EA111 1.2 TSI (CBZA/CBZB/CBZC) vs 1.9 TDI VE (1Z/AHU/AFN/ALH/ASV/AHF/AGR)
Side-by-side reliability comparison
Higher reliability score
1.9 TDI VE (1Z/AHU/AFN/ALH/ASV/AHF/AGR)
BEST
89/100
+23 points over EA111 1.2 TSI (CBZA/CBZB/CBZC)
0
/ 100
CAUTION
EA111 1.2 TSI (CBZA/CBZB/CBZC)
Volkswagen
0
/ 100
BEST
1.9 TDI VE (1Z/AHU/AFN/ALH/ASV/AHF/AGR)
Volkswagen
Specifications
EA111 1.2 TSI (CBZA/CBZB/CBZC)
1.9 TDI VE (1Z/AHU/AFN/ALH/ASV/AHF/AGR)
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
CAUTION
BEST
Reliability
66
89
Years
2009--2015
1991--2006
Displacement
1197 cc
1896 cc
Layout
I4
I4
Type
Petrol Turbo
Diesel
Power
85--105 hp
75--110 hp
Known Issues
1
8
Total Risk Cost
€800--€6,000
€1,571--€4,540
Character
EA111 1.2 TSI (CBZA/CBZB/CBZC)
"The 8-valve chain-driven 1.2 TSI in the Golf 6, Polo 6R, Fabia II, Ibiza 6J, Yeti and Caddy. VW admitted the timing chain can stretch and jump; failures from 30,000-40,000 km in the worst cases. Buy only with a chain-kit invoice, and change oil every 10,000-15,000 km."
1.9 TDI VE (1Z/AHU/AFN/ALH/ASV/AHF/AGR)
"The rotary-pump TDI that built the legend. Simple VP37 injection, 500,000 km examples are documented. Weak spots are wear items: injection-pump seals, VTG turbo vanes, EGR soot and the dual-mass flywheel. Keep the timing belt on schedule - it is an interference engine."
Issues Comparison
EA111 1.2 TSI (CBZA/CBZB/CBZC) 1
▲ HIGH
Timing chain tensioner and guide wear — chain stretch, can jump (VW-acknowledged)
1.9 TDI VE (1Z/AHU/AFN/ALH/ASV/AHF/AGR) 8
▲ HIGH
Timing belt replacement — interference engine
▲ HIGH
Timing belt - interference engine, 60,000-120,000 km interval by variant
● MODERATE
VP37 injection pump seals and electronics wear
● MODERATE
VTG turbo vanes and actuator sticking (AFN/ALH/ASV)
● MODERATE
Dual-mass flywheel wear
○ MINOR
EGR valve sooting and intake clogging
○ MINOR
Turbo wear at very high mileage
○ MINOR
Injection pump wear (very high mileage)