1.7 SDI (AKU) vs 1.6 MPI

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
1.6 MPI BUY 82/100
+4 points over 1.7 SDI (AKU)
0 / 100
BUY 1.7 SDI (AKU) Volkswagen
0 / 100
BUY 1.6 MPI Volkswagen

Specifications

1.7 SDI (AKU)
1.6 MPI
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
BUY
BUY
Reliability
78
82
Years
1997--2005
2000--2015
Displacement
1716 cc
1598 cc
Layout
I4
I4
Type
Diesel
Petrol Na
Power
60 hp
102--110 hp
Known Issues
2
0
Total Risk Cost
€250--€600
€0--€0

Character

1.7 SDI (AKU)

"Arosa/Lupo. Indirect injection diesel — no turbo, no common rail, no DPF. Extremely simple. Unbreakable mechanically. Timing belt. Glow plugs. 60hp feels painfully slow but engine can run forever. Perfect for those who want diesel simplicity."

1.6 MPI

"Simple, slow, reliable. No turbo = no turbo problems. Basic transport. Polo/Golf/Caddy."

Issues Comparison

1.7 SDI (AKU) 2

▲ HIGH
Timing belt (interference) €200--€400 60,000 km--90,000 km
○ MINOR
Glow plug failure €50--€200 80,000 km--150,000 km

1.6 MPI 0

No documented issues.

Models

1.7 SDI (AKU) 1

Arosa 6H 1997--2004

1.6 MPI 24

A4 B5 1995--2001 Felicia 791 1996--2001 Polo 6N 1995--2001 Ibiza Mk2 (6K) 1993--2002 Octavia 1U 1999--2004 Toledo Mk2 (1M) 1999--2004 Golf Mk4 (1J) 1997--2003 Leon Mk1 (1M) 1999--2006 A3 8L 1996--2003 Octavia 1U 1996--2004 Golf Mk3 (1H) 1992--1997 Passat B5 (3B) 1996--2005 Cordoba 6K/6L 1999--2009 Ibiza 6K 1993--2002 Leon 1M 1999--2005 Toledo Mk3 (5P) 2005--2009 Altea 5P 2004--2015 Octavia 1Z 2004--2013 Leon Mk2 (1P) 2005--2010 A3 8P 2003--2012 Exeo 3R 2009--2013 Caddy 2K 2004--2010 Leon 1P 2005--2012 Fabia 5J 2007--2010
Full 1.7 SDI (AKU) Report Full 1.6 MPI Report