The EA888 1.8tsi engine is a cam chain engine. Earlier versions (pre 2012) had tensioner issues. The latest gen III engine is a really good engine and also has both port and direct injection. Not sure what date this was introduced re the FR Leon.

It should be noted that the later 1.2 and 1.4 petrol engines are NOT the EA111 cam chain engine the EA211 was gradually introduced into the whole VAG range. In the case of the 1.2 the old cam chain 8v EA111 1.2 has 105ps and visually the oil filter is at high level above the alternator whereas the EA211 1.2 has 110ps and is a totally different engine with a cam belt and the oil filter at sump level. The ports of the engine are also the other way round with the exhaust / turbo on the bulkhead side. This has been a pretty good engine as has the EA211 1.4 still in use in loads of cars in 125, 140, 150(ACT) ps forms.

Basically with a 1.2 or 1.4 if you see an oil filter at top left of the engine when you lift the bonnet it's the old EA111 cam chain engine.

Hope this helps a bit

Edited by Big John on 12/08/2018 at 23:08