Seat Ateca 1.4 TSI DSG questions

[Filke]

Hi mates,

Lately I was thinking about buying second hand Seat Ateca 1.4 TSI 150 bhp DSG. At first I was leaning more towards 1.6 TDI or even better 2.0 TDI engine but considering my previous experience with driving diesel cars in urban city conditions I was thinking that better choice would be gasoline TSI engine. I know that previous generation of TSI (EA111) had numerous issues but these EA211 should be much better. My questions are - does this 1.4 TSI in Ateca have GPF, timing belt or timing chain? Also how much is fuel consumption of 1.4 TSI greater than the fuel consumption of 1.6 TDI and 2.0 TDI in the city driving conditions?

 

[Filke]

Anyone? OK, maybe too many questions. How reliable is 1.4 tsi in Ateca compared to the 1.6 TDI or 2.0 TDI? Are there any known issues with that engine and DSG in 2016-2018 period?

 

[Tell]

Ah. The early Atecas with the 1.4TSI were well regarded. The 1.5TSI was held back so it came later to Seat than other VAG cars. There were issues reported on other VAG models so by the time it got fitted to Atecas a couple of years later they were ironed out.

The 1.6 TDI originally fitted to Atecas didn't have SCR. The 2.0 TDI always did. I have had no issues with my 2.0 TDI accept a sensor threw an error once and needed replacing. Much more powerful engine.

DSG. The DQ200 was / is fitted to the 1.0 and 1.4/1.5 TSI. That had an early reputation issue due to the synthetic oil used in them. They went from mineral oil to synthetic. The latter caused reliability issues so they swapped back. That was all history by the time the Ateca used the gear box. It's said in some quarters the DQ200 works well with the 3 cylinder TSI 1.0 and fitting it to 1.4 could be an issue. Not sure how reliable that statement is. That was Honest John's mail box. I took him up on that once where I corrected something he'd previously said. So he was non plussed about the DQ100 in anything other than 1.0TSI engines.

The TDI 2.0 has a DQ380 gearbox that never had the reliability issues. I've been driving DSGs for 20 years now. Completely happy with what was in the Altea and the Ateca 2.0 TDI. The Arona 3 cylinder 1.0TSI with DQ200 is dandy for hilly small roads. Keep the more comfortable Ateca for longer runs and the Arona as the run around.

PS you might want to look at the Erwin manuals, link provided on the pinned thread. That provides the full maintenance detail and specs. They are the official workshop manuals.

 

[Filke]

Thanks for the detailed explanation. Yeah, I have noticed that from all VAGs SUVs in period 2016-2018 only the Ateca had 1.4
TSI (I think CZEA is engine code) all other had in that period 1.5 TSI. Intentionally I want that older 1.4 TSI engine because it didn't have GPF, but I not sure does it have any other issus that were fixed at 1.5 TSI. As I see from spec 1.4 tsi and 1.5 tsi have similar performance and characteristics. Could you confirm that 1.4 TSI in Ateca didn't have GPF and have timing belt instead of timing chain from the previous TSI generation. And for DSG in 1.4 TSI in Ateca it was only DQ200? DQ200 should be the worst option isn't? It was constructed to be without maintenance (no oil change) so called dry clutch but in reality if you don't change oil and oil filter you would have big chance to have issues after 60000 miles or less even factory says it's lifetime...These conclusions about DQ200 are not mine, maybe that's not true but many VAG users wrote this...

 

[Tell]

Thanks for the detailed explanation. Yeah, I have noticed that from all VAGs SUVs in period 2016-2018 only the Ateca had 1.4
TSI (I think CZEA is engine code) all other had in that period 1.5 TSI. Intentionally I want that older 1.4 TSI engine because it didn't have GPF, but I not sure does it have any other issus that were fixed at 1.5 TSI. As I see from spec 1.4 tsi and 1.5 tsi have similar performance and characteristics. Could you confirm that 1.4 TSI in Ateca didn't have GPF and have timing belt instead of timing chain from the previous TSI generation. And for DSG in 1.4 TSI in Ateca it was only DQ200? DQ200 should be the worst option isn't? It was constructed to be without maintenance (no oil change) so called dry clutch but in reality if you don't change oil and oil filter you would have big chance to have issues after 60000 miles or less even factory says it's lifetime...These conclusions about DQ200 are not mine, maybe that's not true but many VAG users wrote this...

Pages from the maintenance manual. It is CZEA. Toothed belt. Particle filters only got fitted to diesels.

People were happy with the 1.4 engine. Think the reality was Seat got palmed off with the old engines whilst the newer ones (1.5) got put on VWs and Skodas till they ran out of stock. It was a slight rub at the time but against that the reported early issues with the 1.5.

It was the DQ200 that was fitted to these models in DSG form. Some people were interested in getting more power out of the engines with the gear box, think that would be asking for trouble.

 

[Filke]

In the third picture is described acronym of DPF, but I didn't see it says what engine does or doesn't have particulate filter. By the particulate filter on the petrol engine I meant on GPF (Gas Particulate Filter) not DPF. GPF on the petrol engines should be mandatory on euro6c or newer petrol engines. I'm not sure when VW has started to install GPF on all petrol engine. As you said before 1.4 TSI CZEA is older engine and shouldn't have GPF but for the newer 1.5 TSI from 2019 in SEAT I'm not sure. What is the major difference between the 1.4 TSI and newer 1.5 TSI engine and if you have to choose which of the these two engines would you choose?

 

[Tell]

More reading

https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/advice/owning-advice/15-tsi-engine-issues/

You might have to go under one and have a look.

SSPs are another source on that paid site. They are the dealers training notes and give a good idea of what was launched in each model range.

You will find the maintenance manual there.

 

[Filke]

I agree with that. Yesterday I went to look one 1.4 TSI Ateca (2018) with DSG gearbox. It had CZEA engine and definetely it doesn't have GPF. Engine works very smoothly and even I prefer TDI and its torque in low revs this 1.4 tsi accelerates quite good. I was disappointed with DQ200. Even if Ateca has quite low mileage (50k miles) when I tested DSG how it starts uphill without hill hold button depressed I heard some squealing and before moving forward car wen a little bit backwards. At first with hill hold button depressed I thought it was squealing of rear brake disks but after turning hill hold assist off there was the same sound of squealing. I guess that squealing is the sign that something is wrong with the DSG (worn lamellas). Is this common issue of DQ200 which was driven most of the time in the city?

 

[Mr Pig]

We've had Leon 1.4tsi, Leon 1.6tdi, Leon 2.0tdi and Ateca 1.5tsi.

The 1.4 is the pick of the bunch. The 1.6tdi is gutless and boring although it does give you 54mpg all day long and 60 on a run.

The 2.0tdi has more grunt but it's still a boring engine with a very narrow power band. MPG is low 50s mostly but can drop to high 40s at times.

1.4tsi is lovely to drive with much more torque than you'd expect. Runs out of puff a bit early but enough pull lower down that it doesn't matter. Miles better to drive than the diesels and only a slight hit on economy as it gets high 40mpg most of the time.

Those are all manual Leons. Not had the 1.5tsi Ateca long but it's a DSG and it seems ok. Not a fan of the DSG gearbox but that's just me. On paper it's supposed to be as quick as the 1.4tsi Leon at 8s but it doesn't feel like it. Feels perky enough though.

 

[Glosphil]

I've owned a 2018 Leon 1.4TSi (150) DSG since 2019 so 5-1/2 years. Great combination of engine & gearbox. Average mpg of 45 & 52 on longer journeys. I suspect the heavier, brick-like Ateca gives lower mpg.

Only problem has been the well known leaking water pump that was replaced under warranty after a year. A slow leak that didn't inconvenience me & changed at a scheduled service. DSG has been fine.

Autohold can be a little jerky when releasing on a hill. I just pull on the EHB switch when stationary on the hill & that eliminates the jerk when moving off as only 2 rear brakes then released rather than all 4.

 

[Tell]

2.0 TDI no problem to get it off auto hold . I recall there is a coding adjustment you can make to change how it works. The level of yank to get it off. There is a setting.

Had a terrible experience on a Peugeot on a holiday rental with auto hold. Off it rolled. On it wouldn't get off it. Manual drivers won't like me saying this but it's really matched to an automatic. The rental was a manual, we did a good job of burning the clutch... the smell. Co driver so I can say that. Happily VAG ones work a lot better.

 

[Filke]

@Mr Pig and others
Yeah it's great comparation of all those 3 engines 1.4 TSI, 1.6 TDI and 2.0 TDI. Well I guess Leon would run minimum 5 MPG more than Ateca in the same traffic condition. For example my Tiguan MK1 2.0 TDI Bluemotion gives me 30MPG in the average city driving with no excessive jam. I guess that Ateca 1.4 TSI in the similar situation won't give more than 25MPG or even less? And if we are comparing 1.6 TDI and 2.0 TDI in terms of fuel consumption and endurance for short distances and the most of time start-stop driving which one is better choice for city drive?

 

[Mr Pig]

And if we are comparing 1.6 TDI and 2.0 TDI in terms of fuel consumption and endurance for short distances and the most of time start-stop driving which one is better choice for city drive?

The 1.6 gives you probably about 5mpg more than the 2.0. If you want the best economy the 1.6TDi is the way to go. If you want the best drive but still with acceptable economy get the 1.4TSi Act. It's a bit less MPG than the 2.0 but the engine is so much more flexible and enjoyable. I drive both regularly and once you're used to the 1.4 petrol the 2.0 diesel is very annoying.

Another thing to think about is wheel size. You can change that of course but the bigger the wheels the worse it is for city driving. I'd say the best compromise between tolerable ride, low risk of pothole damage and decent handling is 17''. 16'' is more comfortable in the city. 18'' is sharper and still fine on the petrol, which is a lighter engine, not too crashy. Don't even think about 19'' unless you want to be fixing cracked wheels every weekend.

 

[Tell]

I get on alright with my 19" and TDI 2.0 DSG 4Drive . You take it easy over speed bumps. Yet to get tyre damage on them in 8 years motoring but don't drive after dark where pot holes are waiting. With Seat's you get a chorus of speed bump coming up with the firm suspension on all models.

 

[Filke]

@Mr Pig
Heh as you knew it, I have 19" alloys on my Tiggy and it's pretty much a torture to drive it in the city and especially in winter when you stuck in the snow... My vote goes for 17" wheels on summer and on the highway and 16" wheels on winter and off-road. I don't know how euro6 diesel EA288 (>2015) handle mostly city driving (turbo, EGR, DPF, SCR) are they more resistant then EA189 diesel engines? Also if we ignore that 2.0 tdi (>2015) has more power and is more flexible, has better DSG gearbox, what about built quality and common known issues comparing to 1.6 TDI? Besides that 1.6 TDI doesn't have SCR, greater MPG, less expensive MOT.. Is there any other advantage or maybe disadvantage that should prevail to choose or not to choose 1.6 TDI against 2.0 TDI?

 

[Tell]

Pass I will be going electrict when this reaches its end of life. In 2016 the Ateca engine choose was limited and if you wanted the Xcellence with a diesel you had to have a 2.0TDI as I recall then you could buy all the luxury bits which you can't now. I wanted 4drive which was only available on the 2 litre. Hobsons choice. The 1.6tdi engine wasn't well regarded. The 4drive is handy when you need it. I was moving to a rural setting. Really the early days of Cupra type of thing being forced into a set of options. So it was diesel, 4 drive which meant 2.0tdi. I'd had enough of unreliable petrol motoring with early Uno. Committed never to have a petrol. The wheels a luxury. It makes it look good .

 

[Mr Pig]

..what about built quality and common known issues comparing to 1.6 TDI? Besides that 1.6 TDI doesn't have SCR, greater MPG, less expensive MOT.. Is there any other advantage or maybe disadvantage that should prevail to choose or not to choose 1.6 TDI against 2.0 TDI?

The 1.6 we had was a 2014, the 20 is a 2017. I also had a 2013 Golf GTD, I think it was a 2013! I'm not aware of any underlying serous issues with these engines. Only lights I've had were the DPF light during Covid when the car was not getting used much. Not an issue if the the car is getting used regularly.

Both the 1.6 and 2.0 give you good economy. I see both used as taxis where I live. The 1.6 is truly gutless. Fine poodling around and any kind of swift progress is out of the question. The 2.0 is better obviously, in 150 guise anyway, but it's still no driver's delight. If you don't mind a boring engine the 1.6 is fine. If you want the car to be able to shift a bit, get the 2.0. Servicing costs are much the same.

 

[Tell]

The 1.6 we had was a 2014, the 20 is a 2017. I also had a 2013 Golf GTD, I think it was a 2013! I'm not aware of any underlying serous issues with these engines. Only lights I've had were the DPF light during Covid when the car was not getting used much. Not an issue if the the car is getting used regularly.

Both the 1.6 and 2.0 give you good economy. I see both used as taxis where I live. The 1.6 is truly gutless. Fine poodling around and any kind of swift progress is out of the question. The 2.0 is better obviously, in 150 guise anyway, but it's still no driver's delight. If you don't mind a boring engine the 1.6 is fine. If you want the car to be able to shift a bit, get the 2.0. Servicing costs are much the same.

Well the Altea 2.0 TDI sticks to autobahns at 110mph I have had no complaints in the past. A joy to drive and with 19" wheels . In this country you always have the umf to get away at roundabout in DSG form.

 

[Filke]

After having issues with DPF and EGR on my 2.0 tdi Tiguan I was determined that the next car won't be diesel and I was almost certain that the next car would be gasoline and first goal was Ateca 1.4 TSI. Why older 1.4 TSI rather than newer 1.5 TSI? I was thinking that this 1.4 TSI without GPF would have less problems in the city driving and traffic jams than 1.5 TSI with GPF. On the other side 1.5 TSI is a newer engine with higher MPG and I guess that major issues have been corrected. But I'm not sure are there any new common issues with 1.5 TSI. Even 2.0 TDI has best performance and power, these things are not top priority for me and 1.6 TDI with less power and reliability but with higher MPG, without SCR, lower maintenance costs, is maybe better choice for me. Again if I would have issues with 1.6 TDI similar as I had with 2.0 TDI on the Tiguan, I would rather go for 1.4 TSI. Did 1.4 TSI engines have issues with increased oil consumption, loss of coolant, water pump issues?

 

[Tell]

After having issues with DPF and EGR on my 2.0 tdi Tiguan I was determined that the next car won't be diesel and I was almost certain that the next car would be gasoline and first goal was Ateca 1.4 TSI. Why older 1.4 TSI rather than newer 1.5 TSI? I was thinking that this 1.4 TSI without GPF would have less problems in the city driving and traffic jams than 1.5 TSI with GPF. On the other side 1.5 TSI is a newer engine with higher MPG and I guess that major issues have been corrected. But I'm not sure are there any new common issues with 1.5 TSI. Even 2.0 TDI has best performance and power, these things are not top priority for me and 1.6 TDI with less power and reliability but with higher MPG, without SCR, lower maintenance costs, is maybe better choice for me. Again if I would have issues with 1.6 TDI similar as I had with 2.0 TDI on the Tiguan, I would rather go for 1.4 TSI. Did 1.4 TSI engines have issues with increased oil consumption, loss of coolant, water pump issues?

I went the other way from petrol after my first 13 years of early motoring on a Fiat petrol engine. Diesels can be pesky if you get issues with them, Citroën ZX nobody could get to the engine starting issue which it developed at about 9 years of age. Sold to my brother but still started up with clouds of smoke but first time as it went to the scrap yard aged 17 years after standing for a year without starting. Those didn't have fancy exhaust systems.

The TDI 2.0 has just given me a warning light on a failed sensor but other than that no engine issues. Easy for the dealer to change other use DIY on that. Through up a VCDS error code. It isn't high mileage. If you work on the basis that SCR gives you curca 80,000 miles before it needs cleaning I've got more than enough before I move off it to an EV.

The TSI 1.4/1.5 engines are well regarded. See what people say.