The Volkswagen 1.5L TSI eTSI is a 1,498 cc, inline‑four turbo‑petrol mild‑hybrid engine introduced in 2019. It integrates a 48‑V belt‑driven starter‑generator (BSG) with variable valve timing and active cylinder management (ACT). In standard form it delivers 110–118 kW (150–160 PS) and 250 Nm of torque, with the mild‑hybrid system providing torque assist and coasting functionality.
Fitted to models such as the Golf Mk8, Tiguan Mk2, Passat B8, and T‑Roc, the 1.5L TSI eTSI was engineered for balanced performance, improved urban efficiency, and reduced CO₂ emissions. Emissions compliance is achieved through gasoline particulate filter (GPF), lean‑burn stratified charge, and precise electronic throttle control, meeting Euro 6d‑TEMP and Euro 6d standards depending on production date.
One documented concern is premature wear of the 48‑V belt‑driven starter‑generator pulley bearing, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin ST01‑21‑09. This issue stems from thermal cycling and belt tension variance in stop‑start operation. From mid‑2021, revised pulley and tensioner components were introduced across all eTSI applications.
Volkswagen
Production years 2019–2020 meet Euro 6d-TEMP standards; 2021–present models comply with Euro 6d (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Volkswagen 1.5L TSI eTSI is a 1,498 cc inline‑four turbo‑petrol mild‑hybrid engineered for compact and mid‑size models (2019–present). It combines direct fuel injection with a 48‑V belt‑driven starter‑generator to deliver responsive low‑end torque and enhanced stop‑start efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 6d-TEMP and Euro 6d standards, it balances performance with stringent emissions control.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,498 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (ULP 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 85.9 mm | |
| Power output | 110–118 kW (150–160 PS) | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV6 direct injection (up to 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d-TEMP (2019–2020); Euro 6d (2021–present) | |
| Compression ratio | 12.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual‑circuit layout | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (VGT, Honeywell) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; low‑wear design) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 0W‑20 or 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 128 kg |
The 48‑V mild‑hybrid system enables seamless stop‑start and coasting but demands strict adherence to 15,000 km oil intervals using VW 504 00/507 00 oil to protect the turbo and timing chain. The GPF requires periodic high‑load driving to prevent clogging; frequent short trips may trigger regeneration warnings. The BSG pulley bearing is sensitive to belt tension—early units (pre‑06/2021) should be inspected per ST01‑21‑09. Fuel must meet EN 228 (95 RON min); ethanol blends above E10 void emissions compliance.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 or 507 00 specification (Volkswagen SIB ST01‑21‑09). Compatible with ACEA C5 but not C3.
Emissions: Euro 6d-TEMP applies to 2019–2020 builds (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Euro 6d compliance confirmed for 2021–present models.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. 118 kW output requires 98 RON fuel for optimal ACT function (Volkswagen TIS Doc. V‑A11300).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V‑A11205, V‑A11210, SIB ST01‑21‑09
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen 1.5L TSI eTSI was used across Volkswagen's MQB platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised cooling in the Tiguan and compact ancillary layout in the Golf Mk8—and from 2021 the Passat facelift adopted updated 48‑V control software, creating minor ECU interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil dipstick tube (Volkswagen TIS V‑A11205). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('D' for DACA series). All eTSI variants feature a black 48‑V BSG unit mounted on the front of the engine with a serpentine belt routed to a dedicated pulley. Critical differentiation from non‑hybrid 1.5 TSI: eTSI has a 48‑V lithium battery under the front passenger seat and a DC‑DC converter in the engine bay. ECU part number must match software version—pre‑2021 units use 04E 906 023 AK, post‑2021 use 04E 906 023 AL (Volkswagen SIB ST01‑21‑09).
The 1.5L TSI eTSI's primary reliability risk is 48‑V BSG pulley bearing wear, with elevated incidence in high‑cycle urban use. Internal Volkswagen field data from 2022 indicated a measurable uptick in pulley replacements before 80,000 km for pre‑mid‑2021 builds, while UK DVSA records show GPF-related limp‑mode events rising in vehicles with predominantly short trips. Frequent stop‑start operation and inadequate warm‑up cycles accelerate component fatigue, making adherence to service intervals and driving pattern awareness critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2020–2024) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2020–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN 1-5L-TSI-ETSI.
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