Jan 2014 1.4 TSi Octy hatchback with 26K miles on it. When started from cold I can clearly hear, though not loud, a whistling whizzing noise, which is related to the engine speed but doesn't perfectly follow it. I assume this is the turbo I'm hearing. I've not had a turbo car before (except for turbo diesel for less than 12 months nearly a decade ago).

Is hearing the turbo normal, or is it a sinister sign of engine trouble to come? It's not so apparent when the engine's warm. In all other respects the car's performance is fine, in fact  it still surprises me how much quicker and more responsive it is compared my BMW e90 320i I had previously.

I would bet for water pump.

 

There is info in the forum. Here is an example from a friend of mine

 

 

Turbo revs are not really related to engine revs as it responds to the pressure from the exhaust.

So a light 'throttle' position at say 1800 revs will not generate much energy to turn the turbo over compared to a heavier 

throttle' at the same revs. In the latter case the turbo revs would be much higher relative to the same engine speed.

So hopefully something else (cheaper/unimportant) is possibly amiss.

As I said, related to the engine speed but not following it perfectly. So it would it seem it is the turbo I'm hearing because it goes up and down in pitch almost independently of engine revs.

 

Well as the rest of the car seems OK, it'll have to wait until it's much worse or affects car performance before I have it looked at. It's a pity if it is an issue with the turbo because the car's so low mileage but I suppose if the previous owner abused it cold then there's no guarantee it won't be FUBAR'd prematurely.

I doubt there is a problem with the turbo at that low mileage.

 

These engines are not the quietest, the hydraulic tappets rattle a bit until the oil pressure gets up, turbo will whine a little also. They are direct injection also, so the injectors are noisy also. There are some YouTube videos of the usual noises.

 

As long as it isn't using oil, the performance and mpg are good, then there isn't a problem.

 

I trust you're servicing it annually and checking the oil regularly? Clean oil is the single most important thing to keep and engine and turbo in good health.