1.0 PureTech vs Skyactiv-G: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the Skyactiv-G carries less risk than the 1.0 PureTech: 25/100 (moderate risk) versus 59/100 (high risk). The 1.0 PureTech has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Excessive oil consumption through the piston rings»; the Skyactiv-G has no documented serious faults.

Risk index

1.0 PureTech

High risk · 2 serious faults

Risk index

Skyactiv-G

Moderate risk · 0 serious faults

Lower risk

The index (0–100) weights the severity and frequency of the three most serious documented faults. How it is calculated

Reviewed on 30 October 202615 sources How we work

Is the 1.0 PureTech reliable?

It is a simple naturally aspirated three-cylinder, but with two documented weak points: oil consumption through the piston rings, which Stellantis acknowledges across its entire production (2012-2016), and the oil-bath timing belt it shares with the 1.2. It is only recommended with a full service history, a consumption test and a checked belt.^[1][2][3][4]

See the 3 of the 1.0 PureTech faults

Is the Skyactiv-G reliable?

The Skyactiv-G is a naturally aspirated petrol engine that the German specialist press consistently describes as reliable, with no documented pattern of serious engine faults in any Mazda model reviewed. Its weak point, shared with almost any direct-injection petrol engine, is carbon build-up in the intake; in addition, 2017-2020 units had recalls for software and for the fuel pump, since fixed by the manufacturer.^[5][6][7][8]

See the 5 of the Skyactiv-G faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.0 PureTech and Skyactiv-G
Item	1.0 PureTech	Skyactiv-G
Technical data
Type	Engine	Engine
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Displacement	999 cm³	—
Timing	Wet belt (belt-in-oil)	Chain
Power	68 hp	75–187 hp
Production	2012–2016^{[2][3][9][10]}	since 2011^[5][11]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)	59High risk	25Moderate risk
Documented faults	3	5
Of high or critical severity	2	0
Worst severity	Critical severity	Medium severity
Main faults	High severity: Excessive oil consumption through the piston rings Critical severity: Degradation of the oil-bath timing belt Low severity: Ignition coil and spark plug failure	Medium severity: Intake shut-off valve software issue and engine stalling Medium severity: Micro-cracks in the fuel pump impeller Medium severity: ECU programming and loss of power (CX-5 II and Mazda3 IV)
Most expensive documented repair	up to €1,200Degradation of the oil-bath timing beltPublished figure^[12][13]	No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions	None	1.5 Skyactiv-G (P5-VPS)^[6][14] 2.0 Skyactiv-G (PE-VPS)^[7][8][15] 2.5 Skyactiv-G (PY-VPS)^[7]
With cautionVersions to be cautious about	1.0 VTi / PureTech 68 (EB0, 2012-2016)^{[1][2][4][12]}	None
AvoidVersions to avoid	None	None

Severity of each fault: green, low; amber, medium; red, high; dark red, critical. How we rate them

Cars that each one is fitted to

1.0 PureTech

Skyactiv-G

See the 9 models with the Skyactiv-G

Other comparisons

With the 1.0 PureTech

With the Skyactiv-G

Compare other engines

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

Citroën, DS, Opel, Peugeot 1.2 PureTech. Nouvelle prise en charge pour la consommation d'huileL'argus · Motoring press · published 30 March 2024 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
Moteur EBWikipédia · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
PSA inaugure son « trois-pattes »L'argus · Motoring press · published 28 December 2011 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
Moteurs PureTech - Stellantis prend a minima ses responsabilitésUFC-Que Choisir · Consumer association · published 18 January 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
SkyactivWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
Mazda 3 (BM/BN, 2013-2019) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Mazda 6 (GJ, III) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Mazda CX-5 II (KF) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Peugeot 208 5p Access 1.0 PureTech 68 (2012-2015): precio y ficha técnicakm77 · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
Prueba de consumo (126): Peugeot 208 1.0-VTi 68 CVkm77 · Motoring press · published 5 August 2013 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
List of Mazda enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
1.2 PureTech: precio y cambio de correa de distribuciónAutopista · Motoring press · published 2 August 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
Motor ZMZ EB0 Citroën Peugeot C3 II 208 I 1.0 VTi 68 CV usado y reconstruidoFair Motors · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
Mazda 2 (DJ) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Mazda 3 IV (BP) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German