EA211 1.2 TSI vs 1.9 TDI (ALH)

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
1.9 TDI (ALH) BEST 92/100
+17 points over EA211 1.2 TSI
0 / 100
ACCEPTABLE EA211 1.2 TSI Volkswagen
0 / 100
BEST 1.9 TDI (ALH) Volkswagen

Specifications

EA211 1.2 TSI
1.9 TDI (ALH)
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
ACCEPTABLE
BEST
Reliability
75
92
Years
2012--2020
1996--2006
Displacement
1197 cc
1896 cc
Layout
I4
I4
Type
Petrol Turbo
Diesel
Power
86--110 hp
90 hp
Known Issues
0
3
Total Risk Cost
€0--€0
€1,150--€2,900

Character

EA211 1.2 TSI

"Small turbo. Efficient city engine. Timing belt not chain. Reliable if belt maintained."

1.9 TDI (ALH)

"The legendary ALH. 500k+ miles documented. Simple mechanical injection. Nearly unkillable. Belt-driven."

Issues Comparison

EA211 1.2 TSI 0

No documented issues.

1.9 TDI (ALH) 3

▲ HIGH
Timing belt replacement — interference engine €250--€500 60,000 km--90,000 km
○ MINOR
Injection pump wear (very high mileage) €400--€1,200 250,000 km--∞
○ MINOR
Turbo wear at very high mileage €500--€1,200 200,000 km--∞

Models

EA211 1.2 TSI 23

Ibiza Mk3 (6L) 2002--2008 Polo 9N 2001--2009 Fabia 6Y 2002--2007 Ibiza 6L 2002--2008 Roomster 5J 2006--2015 Fabia 5J 2007--2014 Fabia 5J 2007--2014 Ibiza 6J 2008--2017 Caddy 2K 2010--2015 Toledo Mk4 (KG) 2013--2019 Fabia 5J 2010--2014 Ibiza 6J 2010--2015 Fabia 5J 2010--2014 Roomster 5J 2010--2015 Ibiza Mk4 (6J) 2010--2015 Golf Mk6 (5K) 2009--2012 Yeti 5L 2009--2018 Ibiza 6J 2010--2015 Polo 6R/6C 2010--2014 Polo 6R/6C 2009--2014 Ibiza Mk4 (6J) 2008--2017 Fabia 1.2 TSI NJ 2014--2021 Hatchback Polo 1.2 TSI 6R 2009--2017 Hatchback

1.9 TDI (ALH) 2

Golf 1.9 TDI MK4 1997--2004 Hatchback Polo 1.9 TDI 9N 2001--2009 Hatchback
Full EA211 1.2 TSI Report Full 1.9 TDI (ALH) Report