The 1.4 TSI is one of only four engines available at launch time. The others are the entry-level 84bhp 1.2 TSI, the pragmatic 104bhp 1.6 TDI and the 148bhp 2.0 TDI. The choice between petrol and The 1.2 TSI does offer extra power, but there have been occasional concerns about its reliability. Some owners have reported issues with the TSI engine, which can lead to higher maintenance costs. On the other hand, the 1.2 MPI is generally considered to be more reliable and might require less maintenance over time. There were some hideous reliability problems with the 180bhp 1.4, not affected the 1.2 AFAIK. Had a 1.2 tsi in a golf and thought the engine was superb really linear in its power delivery if Reliability These are the official statistics, while our visitors describe reliability of Volkswagen with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5. Above it all, drivers of cars with the same engine as Polo 1.2 TSI rank it on average as 4.5 out of 5, exactly the same as the other one. Conclusion. In conclusion, the 1.5 TSI engine is a popular and versatile powerplant. It is well known for its reliability, efficiency, and smooth power delivery. While there may be common VW 1.5 TSI engine problems such as turbocharger failure or oil leaks. My 1.0 TSI with 900 miles is now loosening up nicely and I would say that it has the edge on the 1.2 4 cylinder engines for outright performance. However unless sophistication improves with more mileage I would say that the 1.2 engines were slightly more refined and better mannered. Edited 1 April, 2019 by Robbydazzler Our S model is available with a 104bhp version of the 1.2 TSI engine, but most buyers will be better off saving £1,000 and going for this 84bhp version. It’s so smooth you’ll wonder if it’s 17 Feb 2017. #1. A friend is in the market for a new car and is considering the 1.0 Ford Focus Eco Boost, or the 1.0 Skoda Octavia TSI, Both are 3 cylinder Turbo charged petrol engines. A lot of manufacturers are now using smaller 3 cylinder engines with turbos, I have heard the argument that it is expecting a lot from a very small engine, and Other petrol engines are revised versions of what came before, a pair of sweet but gutless 1.2 three-cylinders (60bhp, I ask you), and the familiar unblown 1.4. Anyway, back to that 1.2 TSi. The 2.5L is definitely the most reliable engine in my book (264k mi on an all original engine/trans obviously other than accessory belts/pulleys and a valve cover for my 09’ rabbit). I don’t know the efficiency of the vr6 but the 2.5L is far from efficient for what it is, but it more than makes up for that with reliability! 0Dj7m.