1.0 / 1.5 TSI (EA211)
2019–2024 · petrol · 1498cc · 150hp
Engine codes: CHZ, DADA, DPCA
Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Skoda Kamiq 1.0 / 1.5 TSI (EA211). Check this before you buy used.
The TSI petrols — the 1.0 three-cylinder and the 1.5 four (EA211, with ACT — shared with the Scala/Polo/T-Cross/Golf) — are economical, willing and belt-driven, far more robust than VAG's old chain-driven small TSIs. The 1.0 is the sweet spot for the small crossover. Cautions are the modern norm: cam-belt service (keep to schedule), direct-injection intake carbon over time, water-pump/PCV items, and the early 1.5 EVO low-load hesitation cured by software. A serviced car is a genuinely good engine and the Kamiq is a sensible, well-built compact crossover. Buy on belt history and (1.5) confirm the software updates.
Same engine, other cars
This is the same physical engine (DPCA) sold under different names across brands. Reliability is broadly shared — cross-check these:
- Škoda Kodiaq— 1.4 / 1.5 TSI (EA211)150hp
- Audi Q2— 1.0 / 1.4 / 1.5 TFSI (EA211)150hp
- Seat Arona— 1.0 / 1.5 TSI (EA211)150hp
- Škoda Karoq— 1.0 / 1.5 TSI (EA211)150hp
- Škoda Octavia IV— 1.0 / 1.5 TSI / eTSI (EA211 EVO)150hp
- Škoda Scala— 1.0 / 1.5 TSI (EA211)150hp
- Volkswagen Taigo— 1.0 / 1.5 TSI (EA211)150hp
- Seat Ateca— 1.0 / 1.4 / 1.5 TSI (EA211)150hp
- Audi A3 8Y— 30 / 35 TFSI (1.0 / 1.5 EA211 EVO)150hp
- Seat Leon IV— 1.0 / 1.5 TSI / eTSI (EA211 EVO)150hp
- Volkswagen Golf VIII— 1.0 / 1.5 TSI / eTSI (EA211 EVO)150hp
- Volkswagen T-Roc— 1.0 / 1.5 TSI (EA211 evo)150hp
Known Issues
Belt-driven (do on schedule); early 1.5 EVO hesitation cured by software.
Fix / Workaround: Belt + water pump per schedule; ensure 1.5 software.
Repair cost: €100–€600
Typically appears after: 120,000 km
DI intake carbon over time; plastic water pump can leak.
Fix / Workaround: Decarbon if rough; replace water pump.
Repair cost: €150–€500
Typically appears after: 130,000 km
Mileage Thresholds
After 160,000 km: Belt + carbon attention.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
- ☐1.0 is the sweet spot
- ☐Same EA211 as Scala / Polo / T-Cross
- ☐Belt + (1.5) software history
Frequently asked questions
Is the Skoda Kamiq 1.0 / 1.5 TSI (EA211) reliable?
Maint. Sensitive — The TSI petrols — the 1.0 three-cylinder and the 1.5 four (EA211, with ACT — shared with the Scala/Polo/T-Cross/Golf) — are economical, willing and belt-driven, far more robust than VAG's old chain-driven small TSIs. The 1.0 is the sweet spot for the small crossover. Cautions are the modern norm: cam-belt service (keep to schedule), direct-injection intake carbon over time, water-pump/PCV items, and the early 1.5 EVO low-load hesitation cured by software. A serviced car is a genuinely good engine and the Kamiq is a sensible, well-built compact crossover. Buy on belt history and (1.5) confirm the software updates.
What are the common problems and reviews for the Skoda Kamiq 1.0 / 1.5 TSI (EA211)?
The most commonly reported problems: Cam belt / 1.5 EVO hesitation, Intake carbon / water pump.
Is a used Skoda Kamiq 1.0 / 1.5 TSI (EA211) worth buying?
Fine if serviced correctly — but it punishes neglect hard. History and the right consumables matter.