Skoda and Volkswagen do not have very large types of engine to offer in India. Still a person gets confused between the two engine offerings they have like which engine is better 1.0 TSI or 1.5 TSI? There is a lot of questions and confusion about these two engines. So here we have come to solve every doubt related to the TSI technology and the differences between the 1.0 TSI and 1.5 TSI so that you will be able to get a right decision before buying one.
1.0 tsi vs 1.5 tsi which is better
The both engines comes from the Skoda and VW companies these are the German companies which are known for their advanced technology. These both engines are based on the MQB platform.
- MQB platform– The same platform on which the AUDI A3 is developed. From the manufacturing point of view this is the main strength, this is light weight, safe and strong platform. Because this is a modular type of platform which can be used in different types of cars and different styles cars. This is the highest point from manufacturing point of view. This can support both front wheel drive and all wheel drive also cars also. So it becomes a versatile platform.
- TSI (Turbo Stratified Injection) Technology– Fundamentally same as a GDI technology in which direct injection system is used. But The TSI engine is built differently as per the performance and technological point of view. This engine is the first preference of many car enthusiasts. Both engines here are TSI. These both engines are similar in many form the fundamental architecture is the same but still these are different in some way due to advancement of technology point of view. So here we going to talk in detail particular about theses two engines.
- Stratified here means it follows layered approach for fuel spray. The Injectors in TSI spray fuel slowly and in layered way. Unlike others which spray fuel completely in single step for single combustion. The fuel spray done one by one with a milli seconds difference. The spray is done as per to the Fuel and Power requirement of the car in multiple layers form.
- This is done with a purpose to have more efficient fuel combustion. This layered approach make the burning more efficient and do not let the fuel go waste. A proper fuel distribution with air occurs inside the cylinder to make a homogenous mixture of it. It help in efficient burning with more power generation. It will make that particular stroke to be the most efficient. The injectors used here have a very high quality build that can withstand high pressure and high temperature for a long time. The pressure can go up to 250bar pressure.
- The TSI engine bulit quality is very solid. The Head, Engine Block and Crank Case everything is build top notch. The exhaust manifold is integrated in its engine head which is more helpful for cold weather conditions. Also an Intercooler is integrated inside the intake manifold so more cool air will reach the combustion chamber. Also there is a special electric actuator attached in its turbocharger exhaust end. This Actuator decides the amount of air which has to be passed into the Turbo. The exact amount of air which is sufficient should be given to the turbo.
Also Read: Difference between MPFI, GDI and TSI engines.
- 1.0 L TSI– This engine is a 3 Cylinder Direct Injection Technology Engine which is 999cc in size. The weight of this engine is 100kgs. This engine produces approx 114PS power and 178NM Torque. Through which it achieve 0 to 100 in just 10.5 seconds. The top speed of this engine is approx 180kmph. The Compression Ratio of this engine is 10.5:1 which means for 10.5 part of air one part is needed for the combustion. This engine can work on lower octane (88-91 octane) fuel also. The cars that comes with this engine are Virtus, Taigun, Slavia, Kushaq and Kylaq. The Turbo in this car is FGT (fixed geometry turbo) type.
- PROS AND CONS– High efficient engine with a fast performance. But at the same time It is a more complex engine involving more engineering and different kind of parts involved in its development. There is technological complexity involved so part availability and service center availability becomes an issue.
- 1.5 L TSI– It is a 4 cylinder Direct Injection Technology Engine. This engine is approximately 1498cc having weight of 114kgs. It produces 150PS and 250NM torque with which it can achieve 0 to 100 in just 8.5 seconds. Top speed of this engine is approx 220kmph.
Difference Between 1.0 TSI and 1.5 TSI
The 1.5 TSI engine is different from the 1.0 TSI in following ways
- ACT (Active Cylinder Technology)– In 1.5 TSI the cylinder gets the capability that it can shut down two cylinders during running condition and when the load is very low. Means it can shut down two of its 4 cylinder when no more load is required. This helps in saving more fuel by running the vehicle on two cylinders only. This technology is same as the Cylinder On Demand in AUDI cars. The conditions for it to transfer from 4 to 2 cylinders is based on the RPM and Torque requirements. Optimum temperature of engine oil is also necessary. But if engine breaking is done then it shifts to 4 cylinders because during breaking more power is needed.
- The 1.5 TSI is available with DSG transmission only. It works best with a DSG. Because these cars are performance oriented DSG help in making the most of this engine.
- VGT Turbo Technology– The 1.5 TSI have VGT turbo (variable geometry turbo) which is a more efficient type of turbo. This VGT can track and manage the Turbo RPM. This help in maintaining RPM so that the RPM remain under control and turbo heat can be regulated more efficiently. Also it helps the turbo take optimum use of exhaust gases. So it is variable in taking the decision. But this is fixed in a FGT. The VGT happens to be more efficient and help make the turbo cooler. Also the VGT help in delivering high torque even at very low RPMs and at the same time smooth power delivery at high RPMs. So VGT enhance power at low rpm and at high rpm also thus minimize or we can say reduces the nature of turbo lag. But not completely finishes it. So overall VGT provides a better driving experience.
- High Compression Ratio– The 1.5 TSI have high Compression ratio of 12.5:1 which means for 12.5 part of air 1 part of fuel is needed. Which means more power, more efficiency and more performance will be there. To achieve this it needs High Octane Fuel only95 to 99 octane.
- Miller Cycle Technology– The 1.5 engine also uses miller cycle technology during combustion. In which the cycle can give efficient compression even in a less stroke length. This is an advanced technology provided for more efficient combustion. To handle these complex system ECU is configuration and ECU Algorithm also gets changed from a simpler system.
Read : Types of automatic transmission AMT vs CVT vs DCT vs DSG
1.5 TSI Pros and Cons– More powerful, more efficient and performance oriented engine. IT gives decent mileage also. 1.5 L engine comes with DCT/ DSG gear box which further enhances the performance of it.
But it will have expensive maintenance for sure. Any type of Engine work or any DSG transmission problem will be a costly affair. Parts availability and the parts cost is also a concern. Trained staff required for any mishappening. Service center can only service the engine.
Carbon build up issue is more in direct injection technology. In the intake manifold and behind the valves the carbon buildup is maximum. But It happens gradually not in 3-4 years, later on 5-7 years the carbon buildup is a surety. Due to which inefficient air can enter inside the engine or leakages will occur form the combustion chamber.
Short trip are a problem with these turbo engines. The engine do not get heat up to a sufficient temperature also the high revving affects the engine and turbo also. Extra cost of parts, additional electronics and control circuits, additional sensors are a concern. Normally these do not get damaged quickly but if gets then they will be expensive too.
1.0 tsi vs 1.5 tsi reliability
Both the engines are based on MQB platform. Which is used in Skoda and VW’s most cars. It is also popular because it is an AUDI A3 platform also. Both the engine have advanced technology like split cooling system, plasma coated cylinder, integrated exhaust in cylinder head itself. So both the engines are reliable because most of the technology has been used to make them more reliable. But still there can be some issues in long term. The Direct Injection Technology has some nitty gritties with them. So a careful handling is required and timely maintenance is a must.
1.0 tsi vs 1.5 tsi fuel consumption
Both of the engines are fairly fuel efficient. They uses high end technology which combines the performance and high fuel efficiency also. In the city drive both of the engine are able to give 10-12kmpl mileage based on the driving and traffic conditions. And on the highways both of them are able to give 15-19kmpl easily. More revving will lead to drop in mileage. So this mileage figures is when the driving is under 100kmph speed.
Is the VW 1.0 TSI engine good?
Surely the 1.0 TSI engine is the best engine in its segment. It is the most powerful 1.0 L turbo engine out there. It has also got the best engine award recently. This engine even generates more power than many bigger engine like 1.5 L Naturally Aspirated engine. So it is more fun to drive and gives a decent mileage too.
