Volkswagen 1.2 TSi engine - technical data, fuel consumption and performance

The 1.2 TSi engine was first introduced with the introduction of models such as the Golf Mk6 and Mk5 in late 2005. The four-cylinder petrol engine replaced the naturally aspirated version with the same displacement and three cylinders, the 1,2 R3 EA111 version. Find out more about the TSi variant in our article!

1.2 TSi engine - basic information

The 1.2 TSi version has a lot in common with the 1.4 TSi/FSi version. First of all, this refers to the design of the drive. However, moving on to the performance of the smaller engine, it featured an aluminum cylinder block with cast iron inner liners.

Compared to the larger engine, the cylinder bore of the engine was smaller - it was 71,0 mm instead of 76,5 mm with the same piston stroke of 75,6 mm. An all-new forged steel crankshaft is installed at the bottom of the power unit. In turn, the pistons are made of lightweight and durable aluminum alloy. 

Thanks to these solutions, the 1.2 TSi engine weighed less than the 1.4 TSi version - up to 24,5 kilograms. At the same time, it has optimal power and performance. For this reason, it works very well as a compact city car. This was also influenced by the use of a modern fuel injection system, which is paired with a turbocharged intake system.

Design solutions in the 1.2 TSi engine

The drive is equipped with a maintenance-free timing chain, as well as valves controlled by roller levers with hydraulic pushers. At the top of the cylinder block is a cylinder head with two valves per valve, eight in total, as well as a camshaft.

In addition to the SOHC system, the designers focused on two-valve heads with high torque in the low and mid ranges. The intake valve diameter is 35,5 mm and the exhaust valve diameter is 30 mm.

Turbocharger, injection system and electronic control systems

The engine has an IHI 1634 turbocharger with a maximum boost pressure of 1,6 bar. The compressed air is maintained at the optimum temperature by the installation of a water-cooled intercooler integrated into the intake manifold.

The engine is equipped with a fuel injection system with a high pressure pump, which is driven by a camshaft and provides fuel at a pressure of 150 bar. The principle of its operation is that sequential nozzles supply fuel directly to the combustion chambers. Each spark plug works with a separate ignition coil.

Volkswagen engineers used an electronically controlled Bosch E-GAS throttle body and a Siemens Simos 10 engine ECU. In addition, a fully electronic ignition system was installed.

Which cars were equipped with the 1.2 TSi engine - powertrain options

The power unit is found in many cars of the brands included in the Volkswagen concern. Cars from this manufacturer with a motor include: Beetle, Polo Mk5, Golf Mk6 and Caddy. SEAT models include Ibiza, Leon, Altea, Altea XL and Toledo. The engine is also found in Skoda Fabia, Octavia, Yeti and Rapid cars. This group also includes the Audi A1.

There are three types of drive available on the market. The weakest of them, i.e. TsBZA, produces 63 kW at 4800 rpm. and 160 Nm at 1500-3500 rpm. The second, CBZC, had a power of 66 kW at 4800 rpm. and 160 Nm at 1500-3500 rpm. The third is a CBZB with a power of 77 kW at 4800 rpm. and 175 Nm - had the most power.

Drive Unit Operation - Most Common Problems

One of the annoyances was a faulty chain drive, until the assembly was replaced with a belt in 2012. Users of vehicles with the 1.2 TSi engine also complained about problems with the cylinder head, in particular with the gasket.

On the forums, you can also find reviews about a faulty exhaust gas cleaning system or defects in the control electronics, which causes a lot of trouble. Closes the list of problems that arise during the operation of the engine, too much oil consumption.

Ways to Avoid Engine Malfunction

In order to avoid problems with the engine, it is necessary to use quality fuel - it should be unleaded gasoline with a low sulfur content and engine oil, i.e. 95 RON. One of the factors affecting the stable operation of the engine is also the driving style of the car owner. 

With regular maintenance and adherence to oil change intervals, the drive should work without major problems, even with a mileage of about 250 km. km.

Engine 1.2 TSi 85 hp - technical data

One of the most famous versions of the engine is the 1.2 TSi with 85 hp. at 160 Nm at 1500–3500 rpm. It was mounted on a Volkswagen Golf Mk6. Its total capacity was 1197 cm3. 

Equipped with an oil tank with a capacity of 3.6-3.9l. The manufacturer recommended the use of substances with a viscosity level of 0W-30, 0W-40 or 5W-30. The recommended oil specification is VW 502 00, 505 00, 504 00 and 507 00. It should be changed every 15 XNUMX. km.

Fuel consumption and operation of the power unit on the example of the Golf Mk6

The Volkswagen Golf Mk6 model with a 1.2 TSi engine consumed 7 l / 100 km in the city, 4.6 l / 100 km on the highway and 5.5 l / 100 km in the combined cycle. The driver could accelerate to 100 km / h in 12.3 seconds. At the same time, the maximum speed was 178 km / h. While driving, the engine has CO2 emissions of 129 g per kilometer - this corresponds to the Euro 5 standard. 

Volkswagen Golf Mk6 - specification of the drive system, brakes and suspension

The 1.2 TSi engine worked with front wheel drive. The car itself was mounted on a McPherson-type front suspension, as well as an independent, multi-link rear suspension - in both cases with an anti-roll bar.

Ventilated discs are used at the front and disc brakes at the rear. All this was combined with anti-lock brakes. The steering system consists of a disk and gear, and the system itself is controlled electrically. The car was fitted with 195/65 R15 tires with 6J x 15 rims.

Is the 1.2 TSi engine a good drive?

It is worth paying special attention to the mentioned, reduced version with a capacity of 85 hp. It is ideal for both city driving and short trips. Good performance combined with drive economy encourages many drivers to buy an inexpensive car. 

With responsible and regular maintenance, your bike will repay you with regular work and infrequent visits to the mechanic. Given these issues, we can say that the 1.2 TSi engine is a good power unit.