1.2 TDI (CFWA) vs EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI)

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI) BUY 80/100
+18 points over 1.2 TDI (CFWA)
0 / 100
CAUTION 1.2 TDI (CFWA) Volkswagen
0 / 100
BUY EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI) Volkswagen

Specifications

1.2 TDI (CFWA)
EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI)
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
CAUTION
BUY
Reliability
62
80
Years
2009--2014
2012--2020
Displacement
1199 cc
1984 cc
Layout
I3
I4
Type
Diesel
Petrol Turbo
Power
75 hp
180--310 hp
Known Issues
3
2
Total Risk Cost
€850--€2,200
€700--€1,500

Character

1.2 TDI (CFWA)

"Polo/Fabia/Roomster. 3-cylinder diesel. Timing belt. DPF clogs rapidly in city use. EGR valve fouling. Very low power. Good motorway economy but terrible for Athens stop-and-go. Linked to EA189 Dieselgate."

EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI)

"Same as Audi EA888 Gen 3. Dual injection, metal tensioner. Golf GTI/R engine. Proven."

Issues Comparison

1.2 TDI (CFWA) 3

▲ HIGH
DPF clogging (city driving) €400--€1,200 30,000 km--60,000 km
▲ HIGH
Timing belt (interference) €250--€500 60,000 km--90,000 km
● MODERATE
EGR valve fouling €200--€500 60,000 km--100,000 km

EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI) 2

● MODERATE
Water pump failure €400--€900 60,000 km--120,000 km
○ MINOR
Intake carbon buildup (reduced in Gen 3) €300--€600 60,000 km--120,000 km

Models

1.2 TDI (CFWA) 2

Fabia 5J 2010--2014 Roomster 5J 2010--2015

EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI) 31

Golf Mk6 (5K) 2010--2012 Golf Mk7 (5G) 2013--2017 Passat B8 (3G) 2014--2019 Superb 3V 2015--2019 Octavia 5E 2013--2017 Octavia 5E 2017--2020 Kodiaq NS 2017--2024 Transporter T5 2012--2015 Transporter T6 2015--2021 Golf Mk7 (5G) 2016--2017 Golf Mk7 (5G) 2013--2019 Leon Mk3 (5F) 2014--2017 Leon 5F 2014--2017 A3 8V 2013--2016 Leon Mk3 (5F) 2016--2018 A3 8V 2016--2020 Leon Mk3 (5F) 2017--2020 Leon 5F 2017--2020 Tiguan AD 2016--2024 Superb 3V 2019--2024 Q3 F3 2019--present Passat B8 (3G) 2019--2023 Arteon 3H 2017--present Ateca KH 2016--present Ateca 2.0 TSI KH 2018--2024 SUV Golf GTI 2.0 TSI 7 2012--2020 Hatchback Golf R 2.0 TSI 7 2012--2020 Hatchback Passat 2.0 TSI B8 2015--2023 Sedan Polo GTI 2.0 TSI AW 2017--2024 Hatchback Scirocco 2.0 TSI 13 2008--2017 Coupe T-Roc R 2.0 TSI A1 2019--2024 SUV
Full 1.2 TDI (CFWA) Report Full EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI) Report