi and 1.4TSi would feel much closer.

 

I drove the 1.4TSi and 2.0TDi when I bought and decided that they were close enough for pace, and whilst the diesel would have been a little cheaper overall it wasn't enough of a difference, so I chose mostly based on refinement and went for the 1.4TSi. For me it was a great choice, and I would make the same one again, but it depends what aspects of driving you prioritise.

Gotta say what you see from the Skoda graphs is just the factory tuning MODEL

None of the VAG engines are ever as low as the published figures and all are very tune-able. The limited torque values only occur in 1st and 2nd gear with a stage 1 remap showing 312Nm on the little 1.4 TSI

Power is more subjective as it ain't what throws you down the road which shows why Skoda chose to widen the torque range in the 1.8. As for the diesel well, the torque increase is decreased almost directly by the additional weight.

Petrol goes faster as far as I'm concerned let's face it, the term is petrol-head and not diesel - head isn't it

Not necessarily true - have a look at the comparison video on YouTube of the Alpina D3 (350 ps) vs. M3 (430ps).

The massive torque advantage of the diesel sees it only a whisker behind the M3 from a standing start, and it's actually faster than the M3 around the course they take it on!

Not Skoda related I know, but it's all relative.

Looks like Skoda have a few graphs available here (although they seem older, and the 1.4tsi is the 140PS, not the 150PS). https://media.skoda-auto.com/en/_layouts/Skoda.PRPortal/pictures.aspx?q=engine&category=0

Would be interesting to compare those power curves with the engine speeds the DSG changes up at and the engine speed after it's changed.

Edited 9 August, 20169 yr by Rodge

I had a 2.0 150CR TDI O3 until recently and I'd say it was on a par in terms of performance with the 1.4 TSI 140/150, but the petrol would give you smooth refinement whereas the diesel gives you an extra 10mpg in like for like driving conditions plus better towing ability. Our 1.8 TSI180 (Leon not O3) on the other hand has a split personality, it is happy to pootle round town but stick the DSG in sport mode and it turns into a fire breathing beast! On paper I think the 1.8 is about a full second quicker 0-62 than the 1.4 or the 150CR which are only about 0.1 secs apart if memory serves me correct.

I would not disagree with any of the above but I 'll put my tuppence worth in anyway.

 

When you take torque at the wheels and power/rate ratios into account there seems remarkably little difference in real world performance between the three models, but as usual the devil lies in the detail.

The 4wd 1.8tsi is not available in the UK so I think we should discount that as an option, attractive as it is.

 

The 1.4ti (103/110 kw) is a relatively simple and honest little unit producing its max torque of 250nm from 1500 to 3500 rpm,  in a lightweight body with torsion bar rear suspension. A small turbo concentrates its goodness in the lower revs that most people drive in most of the time. Contributor JHTHYSSEN has performed legendary feats of speed and towing with it so it is capable of operating outside its nominal 'comfort zone' although if you do that regularly then the other engines might be more suitable.

Cheaper to buy, cheap to run and well suited to the urban warrior who sometimes does and wants more. DSG is the lighter duty 7 speed dry version.

 

The 2.0tdi (110kw) is another excellent unit of its kind. Much more engine torque of course but in a narrower band and with the slightly higher body weight and higher gearing means acceleration is almost identical to the 1.4tsi and the same torsion bar rear suspension.

More expensive to buy but can offer better economy than the 1.4tsi if run in the right operating environment. Much better suited to the 'hard life' types that do high annual mileages, towing, car regularly heavily loaded, high speed continental driving. DSG is the heavy duty 6 speed wet version

 

Which leaves us with the 1.8tsi. which is a bit of an odd fish as offered in the UK. Despite having a  slightly larger capacity engine and being fitted with a sophisticated dual port and direct injection system the FWD versions are fitted with the 7 speed DSG so it is limited to 250nm torque (same as the 1.4tsi) albeit over a wider rev range making it about a second faster to 60 mph than the other two. I believe it also comes with the superior multi-link rear suspension so while costing more to buy and run you do get a little more of everything. Whether that extra cost is worth it? Well that is the  buyer's decision.

Personally I think that the 1.8tsi really comes into its own in the continental 4wd versions (and Scout in Australia) where it comes with slightly higher torque and the 6 speed wet DSG box.

 

My personal financial situation (and preference for a manual) dictated purchase of the 1.4tsi and for the price I paid I think it is a cracker of a car but you cannot go far wrong with any of them really.

Edited 10 August, 20169 yr by Gerrycan

Thanks to all,

The car is bought already and I had to wait months for the petrols, while the diesel was available right away. Being happy with the diesel, it really matches my driving style,but coming from solid naturally aspirated petrol, things started to pop up if/then/etc.

All in all the 1.4 is more suitable for me, as it sounds, I test drove it - liked it. Never had a chance however to test 1.8 but with all the info above I connected the pieces how it can be related to 1.4. Multilink - not sure how different that would be for comfort,it's main purpose is stability (specially when cornering). However tax difference here is 280€ if I had taken 1.8.

Damn DPF, not that I have issues (thanks God) but it ruined my complete safisfaction. Plus diesel is heavier when doing fast converning as I already realized practically.

Next time fast petrol (vRS) or hybrid Diesel suits better for heavy cars and loaded ones as I see it and as you said (SUVs, etc) but I have no budget supporting one of those types.

Edited 10 August, 20169 yr by fallenfbsd

Yes, I have probably explored some of the limits of the 1.4 TSI. It is a company car with free private fuel across all of Europe.

 

• the published top speed at 216kph sounds about right The car does not have the same stability at those speeds as my previous Audi A6, but I guess that's what you expect.
  Expect 5km/L or 14mpg at that speed.
   
• I have just returned from summer holidays in northern Italy: 3000+km towing a 1200kg-ish caravan through Kassel hills and Brenner Pass (approx 1400m/4500ft above sea level)
  In Germany our speed was normally about 100kph (Tempo 100 approval) (expect 8km/L or 22 mpg)
  On the way home the climate (air-con) suffered a few times when the ambient temperature was 30-32 celcius and we were going uphill at 100kph. This brought the oil temp to 125 celsius at which point the air-con shuts off...
  We did the home stretch in one go (20 hours, 1500km) with my wife and I alternating behind the wheel

 

Due to the way the car taxing works in Denmark the 1.4 TSI is a no-brainer over the 2.0 TDI for a 3 year ownership unless you do 30000+ miles per year.

 

When my car is due to replacement next year I will almost certainly choose the 1.4 TSI DSG again, although I haven't decided in which car...

Unfortunately I cannot choose the 1.8 TSI or the 2.0 TSI as the emissions are too high for my employer's company car policy (however, for some reason the A4 2.0 TSI is not )

 

The 1.4ti (103/110 kw) is a relatively simple and honest little unit producing its max torque of 250nm from 1500 to 3500 rpm,  in a lightweight body with torsion bar rear suspension. A small turbo concentrates its goodness in the lower revs that most people drive in most of the time.

 

 

Which leaves us with the 1.8tsi. which is a bit of an odd fish as offered in the UK. Despite having a  slightly larger capacity engine and being fitted with a sophisticated dual port and direct injection system the FWD versions are fitted with the 7 speed DSG so it is limited to 250nm torque (same as the 1.4tsi) albeit over a wider rev range making it about a second faster to 60 mph than the other two. I believe it also comes with the superior multi-link rear suspension

 

 

 

All in all the 1.4 is more suitable for me, as it sounds, I test drove it - liked it. Never had a chance however to test 1.8 but with all the info above I connected the pieces how it can be related to 1.4. Multilink - not sure how different that would be for comfort,it's main purpose is stability (specially when cornering).

 

 

The main reason I bought the MK7 Golf estate in the 1.4lt GT spec...multilink rear suspension with sports suspension as standard.

 

Best combination of lightweight nose & superior rear suspension & handling.

 

I have to tie the shopping down in the boot though as it too easy to forget you are driving an estate & drive it like a GTI.....

 

Oh & yes I have driven various Golfs including R32's down my local back roads & my car is as fast as a Mk4 GTI, but handles way better (both on factory suspension).

The main reason I bought the MK7 Golf estate in the 1.4lt GT spec...multilink rear suspension with sports suspension as standard.

 

Best combination of lightweight nose & superior rear suspension & handling.

 

I have to tie the shopping down in the boot though as it too easy to forget you are driving an estate & drive it like a GTI.....

 

Oh & yes I have driven various Golfs including R32's down my local back roads & my car is as fast as a Mk4 GTI, but handles way better (both on factory suspension).

In 2014 I did look at the Golf estate and weighed up the various factors involved between the two but eventually decided on the Octavia estate because:

The Octavia was available in the manual, which I wanted and the Golf was DSG only.

The Golf 1.4tsi was 90kw/200nm and the Octavia 1.4tsi was 103kw/250nm

The Octavia estate  'sportback' styling pushed the top hinge forward compared to the Golf and that made it easier to load awkward loads in the back

The Octavia had the longer wheelbase and better legroom.

 

The Golf did have multi-link rear suspension and climate control aircon and DSG, so was a fair bit more expensive.

I don't push it hard on public roads so the Octavia suspension is fine for handling and ride for me EXCEPT for corrugated dirt roads where I do miss the multi-link rear of the mk2. Similarly the ordinary aircon on the mk3 is fine and I think a bit better and more efficient than climate controlled version on the mk2.

 

If I were to upgrade now then I would probably go for the Ambition Scout with the 110kw diesel with manual gearbox. The 1.8tsi petrol and 132kw diesel versions are DSG only here. 

Over 80% of the roads in Australia are dirt and while most never go on them, there are places we would like to go that a Scout could take us more comfortably than most so called soft road SUVs.

The rear torture beam suspension is considerably improved with an uprated Rear Anti Roll Bar....

Just saying

If I were to upgrade now then I would probably go for the Ambition Scout with the 110kw diesel with manual gearbox. The 1.8tsi petrol and 132kw diesel versions are DSG only here.

Im quite sure they are DSG only everywhere.

Im quite sure they are DSG only everywhere.

:-(

Edited 11 August, 20169 yr by Gerrycan

In 2014 I did look at the Golf estate and weighed up the various factors involved between the two but eventually decided on the Octavia estate because:

The Octavia was available in the manual, which I wanted and the Golf was DSG only.

The Golf 1.4tsi was 90kw/200nm and the Octavia 1.4tsi was 103kw/250nm

 

 

 

Obviously VWAus specs their cars differently to VW UK & Europe, as the MK7 Golf estate has always been available in Manual for all 140/150PS (103/110kw) 1.4TSI versions.

 

I have the 103Kw in manual, but run it on Shell Nitro only, people have dyno'd them as such & they show 154BHP, so the same power as the 150PS ACT version, but without the complexity...

Most cars bought in Aus are auto (80% I think) so importers often don't bother with the manual for all variants.

I'd like to try an ACT version but like you I am not attracted to the complexity.

I am not fast driver, probably not even a good driver but I do know my limitations which my current car is more than capable of meeting and it provides me with a level of satisfaction few other cars could provide (at the price).

On the way home the climate (air-con) suffered a few times when the ambient temperature was 30-32 celcius and we were going uphill at 100kph. This brought the oil temp to 125 celsius at which point the air-con shuts off...

You get Limp Mode EPC fault at 133 oil temp

Dunno why though