VAG 1.5 TSI - Reliability ?

[Spy]

What is the consensus on the VAG 1.5 TSI engine fitted to a variety of cars such as Tiguan, Karoq, Ateca etc ?

Any known issues that are expensive to remedy ?
Is the timing driven by a chain or belt ? Replacement schedule ?

Thanks in advance.

[Mammasaid]

Had one for 4 years from new, utterly reliable apart from a pipe coming loose which put it in limp mode (~£50 for a new clip).

It's a belt design, around £1000 for replacement, however VAG put the change intervals up to 15 years or 180,000 miles.

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[Spy]

Thanks for the link. It seems that VAG have said every 180,000 miles but there is a risk the belt could snap before then and they will not cover it once the car is out of warranty, which it will be once it hits 100k.

Not sure if I trust them