VW 1.4 TSI ACT engine

Chuck_Norris

Morning all,

Just wondering if anybody on here has any real world experience with the above engine? Looking to change my car next year, and so far the Seat Leon ST, in FR trim is leading the way. Only problem with that is they only come in that spec with a diesel engine over here, and my current and predicted future mileage doesn't really warrant a diesel. It was available in the UK in that spec with the 1.4 engine, so might look to import one, hence the query as to if anybody has any experience wither positive or negative with that engine.

All responses and information greatly appreciated.

jspuds

You can get the 1.4 TSI here but only the 125bhp non ACT.
That engine is soon to be replaced with a newer 1.5 TSI and Seat Ireland confirmed that it will be available here but couldn't give me a time frame.

This is a good site for info on the Seat Leon
http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=309

Chuck_Norris

jspuds wrote: »

You can get the 1.4 TSI here but only the 125bhp non ACT.
That engine is soon to be replaced with a newer 1.5 TSI and Seat Ireland confirmed that it will be available here but couldn't give me a time frame.

This is a good site for info on the Seat Leon
http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=309

Thanks for that one. The ST doesn't come in the 1.4 though, only the hatchback. Should have also added that I've no intention of going brand new.

jspuds

I was told that you could get the ST in the 1.4 but doesn't surprise me as I found the dealer knowledge to be poor. I had a test drive in a 1.4 Ateca and was impressed with the engine but not with the ride comfort.
The Ateca is noticeable better in the 4 drive models as they have multi link rear suspension.

I have a Diesel ST FR and the family don't like the sports suspension so looking for something not quite as firm. I'm thinking of getting a Leon ST xcellence 1.5 if that becomes available.

Chuck_Norris

jspuds wrote: »

I was told that you could get the ST in the 1.4 but doesn't surprise me as I found the dealer knowledge to be poor.  I had a test drive in a 1.4 Ateca and was impressed with the engine but not with the ride comfort.
The Ateca is noticeable better in the 4 drive models as they have multi link rear suspension.  

I have a Diesel ST FR and the family don't like the sports suspension so looking for something not quite as firm.  I'm thinking of getting a Leon ST xcellence 1.5 if that becomes available.

That's my concern with the FR, that the boss won't like the firmer suspension. Having said that, I'll be coming from a 12 year old Octavia at that stage, so all the suspension will be that bit more firm in comparison.

I had a 1.6 Ecomotive Ateca on hire for two weeks on holidays and quite liked it, except for the fact that it was absolutely dead. Granted, there was only 300 odd Km on it, so maybe it was still freeing up.

One question about your current car, any issues with it in the space of time you've had it? And secondly, the lights: are they as good at night as I'd expect them to be?

jspuds

Car has been excellent to be honest and very happy with it other than the family complaints about the suspension which I don't personally find to be an issue.

I have had two issues, one with the radio that had an intermittent issue with the touch screen which was replaced under warranty. Now 5 months outside of the 3 year warranty I have a faulty oil sensor. Seat Ire have agreed to cover the cost of labour as a good will gesture and I have to cover the cost of the part (€110) which isn't bad.

Yeah the LED lights are brilliant a big improvement on what I had before. They have improved again on the facelift versions from what I have read.

They are running a €3k trade in/scrappage on the Leon and €4k on the Ateca (Dealer told my €5k) and are not strict on the conditions only that the car has to be registered in your name. I'm tempted to pick up a banger for €100 and use it as a trade in and sell my current car privately. If that worked out it would make the option for brand new quite compelling.

Chuck_Norris

jspuds wrote: »

Car has been excellent to be honest and very happy with it other than the family complaints about the suspension which I don't personally find to be an issue.

I have had two issues, one with the radio that had an intermittent issue with the touch screen which was replaced under warranty. Now 5 months outside of the 3 year warranty I have a faulty oil sensor.  Seat Ire have agreed to cover the cost of labour as a good will gesture and I have to cover the cost of the part (€110) which isn't bad.

Yeah the LED lights are brilliant a big improvement on what I had before.  They have improved again on the facelift versions from what I have read.

They are running a €3k trade in/scrappage on the Leon and €4k on the Ateca (Dealer told my €5k) and are not strict on the conditions only that the car has to be registered in your name.  I'm tempted to pick up a banger for €100 and use it as a trade in and sell my current car privately.   If that worked out it would make the option for brand new quite compelling.

True, some of the scrappage offers are tempting, but I'm not going to be in a position to avail of them to be honest. I'm looking at 161/ 162, possibly 171 ex demo at the moment, as some of them are almost with price range. There aren't too many ST's out there at the moment though, at least not in FR spec.

CIP4

I have a 161 Leon FR 1.4tsi 125bhp hatchback and like it I think the engine is very good extremely quiet, economical for a petrol and has reasonable power certainly adequate for overtaking. My dad has a diesel one and I find it very loud and unrefined relative to mine.

Chuck_Norris

CIP4 wrote: »

I have a 161 Leon FR 1.4tsi 125bhp hatchback and like it I think the engine is very good extremely quiet, economical for a petrol and has reasonable power certainly adequate for overtaking. My dad has a diesel one and I find it very loud and unrefined relative to mine.

Thanks for that CIP4. Any issues with the car since you've had it?

grogi

Chuck_Norris wrote: »

Morning all,

Just wondering if anybody on here has any real world experience with the above engine? Looking to change my car next year, and so far the Seat Leon ST, in FR trim is leading the way. Only problem with that is they only come in that spec with a diesel engine over here, and my current and predicted future mileage doesn't really warrant a diesel. It was available in the UK in that spec with the 1.4 engine, so might look to import one, hence the query as to if anybody has any experience wither positive or negative with that engine.

All responses and information greatly appreciated.

If that's the 1.4 150 bhp ACT motor, fear no more. Extremely efficient and all issues with earlier 1.4 worked out.

Chuck_Norris

grogi wrote: »

If that's the 1.4 150 bhp ACT motor, fear no more. Extremely efficient and all issues with earlier 1.4 worked out.

Yeah, it's the 150 but version. Doesn't seem to have been offered over here. Well, not that I've seen anyway.

CIP4

Chuck_Norris wrote: »

Thanks for that CIP4. Any issues with the car since you've had it?

No issues but there is only 21k km on it I'd be hoping to get into the 6 figure mileage readings before I have any issues. I bought mine as a demo last December. It's the newest car I've had and it's nice having to do so little maintenance to it. I was used to having issues with my previous cars ever month or two. This one just start and go no issues no drama.

There was no 150bhp ACT model sold here well maybe the 172 facelift has it if it hasn't moved over to the 1.5tsi yet. All prefacelift were 1.4 125bhp non ACT. Obviously 150bhp would be better but I wouldn't be too concerned over not having ACT there car is economical enough without it and it's one less thing to go wrong. Not sure when SEAT IReland actually started selling the 1.4tsi here 2015 maybe the diesels and 1.2tsi was definitely out before it in 2013.

Chuck_Norris

CIP4 wrote: »

No issues but there is only 21k km on it I'd be hoping to get into the 6 figure mileage readings before I have any issues. I bought mine as a demo last December. It's the newest car I've had and it's nice having to do so little maintenance to it. I was used to having issues with my previous cars ever month or two. This one just start and go no issues no drama.

There was no 150bhp ACT model sold here well maybe the 172 facelift has it if it hasn't moved over to the 1.5tsi yet. All prefacelift were 1.4 125bhp non ACT. Obviously 150bhp would be better but I wouldn't be too concerned over not having ACT there car is economical enough without it and it's one less thing to go wrong. Not sure when SEAT IReland actually started selling the 1.4tsi here 2015 maybe the diesels and 1.2tsi was definitely out before it in 2013.

From what I've gathered, the old 150bhp TFSI was briefly for sale upon launch, but wouldn't be too bothered by one of them.

My current car is 150bhp, and the step down to 125 is noticeable, hence the search for the ACT. It's not so much the fuel economy I'd be looking for it for, moreso that little extra power.

Ron Burgundy II

I have a 161 1.4 tsi act 150 in my golf. 35k km up on it and all good with it. Nice power delivery, great economy and very quiet.

CIP4

Chuck_Norris wrote: »

From what I've gathered, the old 150bhp TFSI was briefly for sale upon launch, but wouldn't be too bothered by one of them.

My current car is 150bhp, and the step down to 125 is noticeable, hence the search for the ACT. It's not so much the fuel economy I'd be looking for it for, moreso that little extra power.

You will have to get a UK example so I am sure there are loads of them over there.

Chuck_Norris

CIP4 wrote: »

You will have to get a UK example so I am sure there are loads of them over there.

Yeah, I'd more than likely have to import it alright, but wanted to see if anybody had any real world experience of the engine in other cars.

Chuck_Norris

Ron Burgundy II wrote: »

I have a 161 1.4 tsi act 150 in my golf. 35k km up on it and all good with it. Nice power delivery, great economy and very quiet.

Thanks Ron, appreciate the reply.

Ron Burgundy II

I looked this morning to see what if any 161 1.4 tsi are for sale. Could only find 141/142 for sale, which are 125bhp and non ACT I believe.

Would you get the car remapped? Revo offer something like 185/190 on the 1.4tsi ACT golf. So the non act seat might get 170ish

Chuck_Norris

Ron Burgundy II wrote: »

I looked this morning to see what if any 161 1.4 tsi are for sale. Could only find 141/142 for sale, which are 125bhp and non ACT I believe.

Would you get the car remapped? Revo offer something like 185/190 on the 1.4tsi ACT golf. So the non act seat might get 170ish

Yeah, for the past few weeks that I've been looking, they're all 125bhp.

Mapping might be an option. Had my own mapped 6 years ago with no issues. Brought from a supposed 105bhp, up to 150. When the first dyno run was done before the map, it was pushing out 122.

Being honest though, if the car was still under warranty I'd be hesitant to map it.

grogi

Chuck_Norris wrote: »

Yeah, for the past few weeks that I've been looking, they're all 125bhp.

Mapping might be an option. Had my own mapped 6 years ago with no issues. Brought from a supposed 105bhp, up to 150. When the first dyno run was done before the map, it was pushing out 122.

Being honest though, if the car was still under warranty I'd be hesitant to map it.

ACT will be much more efficient - the Active Cylinder Technology switches cylinders off when cruising. Saves up to 1 l/100 km.